Hot Spots in Dogs

There will be a reddening of the skin and your dog may lose hair around the area as the infection progresses. Hot spots can be quite painful and your dog will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Constant licking or scratching of the inflamed area.
• Pain on touching the affected area.
• Heightened aggression if the pain increases.
• Lethargy in dogs may set in if it hurts them to move.
• Loss of appetite or inappetence can occur as a result of bacterial infection if the infection causes gastrointestinal issues.

Moist dermatitis starts as a superficial inflammation and may become worse with a bacterial infection on the site. The underlying inflammation can be caused by many factors:

• Tick or flea bites: Tick infestations can be very itchy and invite the spread of infections.
• Open wounds: Your dog may get injured while playing, get scratched by a sharp object, or get impaled by a thorn. If the wound is not addressed, it can lead to the formation of a hot spot
• Ear infections: These are especially common in dogs with floppy ears. The environment of the ear is warm and moist, and the ear canal is L shaped, which makes it ideal for water to get trapped. Extra care needs to be taken to prevent flare-ups.
• Anal gland disease: This is caused when the anal sacs get impacted. They need to be expressed to release their contents. The impaction makes it fit for bacteria to thrive and it can transform into an uncomfortable situation for your dog.
• Behavioural issues: Some dogs incessantly lick or scratch themselves to release nervous energy. This can lead to tears in the skin and cause infections to erupt.
• Orthopaedic issues: In senior dogs, orthopaedic issues can cause joint pain. Again, licking or scratching the area can inflame it and lead to moist dermatitis.

Read more: Ear mites in dogs

If you notice that your pet is distressed and there is inflammation on the skin, it is a good idea to go to the vet. Your vet will likely conduct a thorough examination to rule out any underlying causes. 

While broad-based antibiotics are known to work well, the vet may collect a biopsy of the inflammation to see what kind of bacteria is to blame. Unless the infection has spread too much, treatment can be carried out at home.

You might also be interested in: Itching in dogs: Mange

Hot spots are very common, especially during the summer. Thankfully, there are a few simple tips and tricks to help your dog recover quickly. Read on for a few things your vet might do or recommend:

• To prevent the dog from licking the site and causing damage, the vet may try covering the wound after administering topical antibiotics. However, it might be better to let the wound breathe - be exposed to the air and dry naturally. So an Elizabethan collar might be put on the dog to prevent him or her from licking the wound. 
• The vet will cut the hair around the wound and clean the wound. As this may be painful, the dog may need to be lightly sedated. After the area has been cleaned thoroughly, the antibiotic regimen can be started.
• Any underlying conditions will also be addressed. Treatment will depend on what caused the infection in the first place.

In some cases, there is no recurrence of hot spots. But sometimes they can keep recurring and cause distress to the dog. Topical antibiotics are restarted in the latter case. In general, vets will encourage you to maintain your dog’s hygiene and get him or her groomed regularly.

Read more: What to do if your dog has fleas