What is a Hot Spot?

In the simplest of terms, a hot spot is an area of skin that has an infection. Typically, dogs with thick, long coats, dogs who swim and dogs who live in moist, humid environments are the most likely to have these localized skin surface infections. In addition, flea or bug bites can bring on these infections as well. Initially, these hot spots occur when an excess amount of moisture remains on the skin changing the environment of the skin and allowing bacteria to be present and grow. The bacteria release toxins which then inflame the skin and cause it to be itchy. As a result the dog will chew, bite and lick the area searching for relief. This action unfortunately causes the infection to get worse. This becomes a vicious cycle that can enlarge the spot quickly. It is amazing to note that these spots can appear quickly, usually within twenty to thirty minutes. As mentioned earlier, flea and bug bites can initiate this process as well.

Dog Hot Spot Symptoms - What to Look for at Home

Identifying a hot spot is fairly easy. In general they are large red, inflamed areas that are hairless and can often be oozing or scabbed over. The general localized location for hot spots is mostly on the hind legs or neck but can also appear anywhere on the body the dog can reach with its claws or teeth. In addition, the irritation of the skin can become so inflamed that is painful when touched.

Diagnosing Hot Spots

Diagnosis of a hot spot is very easy and is usually made just with a visual inspection or physical examination.

If several hot spots are present, a visit to your veterinarian may be needed for testing. These include:

Skin scrapings to rule out mange

Fungal Culture - This will rule out Ringworm as the cause.

Blood or skin tests to identify seasonal or inhalant allergies Dog

Blood and Skin Test - This can rule out an allergy to fleas.

Extensive flea treatment even if no fleas are present.

Food Testing - This is performed in order to rule out an allergic reaction to food.

Dog Hot Spot Treatment

The most important things to address when treating a hot spot are:

Alleviate Itching

Cure the Infection

Stop the dog from biting or itching the area

Keep the hot spot dry

All hair left on the area as well as that surrounding the area must be clipped. Then the spot must be cleaned with antibacterial soap and dried thoroughly. Oftentimes, these spots are so severe that this procedure is very painful. In these cases, the dog must be sedated.

The infection is treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. Usually, the topical antibiotic that is used also contains a corticosteroid to help with inflammation. To stop the itching, a short course of oral corticosteroids is used. It is important to be aggressive in stopping the itching. This makes the dog more comfortable and stops it from continuing to chew on the spot. This breaks the itch-chew-infection cycle, which speeds healing.

An Elizabethan or lamp shade like collar may be needed if your dog can not stop licking the area. These are generally only needed for 24 hours. In about one week's time, the hot spot will usually be completely healed.

Methods to Prevent Hot Spots

There are several different ways you can prevent hot spots from occurring. They are:

Using top flea control on your dog and the surrounding environment

Trim long hair and thick haired breeds during the summer months

If you can, prevent your dog from swimming

If your dog does partake in a swim, be sure to dry them thoroughly

Heather Fox is a an experience veterinarian who writes and shares her knowledge with others. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shared more information about Dog Illness Diagnosis and Dog Hot Spots Causes.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.