Pet Topics

The dog’s skin is the largest organ of the body, yet there is a very limited number of ways in which it reacts to trauma. “Hot Spots” or acute moist dermatitis are usually areas on the dog’s skin caused by your dog’s itching, biting and scratching and may seem to surface quite abruptly. These spots can become really big and may appear just about anywhere on the dog. I find it frequently in the spring time when the temperatures are warmer as well as the humidity is higher. The dogs with the heavy undercoat, such as Labs, golden retrievers and rottweilers are prone to developing these hot spots on their face and neck. Typically, areas discovered at the base of the tail are most likely due to fleas simply because fleas choose to congregate in these spots. Many dogs are so hypersensitive to fleas, the bite of one flea is enough to induce the dog to itch all over. Almost any trauma can begin the process which the dog then exacerbates by constant chewing and licking which often results in a vicious cycle and causes the hot spot to spread.

The dog commonly has bacteria that exists on their skin and so long as the skin is healthy, the microorganisms almost never lead to any trouble. However when something develops, for instance a fleabite, cut or allergic reactions, the dog starts to lick, bite, chew and scratch which disturbs the defensive layer of the skin. As soon as that takes place, the bacteria on the skin, in addition to the germs in the mouth, set up housekeeping in the skin. This leads to a quickly spreading infection which can be extremely painful. The area on the skin is red, raw and seems moist because the wound oozes serum and pus. The hair then mats down over the wound and the infection then spreads beneath the hair.

A visit to the veterinarian is usually warranted. In many cases the hair needs to be trimmed away to stop the spread of the infection. Sometimes, these hot spots are so painful, the dog may need to be sedated in order to have the region cleansed and shaved. Antibiotics are prescribed to take care of the infection and follow-up antibiotics are sent home. Sprays, ointments and medicated shampoos can also be prescribed to continue treatment at home.. For some dogs, a special collar can be utilized that can help prevent the dog from chewing at the spots.

The root cause of the insult should likewise be addressed. If fleas are present, then year round flea control may be recommended.(over the counter flea control is not recommended) Pollen, food, and other allergens can also precipitate an attack. Oftentimes specific diets with essential fatty acids and a novel protein source such as salmon, lamb or venison may be recommended to help heal the skin. Blood and skin tests can be preformed to help determine what the dog is allergic to and special allergy injections or prescription diets can be offered.

Check your dog daily for itchy spots and use flea control suggested by your veterinarian year round to help you minimize hot spots caused by flea allergies. Regular grooming and brushing will keep mats from developing. If your dog is itching constantly, get him to the veterinarian to handle the itching before the infection can develop.