Preventing Dog Hot Spots
If your dog has a flea allergy and is prone to develop hot spots, you should be aggressive with your flea control program. In addition to treating the environment, you should also apply an appropriate insecticide or repellent to your dog to prevent flea bites. Depending on your area of the country, flea prevention medications are recommended year-round.
Regular bathing, grooming, and clipping of the hair coat can be beneficial in long-haired dogs during the summer months to prevent reoccurrence. It is important to pay particular attention and keep ears clean and dry after swimming or grooming.
A Helpful Recipe To Help Treat Hot Spots:
Increase the number of grooming sessions to remove all of the shedding undercoat. Be careful not to scrape or damage the dogs skin by putting too much pressure on the comb or brush as you groom your dog.
Damp coats are another problem causer. If your dog goes swimming, be sure to rinse the dog off with clean water and dry the coat thoroughly with towels or a hair dryer set on cool.
A natural approach can be very helpful as well. Pet skin care products that contain chamomile, tea tree oil or aloe vera can clear up most moist dermatitis in just a few days. Aloe vera and chamomile are soothing ingredients to help reduce pain and promote healing.
There seems to be no single cause for developing these itchy spots, however, the problem can be associated with any of the following things, such as: surface skin infection, âclipper rashâ, irritants, foreign objects in the coat, as well as trauma and allergies.
The most common areas for these spots to occur are the rump, legs, feet and flanks â but these infections can also appear other places such as on the back, ears, neck, and chest.
To treat, you need to treat the sore and then remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrences. Suggested methods include trimming the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the infection. You want to dry the spot out and get air into the infected area.
How Can You Prevent Hot Spots
The best way to prevent your furry friend from developing hot spots is to control any underlying conditions. Dog parents should always have their pups on flea and tick preventatives and maintain consistent hygiene and grooming routines. If your dog swims often, shaving them for the summer or giving a short summer cut can help prevent water from remaining trapped in fur. Some dogs never seem to dry out in the summer due to a thick coat and that is prime breeding ground for hotspots.
Even if your dog has a short coat and doesnt require a summer cut, keeping your dog clean and dry can go a long way towards preventing bacterial and yeast infections that can potentially worsen into painful hot spots. Always thoroughly dry your pups coat after swimming and bathing and clean their fur and skin after messy activities that leave them dirty. Your pups ears should also be kept clean and dry.
If your dog is experiencing stress or boredom that is leading them to incessantly scratch or lick, there are a number of things you can do to help keep their mind stimulated and body occupied with safe activities. First and foremost, making sure your dog has plenty of physical exercise is crucialthey wont be as likely to self-harm or exhibit any destructive behaviors if they are tired from their backyard play session!
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Hot Spots On Dogs: The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, we understand how frustrating hot spots can be. At Honest Paws, we are also dog owners who have dealt with our fair share of hot spot annoyances over the years. Thankfully, hot spots are one of only a few ailments that veterinarians dont consider to be harmful to Fidos overall health and well-being. With that said, treating the hot spot as soon as possible is paramount to preventing the development of any further injury or infection.
Furthermore, by understanding why and how hot spots develop, you can ensure that you are doing all that you can to prevent them in the first place and trust us youll want to prevent them!
What Causes Hot Spots In Dogs
Hots spots are a result of scratching, licking, and biting, which can be caused by any number of factors that irritate the skin, including allergies, insect bites, matted coats, moist or dry skin, or boredom. Flea allergies often lead to hot spots, so using a regular flea treatment is crucial to preventing breakouts.
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How Do I Treat Hot Spots On Dogs
According to Rebello, the best treatment plan for hot spots takes a multi-step approach:
- First, your vet will likely trim or shave the surrounding hair. This helps give a better view of the lesions, allows lesions to dry out, and promotes healing.
- Next, shell clean the affected area with an antibacterial solution and water.
- Then, your vet will likely prescribe antibioticsoral, topical, or both.
- Anti-itch medication is also helpful to ease your dogs discomfort and prevent further scratching
- Finally, an e-collar might be necessary to prevent continued licking and biting and give the hot spots time to heal properly.
It might be tempting to try hot spot home remedies for dogs, but Rebello doesnt recommend them. While I dont think home remedies are as effective as veterinary-directed care, if you are unable to seek medical attention, I would recommend cleaning the area with mild soap and water and purchasing an e-collar to leave on until you can get to the vet, she says.
Many over-the-counter products are available, including ointments and hot spot spray for dogs, but its best to consult your veterinarian for a comprehensive treatment plan.
