Information on How to Fix Hot Spots on Dogs

Hot spots are an irritating and painful condition that some dogs develop. The spots are also unsightly and sometimes even have a foul odor. Knowing the general causes and how to identify the condition helps to fix the hot spots and prevent them in the future.

  1. Identifying Hot Spots

    • The first step to fixing hot spots is identifying them. Hot spots appear suddenly or over a period of time. The spots look like wet, raw areas on the dog's backside or around her ears. They are usually round in shape. As the dog chews at the spot, hair falls out, leaving bald patches. The area usually swells and often excretes an odorous pus. Because the spots are incredibly itchy, the dog chews, licks and scratches the area incessantly. First outbreaks are usually single spots, but left untreated, multiple spots sometimes appear.

    Causes of Hot Spots

    • Determining the causes of the hot spots helps determine the best course of action for treatment. Most hot spots occur because of an over-growth of normal bacteria on the dog's skin. The bacterium easily spreads around the dog's body, causing additional spots to crop up quickly. Leaving the dog wet and dirty allows bacteria to grow rapidly. Allergic reactions or skin irritations are another common cause. These include flea allergy dermatitis, mange, food allergies and skin irritation from grooming.

    Treatments

    • When it is suspected a dog is suffering from hot spots, visit the vet. Once diagnosed, most vets prescribe an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic. Both work to offer the dog fast relief. Aside from antibiotics, there are steps to take at home to help the healing process. Remove the hair that holds in bacteria. Avoid irritating the spots by pressing the dog clippers directly to the spot. Instead, focus on shaving the area around the spot. Clean the area with a mild antiseptic. If the dog continues to lick or chew the area, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent it.

    Prevention

    • Take measures to prevent future outbreaks. Keep the dog clean and his skin dry. This is particularly important with dogs that have long coats that hold in more dirt. Brush the dog daily to remove knots in his coat. Another step is identifying potential allergens. Speak to a vet regarding specifics for the dog. If the dog is allergic to a specific food, eliminate that food. If the dog is allergic to dust in the home, keep the dust to a minimum by cleaning regularly.