NOT-SO-HOT SPOTS

The best way to prevent hot spots from occurring is to identify and address the underlying cause.

If you’ve had a dog in your life you probably would’ve seen a hot spot. Dog hot spots are areas of infected, inflamed skin that are very uncomfortable for your dog. Often these spots get moist or itchy and can even ooze. Your dog will likely be tempted to lick or chew the area of discomfort, but doing so only makes those hot spots worse.

Hot spots on dogs are caused by a condition called acute moist dermatitis. They’re itchy, painful skin lesions that result from constant licking, biting, and scratching of one area. Inflammation causes these spots to become warm, which is how they gained the name “hot spots”. Irritants such as insects and allergens can be the initial cause for your dog’s irritation, and excess moisture from rain or being in water can sometimes amplify the effects.

MAKING IT ALL BETTER

You can usually treat a minor hot spot at home, and the first step would be to clean the affected area very gently so that you don’t cause more pain. Ask your veterinarian or pet store about a product specially formulated to treat hot spots.

After the area has been cleaned, apply a cool washcloth or compress to soothe the area and relieve irritation before patting it dry.

Once dry, to treat the hot spot, start by applying a topical hot spot treatment to protect and soothe any lasting irritation. Continue to apply this treatment three times daily and try to monitor how often your pet licks or scratches the area. There are many products available to treat hot spots, but a completely natural product that we’ve consistently heard good things about and have tested ourselves is the Ricky Litchfield Hot Spot Spray, Ricky Litchfield Topical Spray, or Ricky Litchfield Topical Dog Gel, available at most pet stores in South Africa. Ricky Litchfield is a natural antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal treatment that aids the management and control of hot spot conditions.

Dog hot spot healing time usually lasts anywhere from a few days up to a couple of weeks, so you’ll need to continue to clean and check the affected area daily. If the area worsens or doesn’t show improvement in a couple of days, or in extreme cases, you should contact your veterinarian for further treatment such as antibiotics.

CAN YOU PREVENT HOT SPOTS?

The best way to prevent hot spots from occurring is to identify and address the underlying cause of your dog’s itching. Good parasite prevention, treatment of skin infections, and management of allergies are essential to stop scratching and prevent trauma to the skin. In hot, humid weather, always thoroughly dry your heavy-coated dog after bathing or swimming.

Because hot spots are a skin condition, regular grooming and bathing can decrease the chance of them appearing on your dog. Long-haired dog breeds may also benefit from hair clippings during the summer months, as long coats create a breeding ground for bacteria when moisture gets trapped inside the dense hair.

Giving your dogs adequate exercise is another way to prevent hot spots. This is because many dogs tend to lick and scratch themselves when they’re bored, and exercise can keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Allergies, including food allergies, environmental or inhalant allergies that cause itching, should be addressed.