Dog hot spots
A hot spot can be described as a skin inflammation that later develops an infection in the affected part. It is also called as moist dermatitis. Hot spot is a self inflicted trauma for dogs that is caused due to excessive biting, scratching and licking. This creates an inflammation on the skin that may get worse if proper treatment is done performed.
Signs of hot spot in Dogs
The most common symptoms include redness of skin, hallmark signs, pain, itchiness and oozing. The dog will start loosing excessive hair. Sometimes the hair will cover up the hot spots and create problem for the dog owner since the lesions will expand rapidly making the condition worse. The Lesion will grow to the size of a palm in just a day’s time. So it requires urgent medical treatment. The hot spots will create quite a lot of pain and discomfort for the dog. If touched on the injured are, the dog will either snap or start growling. Some dogs will stay in one area for a long time without moving.
Cause of a hot spot
The basic reason for the development of hot spots in dog is due to excessive scratching, biting and licking in a single area. The dog may be doing it due to ticks, fleas, insect bites, parasites, mites or some kind of allergy on the skin of the dog. Some sort of injury caused while fighting with another dog may swell up and gradually become a hot spot.
Some dogs develop it due to boredom or problems due to unwarranted stress levels.
Treatment for a hot spot
The most common method is to take the dog to a veterinarian. A hot spot will spread rapidly and may even become a skin infection that will lead to other diseases. Due to this, it is always advised to start treatment as soon as possible at the nearest veterinary clinic. The ailment inflicts a lot of pain to the victim.
Some general things to do are; 1) Shave the affected area in order to give sufficient air to dry the wound. 2) Using cold water, clean up the area and use a skin cleanser. 3) The area should be cool compressed at least twice a day. 4) Apply the prescribed medications by the veterinarian. It may be some antibiotic tablets, drying sprays, or some special shampoo. 5) In order to prevent the dog from further licking or biting, attach an Elizabethan belt around its neck.
Home remedies
Until seeing the vet, the hot spot can be kept under control with the help of some home remedies. They are;
Compresses (tea bags)
These compresses will help in keeping the area dry. It can also be used for washing or for compressing.
Domeboro solution
It is basically aluminum acetate that is available in medical shops that is meant for keeping the skin dry. This helps in curbing the expansion of the wound. It can also be used as a spray.
Hydrocositone Creams
It helps in making a film on the surface of the wound that helps to gunk up the wound.