Dog Hot Spot
A hotspot is an inflamed area on the dog's skin that can become extremely uncomfortable. This is why it should be identified and treated as quickly as possible.
This is how a hotspot manifests itself in the dog
A hotspot is an inflamed area of skin in dogs, which often has a circular shape. Hence the name Hotspot: hot spot. Since it is an inflammation, the affected area is usually significantly warmer than the surrounding skin areas. The dog's hair often falls out at the inflamed area and a wound secretion forms, and purulent discharge can also develop. Especially when the hotspot is noticed too late. This is particularly the case for dogs with long top coats, such breeds are also often affected by a hotspot.
The emergence of the hotspot and what signs there are for it
A hotspot occurs mainly in the hot summer months and in early autumn when it is still warm enough. The best conditions for a hotspot are combined with humidity, be it from sea bathing or warm, rainy weather. It usually starts with the dog scratching and biting itself, always in the same place. If you notice this behavior in your dog more often, you should take a closer look at the spot.
Unfortunately, it usually doesn't take very long for the dog to inflict the injury on itself, which is then referred to as a hotspot. Other triggers apart from the warm, humid weather can be flea bites, tick bites or other skin irritations. Mites are also a conceivable cause. Even the slightest sign of inflammation developing on your dog's skin is reason for a vet visit.
You will save your dog a lot of suffering if you take him to the vet as soon as possible. Inflammation, no matter how small, can have serious health consequences.
This is how a hotspot is treated
The veterinarian will first shave the surrounding hair around the hotspot shorter in order to be able to treat the area over a large area. Then the area is professionally cleaned and treated with the right ointment or tincture, depending on the severity of the inflammation. In any case, the itching must be stopped to give the dog relief. If there is already a purulent discharge, the dog may be treated with antibiotics to stop the infection.
The veterinarian often recommends a neck brace for the dog so that it leaves the area alone. In addition, it must be clarified whether the dog has been infested with mites or fleas and has therefore bitten and scratched itself. Vermin infestation must then also be treated if necessary.
It is often a dietary mistake when your dog sheds its coat. But also …
There are preventative options
You can counteract the development of a hotspot by paying particular attention to grooming during the warm, humid season. Comb and brush your dog several times a week and make sure to dry it off thoroughly after a bath or a walk in the rain. This removes the breeding ground from the hotspot. Grooming also ensures that dead hair and excess undercoat are removed, making it even more difficult for a hotspot to develop. In addition, you will become aware of possible parasites such as ticks and fleas at an early stage.
If, despite all care and attention, a hotspot develops, you can at least recognize it early on and have your dog treated for it. There is no way around a visit to the veterinarian. It is not advisable to try out on your own whether one or the other ointment from your own medicine cabinet would help. In the worst case, you will make the hotspot worse and lose valuable time, which unnecessarily delays healing.
Finally, I wish you and your dog that a hotspot will never develop. And if it does, I wish your four-legged friend a quick and speedy recovery!
