Hot Spots – What are they?
Professional dog grooming plays an important role for keeping hot spots in check. Hot spots are scientifically known as acute moist dermatitis. These are typically red, moist, hot and irritated lesions found on a dog’s chest, head or hip. If not attended to, they can become quite painful. Hot spots tend to aggravate quite fast as dogs are inclined to lick, chew and scratch the affected areas, which irritate the skin further. The symptoms are hair loss, the matting of fur, scabbing and oozing. They are generally confined to a specific area. Regular dog grooming helps you be aware of the condition of your dog’s skin and fur, and check for hot spots.
Visiting a pet salon near you for the regular grooming of your dog can help keep its coat clean and germ-free. Wags & Whiskers Pet Salon recommends finding a dog groomer, for dog grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain optimal fur and skin condition.
Dog Breeds That Are More Prone Hot Spots
Dogs which have dirty, matted coats are subject to developing hot spots. Also, dogs that are frequently exposed to rain and/or swim frequently can have hot spots. The most commonly affected dog breeds are those that are longhaired and thick-coated. Such kinds of dogs are German Shepherd dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, St. Bernards and Rottweilers. The summer season, with spells of extreme heat and high relative humidity, is also more likely to cause hot spots.
Treatment of Hot Spots
When the symptoms of hot spots persist on your dog, it is time to consult a veterinarian. Based on the location of the hot spot, other associated symptoms and your dog’s medical history, the veterinarian will recommend certain tests. These could cover microscopic skin evaluations, blood tests and allergy testing as well.
The veterinarian is likely to remove the hair from the infected area and then clean it gently with a mild antiseptic. Medication such as a cortisone-type of medication to help counter the itch, an antibiotic and topical medicines for healing the hotspot may be prescribed. Your veterinarian will work with you to treat the deep-rooted cause of the hot spot.
Steps of Treatment
The following steps of treatment are given to treat hot spots:
- The hair in the surrounding area of the lesion is shaved, enabling the medication to seep into the wound.
- The hot spot is gently cleaned with a non-irritating solution.
- Other medication is provided for the treatment of parasites.
- Antibiotics and painkillers are administered to the dog.
- Medication with corticosteroids or antihistamines is given to lessen the itching.
- An Elizabethan collar or E-collar might be fitted onto your dog, which will prevent it from irritating the affected area while it heals. This collar, therefore, helps avoid self-trauma.
- A balanced diet is prescribed for your dog to help it maintain a healthy skin and coat.
- Dietary supplement that contains essential fatty acids is given to your dog.
How Can Hot Spots be Prevented?
Hot spots on dogs are highly unhygienic and undesirable. You want dog groomers or local pet groomers to take care of your dog on a regular basis so that its skin remains healthy, and your dog can be comfortable.
Tips to help avoid hot spots:
- Keeping your pet’s hair cropped short, specifically during warmer months, to prevent entrapment of dirt and sweat.
- Ensuring that your dog is groomed regularly.
- Maintaining an environment which is stress-free for your pet.
- Observing a strict flea control regimen, as per the recommendation of your veterinarian.
- Giving your dog adequate exercise and opportunities to play (with his human family and other dogs), which will prevent stress and boredom.
It’s a good idea to visit a dog salon near you from time to time to give your pet the optimum care. Contact Wags & Whiskers Pet Salon today to share the responsibility of looking after your furry friend! Affordable pet grooming is now within your reach.