Most people refer to hot skin in a dog as a "hot spot." Veterinarian Marty Smith of PetEducation.com states that those in the veterinary world refer to this condition as acute moist dermatitis. Owners who come across a hot spot of skin should seek veterinary care immediately.
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Identification
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Acute moist dermatitis is a circular patch of warm, swollen and painful skin. It can vary in size from 1 inch up to 4 inches and may be accompanied by an unusual or foul odor, pus or hair loss.
Causes
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Canine hot spots have many causes. These include health issues such as allergies, ear infections, arthritis, anal gland disease and parasites.
Locations
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Hot spots have the potential to occur anywhere on the body, according to PetMD. However, the most common locations for a canine hot spot include the chest, head or hips.
Diagnosis
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A well-trained veterinarian will be able to properly identify the hot spot. Upon seeing the hot spot, the veterinarian may examine the dog to search for the underlying cause, such as allergies or parasites.
Treatment
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Veterinarian Marty Smith notes that the first step in treating a canine hot spot is to prevent further spreading. Next, the veterinarian must identify and eliminate the cause. For example, if parasites are causing the hot spot, then the treatment will eliminate the parasites.
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