Are you noticing your dog almost continually scratching and chewing at its skin?
"Hot spots", or acute, moist dermatitis, occurs when moisture becomes trapped under a dog's coat causing a warm, wet environment. It is a breeding ground for bacteria. Generally it happens to the thicker and more densely coated canines. On occasion, such "hot spots" can also be caused by simple irritation or repeated licking and chewing of the same are.
The moment you begin to notice the behaviour, examine the spot immediately. Be on the lookout for any spot that may be oozing or have a tacky feeling. The more your pet chews at the spot the worse it will get. In no time the small spot can develop into a spot 2-3 inches across within 24 hours.
If, without getting any resistance from your pooch, you are able to, try shaving the area and cleaning it with an anti-bacterial soap. Spray with a topical antibiotic or an astringent solution that will dry up the area. The wound should NEVER be covered. It must be allowed to dry up.
Such spots are exceptionally painful. A dog that is uncomfortable could potentially snap, so use caution. Don't be upset with your pooch. Just get it to the vet. In most cases the spot does require the expertise of your veterinarian. The vet will clip the hair back even further than you would think. They also will clip the coat close to the skin. Because this can be so painful, your dog may require mild sedation. After the spot is cleaned out, the doctor will spray with a topical antibiotic. In severe cases antihistamines or steroids may be the best remedy.
If your dog is a bad patient, it will have to wear an Elizabethan Collar. This is a big plastic restraining device which is put around the neck to prevent an animal from being able to reach the infected area.
Many folks seem to think that after their pooch has been swimming in the lake or caught in a downpours or even rolling in wet grass that "Fido" will just shake off and dry all by himself. Wrong! The best possible way to prevent a "hot spot' is to make sure that, when your pet comes out of the lake or the rain, you totally dry him.
Keep your pet particularly well groomed in the summer. Some folks even choose to get their dogs clipped shorter in the summer months to reduce the possibility of an eruption from happening. Shaving your long haired shedding type breeds like Retrievers, Border Collies, Collies, Akitas, or coats of those kind of breeds, especially Pomeranians, is not the answer. Hair growth often changes. Some of these coats grow back thicker and sometimes not at all. They will loose their natural water shed. In addition, there are other dermatological problems, such as allergies, that can also be the culprit.
Take an extra moment and run your hand all over your pet's body and be on the lookout for anything unusual.
If the hot spot worsens, or you did not catch it early, a veterinarian will need to see the dog as the hot spot could turn into a full blown infection causing your dog a fever as well. Antibiotics may be prescribed.
For all you cat owners, you are in luck. This very rarely happens to cats. Cats are less prone to skin problems than dogs.
Email me at tracks@jokat.ca and let's talk animals.
