Hair Loss May Be A Symptom Of Dog Hot Spots

Fur loss causing bald patches sometimes appear on a dog's body. Be these patches dry or wet they are commonly known as dog hot spots.

This is a skin problem caused by bacteria. The surroundings may aggravate the condition where the weather is favorable for multiplication of the bacteria that produces spots on the dogs. There are other reasons like improper cleaning, allergens or behavioral problems that can add to the formation of such marks on the body of our pets.

An allergic reaction to food or parasites may develop on the dog's skin. The irritation causes the animal to lick the affected area consistently. A damp warm blemish may emerge. This creates a suitable breeding ground for bacteria. The itchiness will make the dog scratch excessively and cause loss of fur. Anxiety and boredom can also be contributing factors to hair loss.

To treat this, the hair around the area must be cut away using clippers. A cream can then be applied to stop bacteria and possible infection. This should ideally be done by a vet. He or she will know the correct treatment. It may happen that the dog must wear an e-collar. This looks like a lamp shade and is placed around the neck to prevent the dog from reaching problem areas. In this way the area is kept dry.

In some cases a once-off treatment is insufficient to heal the skin. Regular contact with allergens may hinder and slow down the healing process. It may be necessary for the veterinarian to conduct additional tests in order to get to the root of the problem and then treat it accordingly.

Regular and more frequent grooming can help if the problem is caused due to improper care. Grooming should be done at least two times a week using the right kind of grooming material. Pets with long, thick fur should be groomed more frequently than ordinary ones. Fur should be clipped at regular intervals during warm weather. Services of a groomer can be availed if found necessary. When groomed at home, it is essential to use the right kind of brush.

Getting to the root of the cause of an allergic reaction is often a lengthy procedure. First and foremost, find out id the allergy due to parasitic activity or something your best friend is eating. Parasites like fleas can be treated effectively with special shampoo at bath time. Medical remedies to combat fleas and other bugs are also available.

The procedure to find other causes of allergies can be complex. A good starting point will be to change Fido's diet. If you suspect an environmental cause in the home or garden, try restricting Fido to specific zones. If the first zone change does not work, try another. This can be tedious, but you should be closer to a positive outcome if you persevere.

A healthy, happy dog is one who receives adequate, loving attention. Give him toys to play with to alleviate boredom. He and his environment must be kept hygienically clean. Regular brushing is essential. Keep an eye open for the appearance of lesions and treat these immediately before those nasty dog hot spots have a chance to develop.