Understanding Hot Spots in Dogs: treatment, clipping and pain management

Understanding Hot Spots, moist dermatitis in Dogs: Treatment and Care

With the warmer temperatures a common issue that many dogs face is moist dermatitis, more commonly known as hot spots. These localized skin infections often lead to itching, redness, and irritation, and they can become quite painful if not addressed promptly.

Hot spots are areas of skin inflammation and infection that can occur abruptly and cause significant discomfort. The most common area is on the face under the ear.

Hot spots can develop as a result of various factors, including excessive moisture, allergies, insect bites, ear infections, or even underlying skin conditions. It's essential to identify and address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence and ensure your pet's overall well-being.

One crucial step in treating hot spots is to clip the hair of the affected area down to the skin. Clipping promotes healing and reduces moisture buildup.

Removing the hair ensures that topical treatments can penetrate the skin effectively and reach the site of infection.The hair can trap moisture and bacteria, worsening the hot spot.

Some dogs need sedation and or anesthesia for the initial skin treatments due to the pain of the infection.

Once the affected area is clipped, the next step involves appropriate medical treatment. Potential treatments may include antibiotics, pain medicine, and topical treatments.

As the skin heals scabs will form. The hair should grow back in about 4-8 weeks.

Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding dosage and duration of treatment to ensure effective resolution of the hot spot.

Your veterinarian may explore various diagnostic options, including allergy testing or skin scrapings, to identify the root cause.