Dog Hot Spots: What You Should Know

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Our pets are very important to us, so we want to make sure that we do everything we can to keep them healthy, which means looking out for things called dog hot spots. Essentially, they are just rashes that have become irritated on the surface of a dog's skin, and made worse by licking.

Officially, these hot spots are areas that have become infected, and then the pus from the infection gets caught in the dog's fur, which makes the problem get worse. Compulsive licking can make the issues spread quite rapidly, so once you see the first signs, you should be sure to do whatever you can to stop them quickly.

As far as what caused the initial irritation, there are several possibilities. It could have been an environmental or physical skin condition, or it could be something like parasites, bacteria, fungi, or potentially a virus. All of these things can cause a dog to itch initially, and from there it can all go down hill quickly, as when a dog wants to itch, it itches!

And just like humans, dogs have allergies that can irritate their skin, and that irritation leads to the scratching and biting that causes hot spots. Studies have shown, in fact, that one in every seven dogs may feel extreme discomfort due to allergies, and unlike humans, they would have a tough time communicating that and asking for some cough syrup!

Fleas and ticks can also give your dogs skin the first set of irritation that it requires to start chewing at its skin. Those tiny but pesky critters can hop on your dog from other animals, from being out in nature, or being in living spaces that have them there already, so be aware at all times.

Excessive hair loss or shedding can be an indication that something else is wrong with your dog, and often occurs when hot spots or symptoms of other ailments are present at around the same time, so it's always good to stay aware of things like your dog's general health as well, and know the signs of discomfort.

Treatment for hot spots is usually with creams or ointments to treat the skin, antibiotics to fight the infection, and shaving the hair around the spot to allow for the area to breathe and heal, rather than be under a coat of fur.

So if you see dog hot spots, there is no reason to be particularly concerned right away. Your best bet is to be aware of the symptoms and consequences, and make sure you are armed with the right knowledge to treat it as soon as possible.

About the Author:
Jennifer is a dog health authority who specializes in dog skin infections.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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