Hot spot in dogs: triggers and treatment measures
Skin problems, such as hot spots, are a common problem in dogs. Basically every dog can suffer from hot spots. However, they occur particularly frequently in breeds with a very dense and long coat.
In the following, we will explain to you exactly what hot spots in dogs are, why they occur and how you can recognise the skin changes. In addition, we will give you helpful tips for the treatment and prevention of hot spots in your dog.
What is a hot spot in dogs?
A hot spot is a superficial inflammation on the dog's skin. They usually have a circular shape. They are also very red and secrete a foul-smelling secretion, which is why they are also called acute weeping dermatitis.
How hot spots occur in dogs
Dogs inflict hot spots on themselves by excessive licking and scratching due to severe itching. However, the itching itself can have different causes, so the formation of hot spots can be preceded by various problems.
For example, the itching and the associated formation of hot spots in dogs can be caused by the following factors:
- Ectoparasites such as fleas or mites in dogs
- A neglect of coat care by the dog owner
- Allergies like flea allergy or atopic dermatitis
- Skin irritations and injuries
Heat and humidity favour the formation of hot spots. This leads to dogs developing them, especially in summer.
How to recognise hot spots in your dog
If your dog suffers from a hot spot, it is basically very easy to recognize. This is because the inflamed skin is visibly reddened and the weeping and purulent hot spot is sharply demarcated from the healthy areas next to it.
At the hot spot itself, the dog usually suffers from hair loss, while the coat is sticky due to the escaping secretion in addition to the inflammation.
If a dog suffers from hot spots, the back, trunk and neck as well as the front sides of the legs are mainly affected. An occurrence in other parts of the body is however also quite possible. Irrespective of this, hot spots in dogs are usually a problem that is locally limited to a few areas of the body.
If their trigger is left untreated for too long, however, the inflammation can spread further and further over time. In addition, excessive scratching, licking, and biting can cause the condition of the hot spot to progressively worsen.
How the veterinarian diagnoses a hot spot in the dog
If you discover a supposed hot spot on your dog's body, you should always go to the vet. In most cases, the veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis based on a simple examination of the affected area of skin. Occasionally, however, a biopsy may also be required.
Apart from this, the vet will ask you about the course of the skin disease to date and whether you have noticed any other abnormalities in your dog apart from the hot spot.
In addition, it is of course necessary that the veterinarian can rule out other skin diseases. This is the only way to ensure that he determines the correct treatment measures and that the hot spots in your dog disappear in a timely manner.
How to treat a hot spot in your dog
Before the actual treatment, it is first necessary to shave the dog's coat in the area around the hot spot. Afterwards the vet can disinfect the inflammation and then treat it with a drying medication.
In order for your dog to endure the treatment, it may be necessary to administer a suitable sedative beforehand.
The dog's hot spot must be treated in the described manner for several days. As a rule, there is a marked improvement very quickly. Occasionally, however, the treatment must be supplemented with creams containing cortisone and astringents. In the case of an additional pyoderma, antibiotics must also be administered.
To prevent licking at the hot spot, it is advisable to put a collar on the dog for the duration of the treatment.
Hot spots in dogs are curable
Normally the treatment of a hot spot in dogs is not a big problem and the skin inflammation can be eliminated quite quickly with the methods mentioned above. In order for this to succeed, however, the trigger responsible for the itching in the dog must of course be removed at the same time.
If this does not happen, the next hot spot for your dog will certainly not be long in coming. In any case, make sure that your dog is treated for fleas, mites or fungal skin infections, for example.
How you can prevent hot spots in your dog
Of course you should, if possible, ensure that hot spots on your dog's skin do not develop in the first place. The subject of coat care plays a special role in this context. Especially with long-haired dogs, it pays off to invest some time and regularly use a comb and brush.
We also recommend supplementing your dog's diet with Bellfor Skin & Coat. This natural product provides your four-legged friend with numerous important nutrients from high-quality ingredients and can thus make a valuable contribution to the health of the skin and coat.
Apart from this, it is of course important to avoid possible causes of itching and thus the development of hot spots in your dog, such as an infestation with skin parasites, as far as possible, or to treat them early on.
Natural parasite protection from Bellfor
In the Bellfor range you will find a number of high-quality products with which you can counteract parasites in your dog in a natural way. Since these products, unlike classic parasite control products, contain no chemical active ingredients, their use is particularly gentle on your four-legged friend.
In our range you will find, for example, the following products against parasites in your dog:
- Anti-Grass Mite Spray from Bellfor
- ZEComplete Spray from Bellfor
- Ear mites drops from Bellfor
- Mites Stop from Bellfor
Our conclusion on the subject of Hot Spot in dogs
As you can see, dogs can easily develop hot spots due to excessive licking. The itching that is ultimately responsible for this can have many different triggers.
Therefore, to successfully treat a hot spot in your dog, it is not enough to counteract the skin inflammation. The actual cause must also be permanently eliminated.
In our product range you will find a wide selection of high-quality nutritional supplements and care products with which you can support skin health and protect your dog from parasites, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of hot spots.
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