You look at your dog and see him suffering in agony as he tries to bite and lick that open wound of flesh on his back. You want to try and help him, but every time you try to touch the area, he gets very agitated and might even snap at you. So what should you do?
What Do Hot Spots Look Like?
You can tell that your dog maybe suffering from a hot spot when you see a skin inflammation and infection on a certain part of his body. This can either be just a superficial infection, or it could be skin deep. Also known as "pyotraumatic dermatitis", are skin lesions that could have been worsened by your dogs licking, scratching, or even biting.
They are usually reddish in nature, is oozing, and painful. Itchiness is also one of the signs. Although some hot spots are hidden by the dog's hair, which makes it difficult to determine the degree of severity of the problem, most likely, you would usually see an evident sign of hair loss in the affected area.
What Can Cause Hot Spots?
Although hot spots may seem self-inflicted by your dog, there are usually reasons why your dog would scratch, bite or lick the area over and over again. Try checking out for mites, fleas, or any parasites that are visible to the eye. It could be insect bites or maybe even allergies. A lesser known cause for this is probably a psychological problem, when your dog scratches or bites on the same area out of boredom.
How Do I Treat Hot Spots?
As always, it is recommended to have your dog checked with your local vet. The affected area needs to dry up, so it is advised for you to shave the existing hair on it. Clean the infected area with cool water, and use a gentle cleanser. Give the area a cold compress about two to four times each day with a wet wash cloth. Let your dog wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from further licking or biting on the affected area. The vet should prescribe medication for the treatment of the hot spots. If you prefer a more natural remedy, there are options available for this as well. One of the easiest ways to combat hot spots is to ensure your dog's diet contains the most nutritional and healthy ingredients possible.
Christina Graham has been a veterinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That's why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality dog vitamin supplement for your dog. Go to DogVitaminFacts.com to learn even more.
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