McKenna says its not just what you treat dog hot spots with but how. The most important thing is keeping the area clean and dry, she says. As tempting as it is to cover up these ugly lesions, refrain from placing bandages or other coverings, which will just trap in the moisture and delay healing.
How To Prevent Hot Spots On Your Dog
If your dog has more than one or two outbreaks, antibiotics and steroids are not the answer. There is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Even if you cannot find out the cause of his hot spots, there are things you can do to prevent it from happening again.
- Switch your dog to a good-quality diet: The best way to keep the skin in great shape is to avoid grain-based dog food. Try switching your dog to a raw diet made up of mostly meat and raw bones. My dogs also get some fresh vegetables and fruit so that their diet is supplemented with additional antioxidants. You can also try some really high-quality hypoallergenic food brands, but raw food is best.
- Coconut Oil: The saturated fats in coconut oil can reduce your dog’s allergic reaction, which may be enough to stop the itching/scratching cycle that leads to hot spots. You can apply coconut oil to any active hot spots to benefit from its antibacterial properties, but some dogs will just lick it off, so the best way to benefit from it is to give your dog some coconut oil on top of his food once a day. Use about a teaspoon for a medium-sized dog .
- Vitamin E: This is one of the antioxidants that can help stop the itching/scratching cycle. If your dog is allergic and has recurring hot spots, poke a hole in a vitamin E capsule and put a drop right on top of his food.
Warning
Wet, long-haired dogs will appreciate you learning to control hot spots quickly.
cc-by flickr.com jesse15948651830
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How Do You Treat A Hot Spot
- Trimming or clipping away the fur of the affected area which will allow the skin to dry out
- A thorough clean with an antiseptic this may need to be performed under a general or after administration of a local anaesthetic as the lesion can be quite painful and sensitive
- Your vet will often prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic to treat the bacterial infection, an anti-inflammatory to reduce the swelling and something to alleviate the itchiness such as a steroid or antihistamine
- While the lesion is healing you may be instructed to clean it daily with a medicated solution or wipes
- Most importantly, your dog needs to stop itching, licking or chewing the affected area, so they may need to wear an e-collar/cone or have the area covered with a bandage to prevent them from irritating the area further
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Will Dog Hot Spots Go Away On Their Own
Hot spots are not likely to go away on their own, but the good news is that they can be easily treated. The best thing to do when you notice hot spots is book an appointment with your vet and try to stop your dog scratching too much. This itching can make the irritation worse, causing matted hair, lacerations and sometimes secondary infections.
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Treatment Of Hot Spots In Dogs
Cleaning
The lesion must be cleaned thoroughly. Matted fur should be shaved off and away from the affected area. Because this can be quite painful, it is a good idea to bring the pet to the veterinarian where nurses can clean and shave the area. Some level of sedation may be necessary. A topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine can then be used to clean the lesion.
Treating Bacterial Infection
Topical and/or oral antibiotics will often be administered. Antibiotic treatment may last 4 weeks or longer, especially if the infection is deep.
Treating Initial Irritation
Some cases of hot spots are idiopathic . More commonly, allergies to fleas, pollen or food are identified with a history and examination. Monthly flea treatments or hypoallergenic diets can address allergies. Regular grooming or keeping fur cut short can prevent matting, a common cause of skin irritation. Anxiety-induced chewing and licking can be lessened by introducing toys or chews and exercise and play.
Medications for Pain and Inflammation
Antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce itchiness and irritation. NSAIDS can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. A short acting corticosteroid may be administered one time to make the patient more comfortable and promote healing . Gentamicin/Betamethasone sprays are often prescribed to spray on the lesion daily.
Dietary supplements
What Causes The Hot Spots On Dogs
Anything from skin allergies to insect bites or just a minor graze can be the starting point for a hot spot to develop. If there is enough moisture on the skins surface for bacteria to take hold, this will create the right conditions for hot spots.
Some of the most common causes are:
- Stress, anxiety or boredom which causes excessive licking that irritates and breaks the skin
- Injuries and grazes
- Excess moisture in the dogs coat after swimming or bathing
Dog hot spots tend to be more common during summer days when humidity is high, which is why they are also known as summer sores. Although long-haired breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors and St. Bernards with thick coats are more prone to this skin infection, hot spots can affect any dog.
