How to Treat hot spots in Dogs

Hot spots, known to veterinarians as pyotraumatic dermatitis, are surface skin infections caused by normal skin bacteria suddenly growing and overwhelming normal resistance. These spots are usually circular and hairless and may also be swollen or oozing pus. They are extremely itchy and will cause dogs to lick, scratch, lick and bite them to the point where they can do themselves real harm. The dogs most likely to be troubled by hot spots are usually heavy coated and may have had problems with tangled, matted hair, allergies, ear infections, or fleas. Warm, humid climates also lead to dogs developing hot spots at shedding time, especially if the dead hair from the undercoat is trapped next to the skin. Hot spots are most often located on the flanks, rump, legs and feet, but can also appear on the neck, chest and ears.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors (preferably grooming scissors)
• Mild antiseptic or astringent
• Washcloth

1. Trim away the hair around the hot spot to prevent it from spreading further. This will also expose the edges of the sore to treatment.

2. Wash the sore with a mild astringent or antiseptic. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

3. Apply a cold compress such as a cool, wet washcloth several times a day. This will help to ease your dog's pain and itching.

4. Apply a little topical relief. You can go all-natural with tea tree oil or even wet teabags, or you can use cortisone ointment or spray.

5. Take your dog to the vet if the home remedies do not appear to be working. Your vet may prescribe stronger remedies and may also supply your dog with an Elizabethan collar, a plastic cone that will prevent a dog from reaching a wound to chew on or lick it.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your long-haired dog on a regular grooming schedule to prevent hot spots from developing.
• Never bathe a matted dog. Comb or cut mats out before bathing because wet, matted hair may lead to hot spots.
• Hot spots may come about because a dog is bored and chewing on himself. In this case, contact a good dog trainer as well as a veterinarian to suggest behavioral.