Hot spots are a frequent skin issue in dogs, especially during the summer. These painful sores can show up suddenly and spread quickly. Although dealing with them can be annoying, you can help your dog by using treatments for hot spots and preventing them by taking good care of your dog’s skin and coat.
What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?
Hot spots in dogs, also called acute moist dermatitis, are small areas of irritated skin that can get infected. At first, they may look like a red spot that owners might think is an insect bite. But unlike a bug bite, a hot spot on a dog can quickly get worse, turning into a painful, red, and oozing sore.
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What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?
Hot spots on dogs happen when they scratch, lick, or chew their skin a lot. This hurts the skin and makes it swollen and infected with bacteria. The problem is, when dogs scratch, it just makes it more itchy, so they keep scratching. This creates a cycle of itching and scratching. Anything that makes your dog itchy can lead to a hot spot. Some common reasons for dogs itching a lot are:
- Parasites in dogs
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Dog food allergies
- Atopic dermatitis
- Ear or skin infections
- Anal sac disease
- Contact irritants
- Stress or boredom resulting in excessive licking
- Coat that is dirty or matted
- Moisture trapped in the coat from swimming or bathing
Some dogs can get skin problems called hot spots again and again if we don’t manage their chronic issues properly. To stop these skin troubles from happening, it’s crucial to figure out and deal with what’s causing them in the first place.
Certain dog breeds, like Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers, are more likely to get hot spots because they have thick fur. Hot spots are also more common in warm weather and when it’s really humid. If dogs are often wet, whether from swimming, baths, or bad weather, they’re at a higher risk of getting hot spots because their fur keeps the moisture close to their skin.
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Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs
If you’re worried about your dog having a hot spot, it’s important to see a vet. Hot spots in dogs are usually red, swollen areas with hair loss. They can appear anywhere but are often found on the head, legs, and hips. These spots are wet and might ooze pus, leading to crusted fur. They’re painful, and itchy, and can get worse if your dog keeps scratching them. Consulting a vet is the best way to address these issues.
Treatment for Hot Spots in Dogs
If you think your dog might have a hot spot, don’t wait – go see the vet. Waiting can make things worse. The vet will check your dog and may do some tests to figure out why your dog is itching. Once they know the cause, they’ll tell you the best way to treat the hot spot.
To treat a hot spot, the vet might:
- Cut the hair around the spot to stop it from getting worse.
- Clean the area with special cleansers.
- Give your dog a bath with a special shampoo.
- Give antibiotics or steroids to treat infections and reduce itching.
- Give allergy medications if needed.
- Use wipes or solutions to clean the spot daily.
- Make your dog wear a cone to stop scratching.
The good news is that most dogs get better quickly with treatment – sometimes in just three to seven days.
Preventing Hot Spots in Dogs
To stop your dog from getting itchy spots, figure out why they’re scratching. Make sure your dog is protected from parasites, treat any skin infections, and manage allergies. Keep your dog clean and groomed regularly, especially if they swim or get baths. If your dog is stressed or bored, play with them more and use toys that challenge their mind. Give them fish oil for healthy skin. If your dog has itchy skin, a bit of aloe vera from a plant can help, but use one made for dogs, not humans. With good care, your dog’s itching should go away without causing lasting harm.
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FAQs: How To Prevent Hot Spots On Dogs?
Still not satisfied? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Why is my dog getting hotspots everywhere?
A hot spot happens when something bad initially happens to a pet, often because of things that make them want to scratch. The main reasons include allergies, inflammation in the backside, Demodex mites, or other skin problems that make them feel itchy.
What is the best treatment for hotspots on dogs?
Clean the surface softly using a mild soap like Dove, Aveenobar, Cetaphil, or Castile, or an antibacterial cleaner like chlorhexidine. Put on a first-aid cream, like Neosporin cream (not the ointment). Once the redness is gone and a good scab forms, you can stop treating it.
What food causes hot spots on dogs?
- Dry pet food is heated a lot during making, which gives it energy but also makes it less moist because it has a lot of carbs.
- Eating lots of carbs.
- Hot foods like venison, lamb, chicken, and mutton.
- Milk and fatty foods.
- Being too overweight
Is Vaseline good for hot spots on dogs?
If you’re searching for ways to help your dog’s hot spots at home, be cautious about using products like Bag Balm, Aquaphor, Vaseline, or other moisturizers. These might not be a good idea because they can make the hot spot worse by keeping moisture trapped in the area.
Do hot spots hurt dogs?
Hot spots on dogs can hurt a lot. If they’re bad, your dog might need special antibiotics. It’s safest to let a vet check them.
Can a dog’s hot spot heal on its own?
Hot spots won’t disappear by themselves, but the good news is they can be easily treated. If you see your dog has hot spots, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet and help your dog avoid scratching too much.