A hot spot, which veterinarians call "acute moist dermatitis," is an inflamed, painful area of the skin, usually accompanied by a bad smelling discharge and pus. Hot spots occur due to an allergic reaction to a bacterial infection of the skin, which is often caused by an injury or wound. Skin blisters, sores, and sores themselves have a variety of causes, including flea bites, scrapes, scrapes or nicks, anal gland problems, and some allergic conditions. Dogs often itch and scratch the blisters or sores excessively, resulting in wet mange appearing on their fur. Hot spots can be painful for dogs and can enlarge quickly. You should seek appropriate and effective treatment if you notice any hot spots on your dog.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Identifying Hot Spots
Step 1. Watch your dog
See if the dog is scratching or licking a certain spot. This is usually a sign that he is suffering from certain skin irritations.
Step 2. Make a part and check your dog's coat
Examine the problem area more thoroughly. Hot spots can be difficult to see with the naked eye, as hot spots are usually scattered beneath a dog's coat. Generally, when you see a hot spot, it has been around for a long time and is growing rapidly.
Step 3. Understand that you are dealing with a hot spot problem
Hot spots are red, moist, hot, and in the form of irritated dots. Other clues that suggest a condition is a hot spot include discharge of pus and an unpleasant odor.
- Hot spots are most easily found on the head, hips, or chest area in a dog.
- Long, thick-haired dogs are usually most commonly affected.
- Dogs that are not regularly cared for and have clumpy coats are also prone to hot spots, just like dogs that like to swim or get rained on a lot.
- Dogs with hip dysplasia or anal sac disease are usually more likely to develop hot spots, as they tend to lick the skin on their hindquarters.
Step 4. Check the areas surrounding the hot spot
If you notice any hot spots, take the time to carefully examine the rest of the dog's skin. Brush the fur around the area around the hot spot and look for areas that are red or damp. All hot spots should be addressed immediately, and, if possible, you should try to find the cause of the hot spots (whether from flea bites, scratches, allergies, etc.).
Step 5. Call your veterinarian
If this is the first time your dog has had a hot spot, you will need the help of a veterinarian. He or she can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Infected Area
Step 1. Trim or trim the hair from the surface of the skin affected by the hot spot
Hot spots that are exposed to air will dry out more easily and lose moisture, so the healing process in dogs goes faster. Be careful not to pull the dog's hair, irritate the skin, or injure your dog's skin.
- Clean your dog's hair clipper beforehand. If the hot spot is draining a lot of pus, you should regularly clean the clippers when trimming your dog's hair. Otherwise, the scissors will be covered with dirt. Make sure you clean and sterilize it after use.
- Sit or lie down your dog in this process. Ask a second person for help if needed.
- To avoid accidentally injuring your dog's skin, don't cut the fur too close to the skin. Leave the dog hair 0.6 cm long.
- If the infected area is large enough, shave the area.
Step 2. Clean the wound
Use an antimicrobial shampoo that you can buy at your vet's office or human pharmacy.
- A quality product contains chlorhexidine in its composition.
- You can also clean the infected area with an antiseptic spray or a water-based astringent.
- Consult your veterinarian before you use any product to treat hot spots.
Step 3. Let the antimicrobial shampoo sit on the dog's skin for 10 minutes
This time is needed for the medicine in the shampoo to seep into the infected area and start working. Rinse thoroughly after 10 minutes and dry the area thoroughly.
If you are using another liquid, read and follow the instructions on the package so that you use it properly
Step 4. Use an antibiotic ointment or spray
Veterinarians usually recommend a topical medication, such as Gentamicin or Betamethasone spray. He or she may also suggest an oral antibiotic, depending on your dog's situation.
You can apply antibiotic treatment to the wound up to three times a day
Step 5. Keep the infected area dry
Air will help wounds heal more effectively, while humidity will facilitate wound growth.
Be aware that hot spots cannot be treated with plasters, as this will trap moisture, making the dog's wound worse
Step 6. Check the wound twice a day
If the pus builds up, repeat the shampooing process (use shampoo, rinse, pat dry) to keep the wound clean.
Step 7. Examine the dog's entire body for signs of new or developing hot spots
This check should be done every day, especially if the weather is hot or humid.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Further Injury
Step 1. Stop itching in dogs
Hydrocortisone spray and Benadryl tablets are effective remedies for this itching. The right dose is 1 tablet for every dog's body weight of 22.7 kg.
- The vet may suggest steroids. Steroids are effective for some severe hot spots, but may cause side effects and are harmful in the long run. In addition, if steroid administration is discontinued before the hot spot has completely healed, the hot spot may come back and be more severe than before.
- Avoid applying cream to hot spots. The cream keeps the infected area moist, while the hot spot must dry completely for it to heal.
Step 2. Use an Elizabethan collar (wound collar) if your dog continues to lick or bite the wound
This conical collar will limit the dog's reach, so he can't irritate the wound further.
- This necklace should not be used as a sole treatment. Leashes can't treat hot spots, but only prevent your dog from exacerbating the injury. Wounds that are left untreated will continue to grow and become more serious, as well as painful for your dog.
- You can wrap the sock around the dog's front paws and tie them up. Do this if the hot spot on the front paw is within reach of the dog's hind paw.
Step 3. Trim your dog's toenails
This prevents the dog from scratching the affected area and spreading the pus.
Tips
- Prevent hot spots before they happen. Make sure your dog is regularly groomed and his coat is trimmed short, especially in the warmer months. Also make sure you follow a flea control program as recommended by your veterinarian. As a general rule, treat any cuts, nicks, or cuts and check daily until they are completely healed.
- There are various conditions that can cause hot spots in dogs, but you can try to prevent them. For example, if your dog has allergies or is sensitive to certain foods, consult a veterinarian to reduce the level of symptoms and inflammation.
Warning
- Get in the habit of making a diagnosis by using the services of a veterinarian, to look for all possible inflammation, abnormalities, and injuries in your dog.
- In severe cases, hot spots can cause serious damage to the dog's skin. Although hot spots rarely leave scars, this doesn't mean they're impossible.
