HOT SPOTS IN DOGS

Dogs develop hot spots (also referred to as acute moist dermatitis) at a fast pace; these are painful, spread rapidly and are skin infections. Most hot spots begin with some sort of irritation. However, it does not take long for that irritated area to be red, moist and swollen from constant licking, biting, etc. As a result, the hot spot can look much worse sooner rather than later since trauma will allow bacteria to grow and multiply on the skin’s surface.

Hot spots can occur almost anywhere on the dog’s body, but they are most common on the dog’s head, face, neck, hip and leg areas. A hot spot is not one particular illness but rather an overreaction to an initial cause. Early treatment is key to stopping further progression of the infection and to providing relief from discomfort.

Causes

The majority of the time, a hot spot develops due to a source irritating the dog’s skin, which results in excessive licking or scratching. When the dog licks or scratches excessively, the skin is compromised and provides a perfect opportunity for bacteria to enter this open wound area.

Some common causes of irritation leading to hot spots include:

• Flea or tick infestation
• Allergic reactions
• Ear infections causing head shaking or scratching
• Moisture trapped in the coat after bathing or swimming
• Skin injuries, bites, or minor wounds
• Stress, anxiety, or boredom related licking

Poor grooming or thick, matted coats can also increase risk by trapping moisture close to the skin.

Symptoms

Early Signs

• Small red patch of irritated skin
• Constant licking or chewing at one area
• Local warmth or tenderness
• Mild hair loss over the spot

Advanced Signs

• Rapidly enlarging red, moist lesion
• Oozing discharge or pus
• Strong unpleasant odor
• Severe itching and discomfort
• Matted or sticky hair around the lesion
• Restlessness or irritability

Risks and Complications

If untreated, hot spots can worsen, become more painful and develop into deeper bacterial skin infections. When this occurs, it creates an increased risk of developing much more dangerous bacterial infections (e.g., cellulitis).

Repetitive irritation to the affected area due to excessive licking or scratching contributes to the delay of the healing process and exacerbates tissue destruction. Dogs with recurring hot spots may have an underlying condition, such as allergies or parasites, that requires treatment.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of a hot spot is typically made based on a physical exam. Hot spots can generally be identified immediately by virtue of their appearance alone.

In addition to a physical exam, your veterinarian may need to conduct the following exams to help identify potential secondary causes of your dog’s hot spots:

• Skin examination for parasites
• Ear check for infection
• Allergy assessment if lesions are recurrent
• Bacterial culture in severe or non responsive cases.

Treatment

Most importantly, the focus is on removing the source of the infection, eliminating the cause of the pain and preventing additional self inflicted trauma to the affected area.

Clipping and Cleaning

After clipping the excess hair around the site of the hot spot, this process helps improve air circulation, which enables cleaning as well as promotes an environment where the skin can heal properly. The area is cleaned with appropriate antiseptic solutions to remove debris and reduce bacterial contamination.

Medications

Based upon the severity of the situation, your veterinarian may recommend one or all of the following types of medication:

• Antibiotics or antiseptics in cream form for topical application.
• Oral antibiotics for deep-seated infections.
• Medications designed to decrease inflammation and itching.
• Pain relief may be prescribed depending on the severity and discomfort associated with the lesion.

Preventing Self-Trauma

In order to prevent further irritation and promote healing, your veterinarian may prescribe an Elizabethan Collar so that your pet cannot lick or scratch at the site.

Recovery and Management

If the hot spot was addressed promptly, most recoveries are typically completed within 2 to 7 days. However, larger hot spots and those that have become infected may require more time to fully resolve. This could also depend upon whether your pet continues to traumatize the affected area during its recovery.

As long as your pet has been provided adequate care during their recovery, i.e., keeping their skin clean and dry and protecting it from further irritation, regular checkups with your veterinarian may be required to monitor progress.

Prevention

There are several methods you can use to help prevent your pet from developing a hot spot due to irritating factors.

Some common ways to do this would include:

• Regular grooming and coat maintenance
• Effective flea and tick control
• Thorough drying after swimming or bathing
• Early treatment of ear infections and allergies
• Providing mental stimulation to reduce stress related licking
• Keeping skin clean and free from mats or moisture.