Treatment Of Dog Hot Spots

Dog hot spots are inflamed areas of skin that cause a dog a great deal of discomfort, resulting in them licking and biting at the area. The more the dog licks and bites at the area, the more inflamed it becomes, and without treatment can lead to unsightly lesions, which are very painful for the dog. Also known as moist dermatitis, these skin conditions can flare up within minutes, and can spread quite rapidly, resulting in chronic skin irritation and hair loss in the affected area.

Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.

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: To treat these types of skin allergies it is necessary to first treat the symptoms, and then to isolate and treat the cause of problem in order to prevent recurrence. When treating a dog at home, it may be necessary to restrain or even sedate the dog, as the skin my be painful to touch, causing him to show aggression when handled. After treatment an Elizabethan collar may need to be temporarily fitted to allow the area to heal without the dog interfering with the wound.

Remedial action for moist dermatitis includes the following steps:

Firstly, the hair surrounding the inflammation needs to be clipped or shaved short so that the infected area can be properly treated.

The skin will then need to be bathed in a antimicrobial shampoo, then gently dried to remove all moisture.

Then try to bring some relief and reduce heat by applying a cold compress using cold tea bags to draw away inflammation and dry out the lesion.

There are many motions and potions that can help bring relief to a dog suffering from moist dermatitis, and you may choose to use either one, or a combination of treatments, depending on the severity of the condition. If a bacterial infection has set in, then you will need to treat the infection with antibiotics, either administered orally or by applying an anti-bacterial cream. A hydro-cortisone based ointment smeared over the infected area, or antihistamine tablet given orally, will give some relief to the dog by reducing itchiness and inflammation.

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.

Jennifer is a dog and cat health professional focusing on dog hot spots. She endorses all-natural products for dog rashes.