Understanding Canine Hot Spots: Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
If you're a dog owner, you've probably encountered the term "hot spots" or pyotraumatic dermatitis. These red, inflamed skin lesions can be a cause for concern, but understanding their origins and implementing effective treatment strategies can help to recognise and treat them early.
In this article, we'll discuss the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures for canine hot spots.
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Does My Dog Have a Hot Spot?
Hot spots, medically known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis, are painful, itchy skin sores that can quickly escalate in size.
Region of skin exhibiting slight redness or irritation
Scratching, licking, or chewing at a specific area of the body
Painful, warm, and swollen skin with clear or slightly bloody discharge
Condition may worsen rapidly, resulting in foul-smelling discharge and large crusts or scabs
Commonly observed in areas such as the cheeks, neck, thighs, paws, and under the ears, although they can occur anywhere on the body
Causes of Hot Spots
Hot spots usually stem from self-trauma, where a dog vigorously scratches an itch, creating an open wound. Various factors can trigger the initial itching, including:
Allergies: Food or contact allergies can induce itching.
Insect Bites: Reactions to flea, mite, or other insect bites.
Ear Infections: Bacteria or yeast in the ears leading to scratching.
Pyoderma: Skin infections causing excessive scratching.
Poor Grooming: Untended hair coats can result in matted fur and open wounds.
Boredom: Licking due to boredom, particularly on easily accessible areas.
Orthopedic Problems: Arthritis or back issues causing abrasions during lying down.
Anal Gland Inflammation: Licking around the rectum or base of tail due to infected or impacted anal glands.
The Lick-Itch-Lick Cycle
When a dog licks a sore spot, it triggers superficial nerve endings, leading to increased itching, licking, biting, and scratching. This cycle intensifies rapidly, causing hot spots to grow significantly in a short time.
Treatment of Hot Spots
Please be aware that hot spots can cause significant discomfort for your dog. If they resist your attempts to treat their skin at home, consulting a veterinarian is advised.
Stopping your dog from licking the area is essential. Use an Elizabethan collar
Carefully trim the fur surrounding the hot spot, ensuring a generous margin of healthy skin remains.
Wash the affected area gently twice a day using mild soap and water or a diluted chlorhexidine solution.
Carefully remove any scabs and discharge from the wound.
Thoroughly dry the skin after cleaning.
Avoid bandaging a suspected hot spot, as the warm and humid environment created by the bandage can promote bacterial growth, leading to further infection and irritation.
Avoid allowing your dog to swim while the hotspot heals.
What Can I Do To Prevent My Dog From Getting Hot Spots?
Continued monitoring and treatment of underlying causes, along with seasonal grooming, regular brushing, and bathing, can help prevent future hot spots.
Understanding the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures for hot spots is essential for every dog owner. Vetli encourages proactive care to ensure your canine companion's well-being.
If you suspect that your dog may have a hot spot, you can book an online consultation with one of our veterinarians, who are here to provide you with a personalised assessment and advice.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kirra Balmanno