Hot spot is a fairly common issue in dogs, especially during summer. This is because the most ideal conditions for bacterial growth are created by warmth and moisture. Dogs that are particularly prone to hot spots are those with a thick, dense coat and dogs that love to swim. Drying a thick coat takes time, and as a result, the bacteria that cause hot spots get excellent conditions to thrive.
A hot spot, or moist superficial dermatitis, can also begin from a minor surface injury to the skin. Examples include an insect bite or a small scratch that the dog starts licking and scratching. When the protective layer of the skin is damaged, bacteria can gain access to the skin. Sometimes the reason for licking and/or scratching may also be pain, an unkempt coat, or itching caused by allergies. Breaking the skin can allow bacteria to multiply at the damaged site and cause a skin infection, which the dog’s licking can further worsen. Dogs suffering from different allergies develop hot spots more easily than other dogs.
Where and how?
Most often, a hot spot appears around the ears, cheeks, neck, or hips, but it can occur anywhere. It is most often round in shape, a red inflamed area on the skin, and it may even ooze pus. When severely inflamed, it also smells bad and is extremely painful.
To prevent hot spots, it is important to dry the coat thoroughly in dogs that spend time in water. In summer, the dog’s coat can be trimmed shorter so that it stays as airy as possible, neat, quick to dry, and also easy to care for. In addition, it is important to keep the dog’s parasite control up to date and protect the dog from ticks and other insects whenever possible. Ear infections, paw infections, and allergies can cause licking and lead to moist dermatitis, i.e., the formation of hot spots. If you suspect a hot spot, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian so the problem can be brought under control and treated as quickly as possible. In treating hot spots, it is important to be patient and to treat the issue carefully until the skin is fully healed—otherwise it can recur and spread easily. If it progresses, the inflamed area can be very painful. Most often, moist dermatitis can be treated at home if it is noticed early and the owner knows how to treat it correctly. Sometimes medications and veterinary help are also needed to get the infection under control.
When a hot spot is noticed or suspected, it is important to clip the fur from the inflamed area and around it, so that you can see how extensive the inflammation is. The inflamed area of skin is cleaned with water, gently patted dry, and disinfected with a non-stinging disinfectant. If possible, the inflamed area can be protected with a bandage or some other cover.
Get the diet in order
If a dog suffers from recurring hot spots, it is worth reviewing the diet. Sensitivities and allergies may predispose the dog to skin issues. Raw feeding seems to suit many dogs that suffer from moist dermatitis. Omega fatty acid supplements that help tackle inflammation, adequate fiber intake, lactic acid bacteria or prebiotics, and vitamin E can be helpful in supporting skin wellbeing and the body’s own immune defenses. Studies have found that a high omega fatty acid level helps protect the body against inflammation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant in the body that protects cell membranes from damage and supports the body’s own resistance, i.e., immune defense. The body’s own metabolism produces oxygen radicals that can damage cell membranes. As an antioxidant, vitamin E combats the harm they cause and helps prevent inflammatory reactions from developing. Vitamin E is important for all dogs, but it is worth noting that the more animal-based ingredients a dog’s diet contains, the less vitamin E it contains. An active, highly exercised dog that eats a raw diet is unlikely to get enough vitamin E from food alone. In addition, the amount of fat in the diet affects vitamin E needs so that the higher the fat content of the diet, the higher the need for vitamin E. In other words, giving a dog a lot of omega fatty acids also increases its need for vitamin E. The effectiveness of vitamin E has been shown in many inflammatory diseases, including skin diseases. Omega fatty acids and vitamin E support skin and coat wellbeing, speed recovery, can help prevent potential infections in advance, and reduce skin irritation.
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