Your beloved pup can suffer from many skin conditions. Hot spots are one of the most common. Hot spots are itchy, painful areas on the skin that can quickly become infected. If your pup is prone to hot spots, you need to treat them promptly and prevent them from getting worse. In this article, the HICC PET™ team will cover everything you need to know about hot spots on dogs, including what causes them, what treatments are available, and how to prevent them from occurring.
What are Hot Spots on Dogs?
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are red, raw, and inflamed patches of skin that can occur anywhere on a dog’s body. They are caused by excessive licking, scratching, or chewing of the skin, which can lead to an infection that causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Hot spots are very itchy and painful and can lead to further complications if left untreated.
What Causes Dog Hot Spots?
The most common cause of hot spots is allergies, which fleas, pollen, or food can cause. Other causes include skin infections, fungi, parasites, poor grooming, and underlying medical conditions. Luckily, numerous treatment options are available—remedies like dog allergen sprays, avoiding the irritant, and proper grooming methods.
Are Dog Hot Spots Contagious?
Once your dog has hot spots, the chances of spreading it to other dogs are low. Most hot spots come from bacteria and are not contagious to other canines or humans. Hot spot infections caused by fungi or parasites are more transferable to dogs than bacterial infections. If you
Signs and Symptoms of Hot Spots on Dogs
Take immediate action if you notice any of the following hot spot symptoms in your dog:
- Red, inflamed, and raw patches of skin.
- Excessively licking or scratching in one area.
- Swollen areas, red to the touch
- A foul odor is coming from the infected area.
- Yellowish-green pus is coming from the site.
If the hot spot is on your pup’s face, you may also notice redness and swelling around the eyes and nose.
Diagnosis of Hot Spots on Dogs
If your pup exhibits any signs and symptoms of hot spots, it is vital to take them to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will examine the affected area and may take a swab to test for any underlying infections. The vet may also take a skin sample to determine if there are any parasites or other skin conditions. Once the vet has determined the cause of the hot spot, they can recommend the dog hot spot treatment available.
