How To Relieve Dog Hot Spots

When you left this morning you noticed that your Golden Retriever was scratching at his left shoulder. When you got back this afternoon he was totally agitated and had a large red raw patch inflamed skin there. It seems really painful and he doesn't want you to get too close to it. In fact, though he is typically very well mannered, he growled at you when you tried to go in for a closer look. This is all extremely upsetting. You don't know what has happened or what to do for him.

## What on earth is going on with my dog? I have never seen anything like this.

It sounds as if your dog is suffering with a fairly common skin disorder known as dog hot spots. Also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, it is a self-inflicted inflammation caused by excessive scratching or biting. Typically it presents itself as a red, raw patch of itchy, infected skin. Sometimes but not always it is accompanied by fur loss.

## But what exactly triggered this in the first place?

While the inflammation and infection is self-inflicted from the biting and scratching there is usually a fairly straight forward inciting factor such as fleas, mites, injury, or insect bite. It is also possible that the dog has suffered some sort of allergic contact to something that made him itchy.

## How do I treat it?

You'll want to get your dog checked out by a vet as soon as possible to help ensure that any infection does not spread or worsen. Usually the afflicted area will be shaved, dried and kept clean. Often some sort of dog collar is used to prevent the dog from worrying at the area. It's possible, based on the severity of any infection, that the dog will be prescribed a course of antibiotics or perhaps a medicated shampoo.

## How can I prevent it from happening in the future?

The most effective way way to prevent future hot spots on dogs is to reduce the potential inciting factors. Keep your dog well groomed. Use a dog shampoo that reduces itchy skin and make use of products that can effectively control fleas and mites.

If you are interested to find out more about common dog skin disorders simply go online and Google 'dog hot spots', 'dog rashes' or maybe a more generalized search like 'itchy dog' or 'stop dog shedding'. While it's unpleasant to see your dog suffering through any sort of condition it's good to know that hot spots are relatively common and entirely treatable.


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