This allows the affected area to get some air and prevent excess moisture from slowing down the healing process.Ĭlean the skin with a mild, water-based antiseptic spray or wipe (like Douxo Chlorhexidine 3% PS pads) or an antibacterial shampoo.Īpply a veterinary-recommended hot spot treatment spray that is safe if ingested. Trim the area around the hot spot with dog hair clippers (not scissors, which make it easy to accidentally cut your pet’s skin). Topical creams and ointments tend to cause dogs to lick the area even more, so they should be avoided if possible.įollow these steps to promote healing of the hot spot: Human medications such as Neosporin, hydrocortisone, and Vaseline should NOT be used. If you aren’t able to get to the vet right away, there are a few things you can do at home to help heal hot spots before your appointment. By getting your pet veterinary care as soon as possible, you can prevent further infection. The area may be clipped and cleaned with antiseptic.Īdditional medications (such as flea prevention or allergy medication) may be necessary to treat the underlying cause. What Will the Vet Do to Treat Hot Spots?ĭepending on the hot spot’s severity, most veterinarians will treat the area with a combination of oral antibiotics, anti-itch medication, and a recovery cone. You should also seek veterinary attention sooner if you cannot keep your pet from licking or scratching at the hot spot. It’s even more urgent if the affected area is: To determine the underlying cause (especially for large or overly infected hot spots on dogs), a veterinary exam is necessary. Hot spots on dogs can occur anywhere on the body, but they are commonly found on the face, neck, limbs, or hips. While some hot spots can be treated at home, the underlying cause should always be identified, if possible, to prevent more hot spots from occurring. The most common conditions include:Īllergies ( flea allergy, food allergy, or seasonal allergies) Most hot spots on dogs are caused by an underlying condition that either causes itchiness, excessive licking, or excessive moisture. Commonly affected breeds include Golden Retrievers, English Bulldogs, and German Shepherds. What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?Ĭertain breeds are predisposed to skin conditions, including hot spots. For example, ringworm (as well as some parasitic skin infections) will have associated hair loss but are usually drier in appearance compared to hot spots. 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. It typically spreads due to licking, chewing, and/or scratching. But hot spots are usually red, inflamed, and raw, and they may bleed intermittently. The actual hot spot lesion can range in size. What Do Dog Hot Spots Look Like? Photo credit: Adobe/tienuskin But they do have the potential to cause more serious issues, such as widespread infection or deeper skin ulcerations. Hot spots on dogs can be relatively minor and heal quickly. These spots can appear quickly, usually with some degree of hair loss, and become much larger in a matter of days. The size and appearance of the lesions can vary slightly in each location, but most will look similar regardless of where they are. Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are painful red areas of infected skin that appear to be irritated and are sometimes raised. Check your pet’s symptom What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?
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