My Dog Has a Hot Spot – What Should I Do?

In many cases, you can treat it yourself. However, it does need to be treated. Some dog breeds are more prone to getting hot spots than others. You won’t find this information in dog books – instead, ask your breeder or someone with many years of experience with the breed.

What Is a Hot Spot?

A hot spot is a very moist skin rash. The cause is not always known. It can be triggered by an insect bite, and if it itches and the dog bites at it, it can develop into a hot spot.

A hot spot is an inflammatory condition that can occur anywhere on the dog’s skin. If left untreated, it can spread across the body. It is painful for the dog, so you should not ignore it.

Not all dogs get hot spots. Some get them regularly. You can investigate whether your dog’s breed is prone to hot spots, though even then, your dog may avoid them altogether.

Start Treatment Early

If you notice your dog scratching excessively in one area, you should examine the spot. If it’s moist, it may be a hot spot. They start off small but can spread quickly under the right conditions.

The first step of treatment is to remove all fur around the sore. Be thorough but gentle, as your dog may be in pain. If the sore is large and very painful, you might need help from the vet.

Once the fur is removed, keep the area clean and dry. The dog should not be allowed to lick it, and you should check the area multiple times a day.

When Should I Contact a Vet?

If you catch a hot spot early, you can often manage the treatment yourself. Remove the fur thoroughly and keep the area dry and clean. You should see gradual healing.

If the hot spot is already large when you discover it, or if you’re unable to manage the treatment, you should visit the vet. The vet can remove the fur and prescribe medication to relieve the itching.

You don’t need to call the vet immediately just because your dog is scratching. Try trimming the fur around the area and monitoring it closely for a few days. Keep it clean. If it oozes or spreads, you should contact the vet.

Prevention

We don’t always know why dogs get hot spots. There may be many causes. A break in the skin barrier can happen in various ways.

Because the causes are varied and somewhat unclear, hot spots can be difficult to prevent. However, you can examine your dog daily. Feel through its entire body. This way, you’ll spot any problems early and can start treatment. It’s always best to catch issues as early as possible.

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