Dogs Country Club: Hot Spots.

What is a hot spot?

A hot spot is a localised area of inflamed and infected skin. The infection can be superficial or deep.

Hot Spots are also known as moist dermatitis and acute moist dermatitis and can appear on any part of the body.

What causes hot spots?

There are a number of reasons your dog may have hot spots. Fleas, mites or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite could be causing irritation. Allergies, most common being food or environmental. These irritation cause the 'hot spots' on the skin which leads to your dog biting, licking or scratching the area. This then only makes the wound worse. Some dogs have also been known to start a hot spot out of pure boredom or stress related psychological problems.

How to treat hot spots.

The first thing you can do is speak to your local Vet, due to the fact hot spots can spread rapidly and there is a possibility of deep skin infection it is wise to begin treatment. Hot spots can also be extremely painful so you want to try and narrow down what is causing this irritation.

To soothe the hot spot you can;

Shave the area - the first treatment is to dry them out and allow the area to air. Hair loss may occur due to licking, biting etc but the hair can also mat over the inflamed area.
Cleanse the area with cool water. Black or Green tea bags are also great to help dry and clean out the area.
Compress the area 2-4 times a day with a cool, wet cloth
Depending on the result of your consult with your vet, you may be prescribed antibiotics, sprays or special shampoos.
Although the area is irritating, you need to give it the chance to heal so an Elizabethan collar (also known as the buckets that go around the dogs neck) may be required.