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Have you ever heard of "hotspots", but don't really know what they are or what causes them? Here's a simple guide to help you better understand what they are and how to avoid them!
Hotspotsare red, inflamed skin lesions that are often painful and oozing. They are self-inflicted and caused by excessive licking, scratching or biting, often themselves linked to a variety of underlying causes. These commonly include allergies to flea bites, but also environmental or food allergies. Behavioral disorders such as anxiety and boredom can also lead to excessive, even compulsive, grooming.
Even more common are grooming and humidity problems. Excess moisture, often encountered after bathing or swimming, can become trapped in the coat and cause irritation. Heavily matted hair can trap even more moisture and debris, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. When these skin lesions become too extensive, a secondary infection caused by opportunistic bacteria can set in, prompting the animal to chew or scratch more. This is why dogs with long or very dense coats are particularly prone to pyoderma, especially in wet weather!
To start treating a possible hotspot quickly, stay alert and keep an eye out for these symptoms: red, inflamed skin with possible oozing or discharge, hair loss in the area and pain or tenderness. Your dog may be reluctant to let you examine the wound, and will tend to scratch, lick and chew frequently. In terms of treatment, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to establish the diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. On your vet's advice, you can shave the hair around the wound to allow better air circulation and prevent further irritation, and gently clean the area with a medicated shampoo or antiseptic solution. Depending on the condition and severity of the lesion, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or analgesics. In most cases, you'll also need to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from licking or scratching the area, otherwise he risks aggravating the lesion and accelerating the onset of infection.
But fear not! Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can prevent hotspots. First of all, it's important to groom your dog regularly to keep his coat clean and tangle-free. Flea and tick prevention is also essential to eliminate any parasitic causes of itching. To do this, ask your Neovet vet for preventive medication to protect against parasites.
If your dog suffers from allergies, you'll need to manage his symptoms to avoid skin irritation. If necessary, make an appointment with a Neovet veterinarian! They'll be happy to help you manage your dog's allergies.
Finally, if your dog is a big fan of bathing, especially during the warmer seasons, or if he simply needs a good bath, make sure you dry him thoroughly: this step is essential to combat dampness of the coat and skin and the development of pyotraumatic dermatitis!
