How to Stop Hot Spots on Dogs?
Today’s topic: How to stop hot spots on dogs.
Hot spots on dogs are inflamed skin lesions that can be caused by allergies, wetness, reactions to external irritants (e.g., flea bites), or bacterial or fungal infections.
The easiest way to stop hot spots on dogs is to identify the cause and remove it as quickly as possible. However, with some forms of hot spot, such as those caused by bacterial infections, medications may not be enough to cure the issue.
What are hot spots?
Hot spots, sometimes referred to as acute wet dermatitis, are localized regions of skin irritation and bacterial infection. A hot spot frequently begins as a little red patch that owners mistake for an insect bite. In contrast to an insect bite, a hot spot will quickly deteriorate and spread, transforming into a hot, red, oozing, and painful lesion.
Causes of hot spots
Scratching, licking, or biting the afflicted region frequently results in hot spots. Skin damage as a result of the injury results in inflammation and subsequent bacterial infections. Unfortunately, this self-trauma just serves to aggravate the region, prolonging an itching and scratching cycle. Thus, any ailment that causes itching in your dog may result in a hot spot.
Identifying and treating the source of your dog’s hot spot is critical for preventing future skin issues.
Due to their thicker coats, certain breeds such as Golden Retrievers, St. Bernard’s, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers are vulnerable to developing hot spots. Additionally, hot patches are more prone to form during periods of high humidity and warm temperatures. Dogs who are regularly wet from swimming, bathing, or inclement weather are more prone to developing hot spots due to their coats retaining extra moisture on the skin.
Hot spots treatment
While some hot spots can be treated at home, the underlying cause should always be determined to prevent further hot spots.
A veterinarian examination is required to ascertain the underlying cause, particularly in the case of big or excessively inflamed hot spots on pets.
This becomes much more critical if the impacted region is: manifesting a colorful discharge
Additionally, you should seek veterinarian care sooner if you are unable to prevent your pet from licking/scratching it.
They will do a comprehensive physical examination of your dog and may prescribe extra tests, such as a skin scrape to check for parasites. After determining the underlying reason of your dog’s itching, your veterinarian will prescribe the right medication.
Most veterinarians will treat the region with a mix of oral antibiotics, anti-itch medicine, and an e-collar, depending on the severity of the hot spot.
Additionally, other drugs may be required to address the underlying reason (flea prevention, allergy medication, ear medication, etc.).
By seeking veterinarian treatment for your pet as soon as possible, you can avoid additional illness.
How to prevent hot spots
The most effective strategy to avoid future hot spots is to determine and address the underlying source of your dog’s itching. Effective parasite prevention, skin infection treatment, and allergy control are critical for reducing itching and avoiding skin harm. Additionally, proper hygiene and periodic grooming can assist. It is particularly critical for dogs that swim or bathe regularly to ensure their coats are fully dried following these activities.
If your dog is licking as a result of stress or boredom, increased regular exercise and active play time will help resolve this issue. Enriching the surroundings with puzzle toys or slow-feed bowls is an excellent method to keep dogs cognitively active even when you are unable to play with them. Your dog will enjoy the added action and will benefit from it as well.
Adding fatty acids to your diet is another way to prevent and control skin disorders. Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Not only are these fatty acids anti-inflammatory, but they also help maintain a healthy skin barrier, making your dog less sensitive to allergens and illness. Topical aloe vera may also help soothe injured skin and alleviate irritation, but caution should be exercised to avoid your dog ingesting the aloe, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Hot spots are an uncomfortable and irritating problem for your dog, and if the underlying cause is not addressed, they may become a reoccurring problem. Fortunately, with proper care, your dog’s hot spot will resolve swiftly and permanently.
