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Hot Spots in Dogs - Treating and Preventing Dog Hot Spots

Dog Hot Spots

Hot spots in dogs are painful. They appear seemingly instantaneously. Sometimes called moist eczema, hot spots are generally brought on by a bacterial infection. Breeds with long coats such as golden retrievers, Newfoundlands, German shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs are especially susceptible to dog skin hot spots and hot weather also contributes to their occurrence. Causes of dog hot spots include the following:

• Bacterial Infection
• Fleas
• Insects
• Allergies
• Poor grooming
• Ear infections
• Anal gland disease

 

One indication of the source of dog hot spots is their location on your dog's body.  For instance, hot spots on the ears are likely caused by an infection while those on the hips may be due to an anal gland problem or arthritis.

 

Dog Hot Spots Treatment

Since dog skin hot spots can seem similar to other skin conditions such as fungal infections, it is important to have your veterinarian diagnose them correctly. This can be accomplished by a thorough physical examination and history by your veterinarian.  Blood tests or a culture from the affected area may also be necessary. Not only will diagnosis help rule out other possible conditions, it will pinpoint the source of the hot spots and so help determine the proper treatment.

 

In almost all cases, treatment of dog hot spots will begin with the lesions themselves. First, hair will be clipped away from the area surrounding the lesion, allowing air to get in to the wound and aid in its healing. Next, the wound will be washed with a cleansing solution such as Gimborn R-7 Anti-Septic Gel for Cats and Dogs that will help guard against possible infection. If it turns out that the lesion has already become infected, an antibiotic such as Cephalexin will be prescribed.

 

Once the effects of dog hot spots have been treated, your veterinarian will work with you to identify the source. If it turns out that fleas or mites have caused the dog skin hot spots, a topical treatment such as Frontline Plus might be recommended. A shampoo such as  Veterinarian's Best Hot Spot Shampoo for Dogs and Cats may also be recommended to ease discomfort. If grooming is the cause, you might be instructed on better ways to tend to your pet, especially if you have one of the long-haired breeds that are especially prone to hot spots during warm weather.

 

About the Author

Tim Kilroy is a writer that thinks his life has gone to the dogs, so he thinks that some organic dog food is in order.

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