Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are painful, red areas of infected skin that appear to be irritated and are sometimes raised. Hot spots on dogs can occur anywhere on the body, but they are commonly found on the face, neck, limbs or hips. The size and appearance of the lesions can vary slightly in each location, but most will look similar regardless of where they are. These spots can appear quickly, usually with some degree of hair loss, and they become much larger in a matter of days.
Hot spots on dogs can be relatively minor and heal quickly, but they do have the potential to cause more serious issues, such as widespread infection or deeper skin ulcerations. Picture of a hot spot.
The actual hot spot lesion can range in size but is usually red, inflamed, and raw, and may bleed intermittently. Hot spots on dogs will usually look different than other skin conditions, such as ringworm or mange , because the skin is very moist and inflamed.
Ringworm, as well as some parasitic skin infections, will have associated hair loss but are usually drier in appearance compared to hot spots. Certain breeds are predisposed to skin conditions, including hot spots. Most hot spots on dogs are caused by an underlying condition that either causes itchiness, excessive licking, or excessive moisture. Allergies flea allergy , food allergy , or seasonal allergies.
Anal gland inflammation. While some hot spots can be treated at home, the underlying cause of the hot spot should always be identified, if possible, to prevent further hot spots from occurring. After establishing and treating any underlying cause, your vet will likely prescribe the following course of action:.
You should also try and prevent your dog from licking or biting the hot spots. Regular grooming also plays an important prevention role when it comes to dog hot spots. If your dog has an itching habit every time they get bored or anxious, make sure you keep them less worried and more entertained. For example, these dog exercises will keep an energetic puppy happily busy for hours. If you want to know more about what to look for when it comes to all the different canine skin conditions, check our article about skin problems in dogs.
We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Our programme promises to support you through every stage of your journey. Next article. Kidney Failure in Dogs. Common Dog Symptoms of Illness. Related topics. Our experts are here to help. Get in touch with us directly any time, any way. Also known as moist dermatitis, the skin condition is pretty painful.
Here, a vet explains how to spot it and what you can do at home to heal it. First and foremost, though, you have to be able to spot them. In the first stages of formation, the skin becomes moist, red, itchy, and infected. Pus begins to ooze from the traumatized skin as infection sets in. The formation of moist dermatitis can be a very painful process, and frequently, dogs will show pain when the area is touched.
Dogs are their own worst enemies when it comes to hot spots, which are generally created by their own overzealous self-licking and chewing. The good news is that hot spots almost always look worse than they actually are and infection is usually superficial — often resolved by topical treatment alone. So, what causes dogs to begin chewing and licking in the first place?
Good question. The answer is anything that creates irritation on the skin, causing the dog to chew or scratch at the site. The location of the hot spots may help your veterinarian determine their underlying cause. For example, a hot spot over the hip area could indicate flea infestation , hip arthritis, or an anal gland infection.
Similarly, a hot spot near an ear could indicate an ear problem, an allergy, or a dental or nerve irritation. Green poop?
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