Any fur-parent and dog owner alike understands what it is like to have a fluffy dog with hot spots. They appear seemingly out of nowhere, and they easily ruin your pet’s gorgeous coat, which you work so hard to maintain. Fortunately, this skin condition can be treated and prevented.
Read on to find out…
What is A Dog Hot Spot?
Before you flick through a list of hot spot treatments, you need to learn how to distinguish one. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, it is a localized inflammation and bacterial infection of a dog’s skin.
A hot spot usually pops up without warning and spreads rapidly, too. You might leave your happy pooch one morning to buy groceries, and by the time you return, he is obsessively licking and scratching an oozy lesion.
Hot spots on dogs are itchy and painful. It starts as a red, hairless, and inflamed patch that feels warm. As it worsens, the hot spot exudes a yellowish discharge accompanied by a foul smell. The oozy lesions are also quite sensitive to the touch.
What Causes Dog Hot Spots?
You might be wondering, “Will a dog hot spot go away on its own?” Unfortunately, they do not. That is why it is essential to know why hot spots on dogs happen to rule out the best course of action.
Excessive scratching and licking
Your dog’s excessive scratching can cause hot spots. This self-trauma irritates and breaks the skin, creating a gateway for bacteria to invade the epidermis. Licking the wound also forms a wet scab and increases the bacterial load.
Therefore, you do not want your furry pal to scratch or lick himself as though his skin is on fire. Address immediately any underlying condition that causes itching. Otherwise, this will lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of scratching and licking.
Allergens and contact irritants
Has your dog eaten something that might have triggered an allergic reaction? A hot spot is also an immune-mediated response to allergens. For that, you may want to evaluate the food you feed your dog and make adjustments when needed.
Hot, humid weather
Heat, dirt, and humid weather make the perfect recipe for hot spots. Excess moisture held on the skin by your dog’s coat creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This is why some breeds are more prone to hot spots than others are, especially during the dog days.
You should also check your dog’s hangouts. Aside from food, environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, and chemicals can also cause hot spots in dogs. Even polluted air and water are contributing factors.
Flea allergy dermatitis
Has your dog contracted fleas? Hot spots are also a representing sign associated with flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas inject antigenic saliva to their host while feeding, and if your dog is sensitive, a single flea bite can lead to a raging hot spot.
Underperforming immune system
Sometimes the root cause of a dog’s recurring hot spots is a weakened immune system. Dogs have a knack for attracting pathogenic organisms, especially during summer. They love to dive into a stagnant pond and lay on the muddy grass to snooze. Unfortunately, an underperforming immune system cannot fight against the increasing bacterial load. As a result, it causes your dog’s skin to go haywire.
Which Dog Breeds Are Predisposed to Hot Spots?
Any four-legged canine can fall victim to hot spots, but dogs that sport a dense coat are more likely to get it. According to the AKC, the following dog breeds are predisposed to hot spots:
· Bernese Mountain Dogs
· German Shepherds
· Golden Retrievers
· Labradors
· Newfoundlands
· Rottweilers
· St. Bernards
· West Highland White Terriers
What to Do If Your Dog Has Hot Spots
Any sign of a developing hot spot warrants a trip to the vet. A hot spot does not resolve itself. Delaying treatment will only worsen the problem. To rule out the underlying cause, your vet will perform a full physical examination. He may also suggest additional testing to gain more information.
Several skin conditions share similar symptoms with hot spots. For that, it is crucial that you consult your veterinarian. Your vet will prescribe appropriate treatment as soon as he finalizes his diagnosis. Most dogs heal up in as little as three to seven days.
Typically, treatment of hot spots involves the following:
· Trimming of the hair around the affected area
· Administration of oral antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
· Application of topical steroids to minimize inflammation and itching
· Cleansing of the wound using medicated wipes and gentle antiseptic solutions
Home Remedies for Dog Hot Spots
Antibiotics are not always a viable solution. Dogs with renal disease should avoid antibiotics and other conventional drugs as much as possible.
Along with their curative effects are adverse side effects. Antibiotics may also conflict with your dog’s concurrent medication. For that, knowing how to treat hot spots on dogs can be handy.
Black tea
Black tea contains phenolic substances called tannins, which exhibits antiseptic properties. It promotes healing by drying out the affected area and stopping the bacterial infection.
What to do:
1. Steep a tea bag in eight ounces of hot water for five minutes. Let it cool.
2. Apply the tea bag to the lesion for as long as possible.
3. Remove the tea bag and pat the area carefully with a clean cloth.
4. Repeat four times a day.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has a long history of being an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent for the treatment of dermal infections. Researchers say that its antifungal activity works as effectively as fluconazole. Therefore, coconut oil is beneficial to dogs that have fungal infections.
What to do:
1. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of body weight to your dog’s food.
2. You can also make a topical cream by blending five teaspoons of coconut oil with five drops of oregano oil. Apply the cream at least once a day.
Epsom salt
An Epsom salt bath can provide your dog relief from pain and itchiness. It combats bacteria and dries the affected area as well.
What to do:
1. Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salts in a gallon of warm water.
2. Soak a soft cloth in the solution and dab it on the affected area.
3. Pat the area dry and dust it with cornstarch.
4. Repeat up to four times per day.
How to Prevent Dog Hot Spots
Make sure you have thoroughly addressed the underlying cause of your dog’s problem. Otherwise, hot spots will recur. You should also observe good parasite prevention and allergy management. Proper hygiene and routine grooming are also essential. Additionally, supplement your dog’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids to increase your dog’s immunity as well as promote healthy skin and coat.
Moreover, spend more time with your dog. Exercise together and engage in activities that benefit you both. If you have a water-loving dog, remember to dry his coat thoroughly after swimming. Keep your furry sidekick happy and occupied during your absence with mentally stimulating toys. This will keep separation anxiety at bay.
Conclusion
Big or small, all dogs fall victim to hot spots. They are a painful problem for dogs, especially during periods of high humidity. As a fur-parent, seeing your furry family member in pain gives you stress! Despite costly treatments, hot spots may still reoccur in the future if you fail to address the underlying condition it represents. That is why it is crucial that you consult with your veterinarian so he can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. However, if you want to cut down on vet bills or if you prefer the holistic way, we hope our suggestions can help you ease your dog’s pain and itch today.
References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-and-preventing-hot-spots-on-dogs/
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/04/21/treating-dog-hot-spots.aspx
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/ultimate-guide-hot-spots-on-dogs/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_hot_spots_what_are_they
