Tips in Dealing With Hot Spots On Dogs

HOT SPOTS
Hot spots are surface skin infections caused when populations of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance.
They are generally circular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, may exude a smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy, causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self-mutilation.
Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched.
These troublesome sores can seem to arise in a matter of hours with no warning, but they do tend to follow a pattern that helps in predicting their occurrence.
Dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, flea infestations, irritated anal sacs, and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats, but any dog can develop this infection.
http://www.doggroomingsecrets.org
Dogs in warm, humid climates may develop hot spots when they shed their undercoats if the dead hair is trapped next to the skin, and dogs with behavior problems may mutilate themselves by licking and thus encourage an infection to become established.
The most common locations for hot spots are the legs and feet, flanks, and rump areas that can be reached by licking or biting but these localized infections can also appear on ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.
CAUSES OF HOT SPOTS
There is usually an inciting factor to initiate the extreme licking and scratching behavior. Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite, allergies or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.).
Some animals have been known to “start” a hot spot out of boredom or stress-related psychological problems.
TREATING A HOT SPOT
Two approaches are necessary for dealing with hot spots: treat the sore and remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrences.
* Trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the  infection and expose the edges of the lesion.
* Wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic.
* Be prepared to use antibiotics or cortisone if the washing does  not give results.
* Consult your vet
According to some sources using ointments or creams are discouraged because they can seal the hot spot which will hinder the recovery.

Shandra Baker, author of Dog Grooming Secrets, brings us this important information on hot spots and what do about it if they show up on your Collie and other dog(s).  Thank you Shandra!

HOT SPOTS

Hot spots are surface skin infections caused when populations of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance.

They are generally circular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, may exude a smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy, causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self-mutilation.

Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched.

These troublesome sores can seem to arise in a matter of hours with no warning, but they do tend to follow a pattern that helps in predicting their occurrence.

Collie and other dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, flea infestations, irritated anal sacs, and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats, but any dog can develop this infection.

http://www.doggroomingsecrets.org

Dogs in warm, humid climates may develop hot spots when they shed their undercoats if the dead hair is trapped next to the skin, and dogs with behavior problems may mutilate themselves by licking and thus encourage an infection to become established.

The most common locations for hot spots are the legs and feet, flanks, and rump areas that can be reached by licking or biting but these localized infections can also appear on ears, neck, and chest if your Collie  is continually scratching.

CAUSES OF HOT SPOTS

There is usually an inciting factor to initiate the extreme licking and scratching behavior. Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite, allergies or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.).

Some animals have been known to “start” a hot spot out of boredom or stress-related psychological problems.

TREATING A HOT SPOT

Two approaches are necessary for dealing with hot spots: treat the sore and remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrences.

* Trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the  infection and expose the edges of the lesion.

* Wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic.

* Be prepared to use antibiotics or cortisone if the washing does  not give results.

* Consult your vet

According to some sources using ointments or creams are discouraged because they can seal the hot spot which will hinder the recovery.

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categories Dog Talk | | datetime May 9, 2010 9:43 am

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