Pet Hot Spots- The Basics Every Pet Owner Should Know

Almost every pet owner has returned home to discover that their beloved pooch seems rather uncomfortable in his or her skin.  One of the more common skin problems in dogs is the ‘hot spot.’ What exactly is a ‘hot spot’ and how does it happen? It seems like one moment the dog’s skin is fine and the next, there is an area of hairless, oozing, itchy skin. 

“Hot spots’ are medically called pyotraumatic dermatitis. Further classifications can refer to how deep into the skin the inflammation and/or infection reaches. These areas are typically one or more spots on the dog’s skin that are hairless, moist or weeping, and sometimes bloody, but turn dry and scabby when they begin to heal. These areas are very itchy and even painful, which stimulates the dog to lick and chew. This licking and chewing is a vicious cycle which produces more trauma to the skin and infection caused by bacteria. Golden retrievers are especially prone to developing hot spots on their neck and under their ear on the face. These areas are often covered with hair and need clipping with more intensive care.

There are many causes that need to be investigated by your veterinarian before treatment and prevention measures can begin.  Causes may include:

• Flea allergy, flea infestation
• Mites, such as sarcoptes or demodex
• Food allergy
• ‘Environmental’ allergy (pollen, mold, etc.), atopic dermatitis
• Irritation, such as from groomer’s clipper blades

Once an underlying cause is identified, treatment and preventative measures need to be taken. Your veterinarian may recommend a pain medication and antibiotics if the hot spot is severe enough. Some veterinarians will recommend a topical treatment as well.  Elizabethan collars (E-collars, or the “lamp shade collar”) are very helpful in that they prevent the dog from licking and chewing the area.  If your dog has a hot spot on the shoulder area, covering it by putting a small t-shirt or infant ‘onesie’ over it may be necessary to prevent further trauma.

If your dog develops a hot spot at home and you can’t make it to the vet quickly, there are certain steps you can take to keep your dog feeling comfortable. Keep in mind that some smaller hot spots can be treated successfully at home by following these basic ‘first aid’ tips:

• If you have an E-collar handy, have your dog wear it until you see the vet
• Cover the area by putting a t-shirt or infant ‘onesie’ (usually fits toy breeds) on your dog to help prevent further licking and chewing
• Don’t use human over-the-counter topical treatments
• Many of these ointments contain zinc oxide, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested
• Since dogs will often lick off ointments when they are applied, it is important to select a non-toxic pet ointment.

It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand in case of an emergency, minor cut or hot spot. A few good things to have in your kit include sterile gauze, a non-toxic pet skin ointment or stick, and petroleum jelly. Be sure to tune in next week as I discuss making your own First Aid Kit at home. Hopefully you'll never have to use it, but having the right supplies on hand will help tremendously in the event of a painful and irritating hot spot!

Does your dog suffer from hot spots? Share how you help your pet in the comments section below. We’d love to hear how you’re helping your pets live a healthier, more comfortable life.