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Which Skin Issues Are Most Likely To Affect German Shepherds
German Shepherds are susceptible to many of the same health and wellness concerns as their human family members, including allergies. However, you may not realize your German Shepherd has a significant problem with common allergens until the reaction affects their skin. Although allergies can develop at any age, the allergic reactions most likely to trigger German Shepherd skin issues generally appear between the ages of one and three years.2
Of course, its best to consult a veterinarian any time you have concerns about your canines overall health and well-being. Until then, you may find it helpful to consider the three most common causes of German Shepherd skin issues.
Hot Spots
Hots Spots are areas of inflamed, infected skin. Although most often found on the paws, ears, hips, rump, or chest, hot spots can emerge anywhere your dog has been licking or scratching. If you dont catch a hot spot in its earliest stages, your canine can develop painful, oozing lesions that can spread to other areas of their body. If your German Shepherd dog seems uncomfortable, consider examining your pet for the following symptoms:3,4
- A swollen, inflamed area of skin that feels warm to the touch
- Areas of moist, blistered skin that cause pain or discomfort
- Itchy round patches of skin that increase in size
- Hair loss or patches of matted fur crusted with discharge
- Scarring caused by continuous scratching, licking, or biting inflamed, infected skin
Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Food Allergies
German Shepherd Skin Issues In Closing:
German Shepherd skin issues have a major impact on the quality of your dogs life. Being able to identify the cause of any skin issues will help in treating the condition. The first step in identifying the allergy that is causing your dogs discomfort, is to get your dog tested for allergies. Your local vet can perform the appropriate tests and help you develop a plan to maintain your German Shepherds skin issues. Remember, this is a life long condition that must be properly managed.
Establish a healthy diet for your dog and try to avoid allergens specific to your dog. When possible, have more than one dog in the house and if you are moving, pick a house in a more rural area.
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Recovery Of Hot Spots In Dogs
Follow up veterinarian appointments may or may not be necessary, depending on the severity of the lesion. Most cases resolve quickly if the initial irritant is addressed and the proper treatment regimen is followed.
An Elizabethan collar should be used to prevent chewing or licking at the hot spot. Regular grooming can help prevent hot spots from developing. If you cannot groom your pet regularly, you may consider keeping the hair clipped short or shaved to prevent matting. Follow a monthly flea control program. Maintain a stress free environment in the home. Eliminate loud noises, introduce toys and chews, and provide your pet with exercise and play. Maintain an appropriate hypoallergenic diet if your veterinarian suspects food allergies.
Healing may not be apparent for 1-2 weeks. Fur should begin to grow back in 3-4 weeks. Scarring is not often a problem except in severe cases. If hot spots continue, further diagnostics may be required to determine the cause.
Home Remedies For Dog Hot Spots
The first line of treatment for infected skin irritation is always a trip to the veterinarian. Once an appointment is set, however, there are a few ways of treating hot spots at home that may help your dog feel more comfortable.
If your dog allows you to touch the affected area, you can temporarily treat hot spots at home by cleaning the area with warm water and applying a saltwater solution to the lesion to gently draw out pus.
Some dog owners use warm wet tea bags as a compress. But always consult with your veterinarian to make sure that these home treatments are appropriate for your pet, given their symptoms.
Your veterinarian can also provide expert instructions for administering safe and soothing home remedies to help your dog feel more comfortable before your appointment.
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Diagnosis Of Hot Spots In Dogs
If you notice your pet is showing symptoms of a hot spot, you may try an over the counter medication to clean and treat at home. Since hot spots are painful and can worsen within a matter of hours, it is advisable to schedule a visit to a clinic to receive proper treatment.
The veterinarian will take a thorough history and conduct a physical exam to determine the initial irritant. It is important to let your veterinarian know when the onset of symptoms began and any unusual circumstances that may have led to the irritation so the doctor can identify possible allergens or stressors and address them in treatment.
The area will likely be shaved and cleaned to determine severity and size. Shaving and cleaning is also necessary to properly clean and air the lesion. In cases where other forms of pyoderma are suspected, the veterinarian may examine bacterial samples under the microscope or culture a sample for diagnosis.
Moist And Matted Coats
Dogs with thick, long coats are usually the most susceptible to hot spots. Some dogs present with a hot spot after going for a soak in a pond. I have seen this most often in dogs with thick undercoats like Newfoundlands and Siberian Huskies, so all dogs should be dried after going for a swim in a pond or river. If the pond is very dirty, rinse your dog with a hose before drying.
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Hot Spot Treatment Options
Treatment for hot spots may include one or more of the following: