Can dog have hot spots

(December 31, 2009)

How to Treat Dog Hot Spots

Hot spots in dogs are a common problem and require timely attention to prevent the spread of the lesions. These lesions generally appear as circular patches of inflamed skin. These patches are devoid of all fur and hair and may exude a smelly discharge or pus. This condition is brought on by some superficial irritation such as a tick or a flea. The dog may scratch and lick the area in order to get rid of the irritation but may in fact damage the skin. This starts the vicious cycle in which the dog licks and bites itself because of the irritation and the irritation only increases because of the damage to the skin tissue. There is also a high risk of infection as the damaged skin is kept moist with the dog’s constant licking and does not get a chance to heal. If this is left untreated, it can cause a gaping wound and can lead to a severe infection that may even be fatal.

What Causes Dog Hot Spots

Hot spots are very annoying to a dog and can make them grouchy. It may not be easy to treat your dog if he has this condition as he may snap or even bite you if you try to treat the inflamed area. It is therefore advisable to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use several simple remedial measures to reduce the inflammation and irritation. You will need the help of a family member or someone else that your dog is familiar with. Secure your dog so that he cannot bite either of you. Make sure that one of you is talking to the dog continuously to keep him calm. Cleanse the entire area well and clip any stray strands of hair. Shave the area around the affected area to prevent the hot spot from spreading. Place a large Elizabethan collar around your dog’s neck so that he cannot lick or bite the wound. Cleanse the wound with diluted hydrogen peroxide thrice a day for the first day. The following day, cleanse the wound with warm water that has a pinch of turmeric added to it. After cleaning the wound, make sure that it dries completely. You can even use a hair dryer from a distance to get rid of the excess moisture. Since turmeric aids the healing process, you can apply a very small pinch of this powder to the area once you have cleaned and dried it. Continue with this on the third day as well and you will notice that the area has started to heal and that there is no pus at all. You do not need to cleanse the wound any more but keep the Elizabethan collar on until the wound heals completely.