Dog hot spots and how to treat them
Summer brings hot weather, holidays and, unfortunately, hot spots. Hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions in dogs.
What are dog hot spots?
Also known as 'summer sores', dog hot spots are infected and/or inflamed lesions that can be seen on your dog's skin. They commonly appear when a small wound or skin irritation becomes moist. These hot spots can be painful for your pet pooch and can also see bacterial infection spread. Dog hot spots can also be tough to heal by themselves, as dogs find it almost impossible to stop biting, licking or scratching them.
Although they can be found anywhere on a dog's skin, they usually show up on the hips, legs or head. Presenting as red, angry-looking sores, they may contain pus and/or ooze. While they are easy to spot at times, they can often stay hidden beneath matted fur.
A hot spot on a dog’s tail
How to tell if your dog has a hot spot
As canine hot spots can be painful and itchy, it is important that owners know how to tell if their dog has one. Common signs to look out for include areas of their skin that appear inflamed, red or raw looking. In addition, you may also notice hair loss or matting of hair around the affected area.
You may also notice areas of your dog's skin that are moist or have discharge on them. This, along with a noticeable odour from the affected area, can also be a sign of dog hot spots to look out for.
In addition to the above, you can tell if your dog has a hot spot by keeping an eye out for them chewing or licking the same patch of skin regularly. It can also be common for the pain hot spots cause to bring a change in their behaviour. If you notice your dog is depressed or more aggressive than usual, this could be a sign of hot spots.
Are dog hot spots contagious?
The majority of hot spot cases in dogs are bacterial and not contagious to humans or other dogs. The only exception to this is when the condition is parasitic or fungal. In this instance, the condition could be passed on to humans or other dogs. If you think your dog has hot spots, the best advice is to contact your local vet so they can identify the root cause.
How do you treat a dog hot spot?
Although this condition can be treated at home, it is usually best to head to your nearest vet for expert assistance. This ensures they cannot only find out what is causing the condition but also prescribe the most suitable treatment for it.
If you can't make it to a vet right away, though, here’s what you can do to ease your dog's pain while you wait. Carefully trimming the fur around the affected area is a good tip, as this helps it dry out and avoids moisture being trapped against the skin.
After this, you could try carefully washing the area with warm water and then drying it gently with a clean cloth. It is also a great idea to do all you can to stop your dog from biting or licking the area with hot spots. This is usually done with a plastic cone or Elizabethan collar.
Get help with dog hot spots from Doncaster Veterinary Hospital
Although home treatments may help in the short term, it really is best to get this condition dealt with at your local vet. For residents of Doncaster East, Park Orchards, Blackburn North, Donvale and surrounding areas, this makes us the people to call. Get in touch at 9842 5330 today if your dog needs help with hot spots.
