Hot spots—what are they and how to treat them?
You go to sleep, and your pooch is fine. You wake up, and your dog has a big red, raw patch of skin that your poor buddy can’t seem to stop licking and scratching. Sound familiar?
This is a classic hot spot scenario. These irritating lesions pop up very quickly—even in as little as a couple of hours!—surprising owners by their sudden appearance. Because hot spots are moist, they can sometimes be hidden under a clump of matted fur, which your dog will itch and lick obsessively.
Hot spots are caused by self-injury from intense itching and scratching. Dogs can scratch so vigorously that they create an open wound, which is then even itchier, perpetuating the problem and leading to a continuously growing lesion. Certain dogs are prone to hot spots, especially those with long, dense coats, like German shepherds and Saint Bernards.
In order to heal, the wound must be cleaned and allowed to dry out without any further licking or itching. Your veterinarian will clip the hair covering the lesion and then disinfect it with a solution that kills bacteria. If it seems as if the infection has gone deeper than the surface of the skin, your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics. Finally, your dog will be sent home with an Elizabethan collar to prevent any further self-injury.
Hot spots commonly recur, especially if the underlying cause of the itching that sparked the hot spot in the first place isn’t found and treated. Common itchy conditions that can lead to hot spots include:
• Allergies—flea allergies (most common), food allergies and environmental allergies.
• Ear infections
• Anal gland inflammation
• Arthritis
• Boredom
• Poor grooming
Your veterinarian will work with you to find and address the underlying cause of your pet’s itchiness. For many dogs, flea control and proper grooming are the best defenses against future hot spots.
