Along with the warmer weather, comes swimming. Along with swimming, comes the risk of a hot spot, especially if you have a hairy dog with floppy ears…that likes to swim. Now it must be said that swimming isn’t the primary cause for hot spots but moisture is an ingredient.
What is a hot spot?
A hot spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection. The infection can be superficial or deep. Other common names for this condition include: moist dermatitis, and acute moist dermatitis.
What does a hot spot look like?
Redness, oozing, pain, and itchiness are some of the main signs. Hair loss is commonly present. Sometimes hair can mat over the lesion, obscuring the size and degree of the problem. These lesions can appear suddenly, and grow rapidly, some in a matter of hours. I a dog like a golden retriever, one of the most common areas for hot spots is under or just behind the ear. Another spot is the side of the face or the base of the tail. Most likely it starts as an itchy spot for the dog and the dog does what dogs do, they scratch it. This most likely causes it to ooze and spread and before you know it, you have a mess on your hands.
What causes a hot spot?
There is usually an inciting factor to initiate the extreme licking and scratching behavior. Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite (Mosquito or tick) , allergies (food, inhalant, contact), or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.). Some animals have been known to “start” a hot spot out of boredom or simply because the area itches.
How can I prevent a hot spot?
We make a habit to dry the dogs as soon as possible after a swim. Behind and under the ears, the cheek area, and the base of the tail are the areas that you should concentrate on. If possible, use a dog dryer or a hair dryer with either no heat or low heat.
The sooner you find the hot spot the better your chances are to “nip it in the bud”.
If, upon examination, you find a red area that hasn’t broken out yet, you can clean it with hand sanitizer or some other antibiotic spray or cream. That will help kill the bacteria. Then you need to keep your dog from scratching. Hot spots itch!
If the affected area has broken out, the next step is to thoroughly clean the area with soap and water. Some long haired dogs may need to have the fur clipped but there is a school of thought that says clipped fur itches and will only encourage the dogs to scratch more. It’s your call. At the very least, comb the fur so there are no mats or tangles. The area has to be dry because it was the moisture combined with bacteria that started this whole mess. You can use a Vitamin E anti-biotic cream (the same as you would use on a human) and clean and treat it daily.
If all that fails and the spot is getting worse, you may have to bring your dog to the vets. Most vets will shave the area and apply a Cortisone cream or some other antibiotic and probably prescribe an antibiotic to be taken orally. If your dog can get at the spot with his paws, he will probably be given the “cone of shame” to wear until the spot is healing and no longer itches.
In order to completely eliminate future hot spots you need to address the underlying cause as well as the symptoms. In the case of a long haired dog who gets hot spots because of mats, tangles, and moisture issues the best solution is frequent brushing or grooming. Certain types of dogs, such as golden retrievers or cocker spaniels, need to be brushed at least twice a week, and bathed once a month.