Hot Spot
A hot spot is a superficial and weeping skin inflammation that can occur in dogs. It is usually round, red and hot and causes severe itching or pain. A hot spot can spread quickly and lead to an infection with bacteria or fungi. In this article, you will find out what the causes, symptoms and treatment options for a hot spot are and how you can prevent it.
What are the causes of a hot spot?
A hot spot is often caused by a minor injury or irritation to the skin, which the dog aggravates by licking or scratching. This makes the skin moist and warm, creating ideal conditions for bacteria or fungi. Possible triggers for a hot spot include:
- Allergies to food, flea saliva, pollen or other substances
- Parasites such as fleas, ticks or ear mites
- Ear infections or diseases
- Skin folds that lead to friction or moisture
- Poor grooming or excessively long fur
- Stress or boredom leading to skipping reactions
How do I recognize a hot spot?
A hot spot is usually easy to recognize as it stands out clearly from the surrounding skin. It has the following characteristics:
- It is round or oval and has a sharp edge
- It is red, swollen and hot
- It oozes or secretes a foul-smelling secretion
- It sticks to the fur or causes it to fall out
- It is very itchy or painful
A hot spot can occur on any part of the body, but the back, torso, ears, legs or neck are often affected. Long-haired or densely coated dog breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Long-haired Collie or Bernese Mountain Dog are particularly susceptible to hot spots.
How do I treat a hot spot?
If you discover a hot spot on your dog, you should treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. This includes the following steps:
- Carefully trim away the fur around the hot spot to dry and ventilate the skin
- Clean the skin area with a mild antiseptic or wound irrigation solution
- Apply an antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ointment
- Prevent your dog from licking or scratching the hot spot, for example with a protective collar or bandage
- See a vet to determine the cause of the hot spot and receive further treatment if necessary
Depending on the severity of the hot spot, your vet may recommend the following measures:
- Systemic antibiotic therapy for a deep infection
- Systemic cortisone therapy for severe itching
- Allergy diagnostics and therapy for an allergic trigger
- Parasite treatment for a parasitic trigger
- Ear treatment for an ear disease
How can I prevent a hot spot?
To prevent your dog from getting a hot spot, you should follow these tips:
- Groom your dog's coat regularly and trim it short if necessary
- Don't bathe your dog too often and dry it well
- Check your dog regularly for parasites and use a suitable preventative product
- Feed your dog a high-quality and well-tolerated food
- Provide your dog with sufficient activity and variety
- Reduce stress factors for your dog
A hot spot is an unpleasant and painful condition for your dog, but you can get it under control with quick and consistent treatment. It is important that you find out the cause of the hot spot and eliminate it to prevent a relapse.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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