Dogs And Hot Spots

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Posted by Bobbie | Posted in cure | Posted on 18-07-2005

Tags: allergies, dog, dogs, dogs and hot spots, hot, pets

dogs and hot spots

How To Cure Dog Hot Spots

Moist dermatitis, more commonly referred to as dog hot spots, are localized areas of skin inflammation caused by the dog frantically licking and chewing at a sensitive area. This incessant biting at its own skin results in excruciatingly painful sticky skin lesions, which start off as a small spot, but very often increase rapidly in size as the dog causes more trauma to the area, resulting in large patches of exposed inflamed skin and flesh.

Symptoms: These skin inflammations are usually bright pink to red in color, moist, and hot to the touch, and can also have broken skin due to a dog biting incessantly at the area, resulting in a sticky discharge if infected.

Causes: Environmental allergies stemming from grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or reactions to fleas can all cause allergic skin reactions, whilst some dogs are allergic to certain types of foods, or to food additives, which can cause an allergic skin reaction. However, mange mites, anal gland impaction, and side affects from veterinary medicines or injections, may also cause allergic skin reactions in dogs. Dogs with sensitive skins may come out in a skin rash following grooming or shaving, which if aggravated by constant biting at the area could result in moist dermatitis. Moist dermatitis is common amongst all breeds of dogs, but Retrievers, collies and shepherds are more susceptible due to their long thick fur.

Treatment of moist dermatitis inflictions requires a two-pronged approach. Firstly, one needs to treat the symptoms to relieve the dogs suffering and prevent spreading, and secondly one needs to determine the cause of the problem so that it can be prevented in future. Dogs in pain may show signs of aggression, and it would be wise to muzzle or sedate the dog if necessary while you treat the infected area. You may need to fit the dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from chewing at the area while the wound heals.

The following steps need to be taken to treat the affected area:

First of all clip the hair away from the infected area before commencing treatment, so that the wound is visible and can be cleaned and treated effectively.

The infected area then needs to be washed with a medicated shampoo or soap, and then gently patted dry.

Try to reduce the inflammation by applying a cool compress. Tea bags work well as a home remedy soothing the area, reducing inflammation, and drying out the wound.

Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.

But no matter how successful your treatment, dog hot spots will recur unless the cause of the problem is addressed. You will need to ascertain whether the allergy is food related or caused by some stimulus in the environment, or whether there is some other underlying cause of the reaction. You will then need to take steps to prevent it from flaring up again as this will not only save you time and money, but will spare you and your dog further anguish as well.

About the Author

Jennifer is a family pet health pro specializing in dog Skin Allergies. She suggests all-natural remedies for canine skin allergies.

Dino the Golden Retriever - I Hate Hot Spots!!!