A hot spot in a dog - symptoms and treatment
A hot spot in a dog is an acute, superficial skin infection that spreads quickly. For this reason, it is extremely important to recognize the disease early and implement treatment immediately.
A hot spot in a dog - symptoms and treatment
What is a hot spot in a dog?
A hot spot, also known as a "summer wound", is an inflamed skin that occurs where the skin is irritated or around a small moist wound. The hot spot itches intensely and is painful, and an easily spreading bacterial infection is a threat to your pet's health. The resulting inflammation may be purulent, mainly superficial, but sometimes it also reaches deeper layers of the dog's skin. It is not uncommon for a hot spot to go unnoticed in the early stages (especially in long-haired dogs).
What does a hot spot look like?
The hot spot looks like a large, wet scab that seeps and sometimes bleeds. It can also take the form of "raw" and inflamed areas on a dog's skin. Depending on the severity of dermatitis, the wounds can be from 3 cm in diameter, but as a result of licking, scratching or rubbing against various objects, the area becomes larger and larger.
Hot spot in a dog - symptoms
There are several signs that dogs may develop hot spots such as reddening of the skin, swelling, and hair loss in the infected area. Hot spots are usually moist and can give off an odor of pus. After drying, a scab forms. Hot spots usually occur on the hips, limbs, and head. They can also appear anywhere on your pet's body. Bacteria that accumulate in an infected area can quickly spread to other parts of a dog's body. As hot spots cause severe itching and your dog licks wounds exacerbates the inflammatory process, a vicious circle is created.
What are the causes of a hot spot lesion in a dog?
One of the most common causes of hot spot disease is licking the itch-causing area. As a consequence, a superficial wound is formed that quickly becomes infected with bacteria. Inflammation occurs in the next stage.
Hot spots usually form in the spring and summer season, when temperatures rise significantly. In winter, such changes occur very rarely.
The reasons for the creation of hot spots also include:
- atopic dermatitis
- dirt on the hair
- contact with irritating substances
- skin and ear infections
- food allergies
- moisture, wet hair from swimming, bathing or playing in a puddle
- parasites
- anxiety, stress or boredom causing excessive licking.
What breeds of dogs are prone to hot spots?
The hot spot affects primarily owners of long, thick hair, dogs that are prone to allergies, fleas or other parasites, and pets that suffer from frequent skin infections. A hot spot can happen to any dog, at any age, but there are certain breeds that are more likely to develop this condition, such as:
How to treat a hot spot in a dog?
Treatment of hot spot lesions is to stop itching and eliminate bacteria that multiply on the skin. When the course of the infection is rapid and severe, it is best to seek the help of a vet. The mainstay of treatment are steroids (by injection or spray) and broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting the skin (orally or topically). Your doctor may also advise you to administer painkillers or antiallergic preparations.
However, there are home remedies that can relieve your pet in the event of minor changes.
- Carefully trim the fur around the infected area as the hair traps the moisture on your dog's skin (the skin must be dry).
- Rinse the lesions with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Apply a small amount of Hydrocortisone Ointment to help stop itching and aid healing.
- Prevent hot spots from being bitten, licked or scratched. A hot spot heals better when it is clean and dry, so avoid bandages. A plastic cone or an Elizabethan collar works best in these cases.
- Watch for changes. If inflammation continues or worsens, see your vet.
Prevention
Preventive actions should include:
- regular care (combing, thorough drying of the hair)
- adherence to the timing of administration of antiparasitic agents
- ensuring a proper diet
- reducing contact with allergens (e.g. avoiding walks on freshly mown grass).
