What is a hot spot not?
Hot spots are more generally known as summer sores, moist eczema or in veterinarian terms acute moist Pydormer. These skin infections are painful for dogs and the sores will send out unwanted pus. It can be a problem as the sores are likely to spread if left untreated.
The symptoms to watch out for are scratching, continual licking and biting. If this occurs then gently move away the hair from around the area to check it out.
If you spot any of the symptoms take your dog to your local vet without delay as they can become more painful in a short period of time. A ‘Hot Spot’ will require a vet to shave the infected area to allow it to dry out and heal.
If your dog continues to try to lick the infected area then you may have to place an Elizabethan collar around their neck to avoid self mutilation.
What causes a hot spot may be different in different dog breeds. Some dogs never have them, while others are prone to have in the infection. It may be that you need to change their shampoo or pet food if they keep getting them.
Other common factors that could contribute to Hot Spots are fleas, matted dog hair, tick bites, warm weather and certain dog allergies.
If you own a dog that has long hair, such as a Shit-Tzu or an Old English sheepdog, ones that have undercoats that shed hair, a strict grooming routine will help to avoid your dog being troubled with a Hot Spot in the future.
…and in case you were wondering, a hotspot is ‘not a good spot’.
