What causes hot spots on dogs? Listed below are some common causes of dog hot spots. The best treatment for a dog suffering from hot spots is to visit your veterinarian. Besides visiting your vet, you can treat hot spots at home with cold water and apply a cooling solution. Hot spots can be extremely painful and should be treated promptly. Once the hot spot subsides, you can try washing the area with cool water.
When you scratch your dog or cat’s itchy spots too vigorously, you may actually be creating hot spots on the skin. Some of these hot spots may even become infected. Self-trauma touches upon a wider range of disease-causing capillaries that are located under the surface of the skin just below the epidermis (outer layer). The overgrowth of blood vessels allows for more heat to escape from the skin surface, leading to painful episodes and wounds.
Anal gland issues
Hot spots in the anal region can be an indication that your dog may be suffering from anal gland problems. You should visit a veterinarian as soon as you notice these spots. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to rule out other underlying health problems that could be contributing to the hot spot. In addition to a physical exam, your veterinarian will also perform a digital rectal examination to rule out other diseases.
Anal gland problems can also be caused by other health problems, such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s disease. Regardless of the specific cause of the hot spots, it’s important to know that they can be treated successfully. Listed below are some common underlying conditions that can cause hot spots in dogs. Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to find a treatment plan.
Licking and chewing
Despite their common appearance, hot spots on dogs can be a symptom of a deeper problem. The most common causes of hot spots are flea bites, allergies, and stress. Preventive measures, such as flea and tick collars, only help stop fleas from biting your dog; they do not eliminate them. Fortunately, one flea bite can lead to an allergy.
The bacteria that cause hot spots are usually normal in your dog’s skin. Any type of infection or irritation that causes an imbalance in this bacteria is the primary culprit. Your dog may lick or chew on the hot spots to relieve itself. This causes the skin’s protective layer to weaken and allow bacteria and yeast to thrive. When your dog licks itself, he’ll exacerbate the problem and cause more irritation.
Matted dog hair
Hot spots on dogs are caused by matted dog hair, which is difficult to brush away. Dogs that have thick coats are especially susceptible to hot spots. Thick winter undercoats can get tangled with newer outer coats, causing mats that are impossible to remove through brushing alone. Hot spots can become so severe that they can lead to an infection. A vet will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe medicine.
The fur on a double-coated dog may be matted, preventing air circulation. This clogs the skin, which means it can’t breathe and turn over skin cells naturally. Matted fur also traps debris and moisture, creating the perfect conditions for hot spots. To help keep the skin clean, brush out the undercoat regularly. Use a slicker brush to remove dead undercoat hair.
Long-haired breeds are most likely to develop hot spots, but any dog can get them. In order to help prevent hot spots and help your dog if he gets one, you will need to check him frequently for skin irritations and address the issues causing them before they escalate into hot spots. Along with regular baths with a medicated shampoo that prevents him from licking his fur excessively, you may need to trim his hair or look for topical or oral drugs to help with the itching. You can probably try changing his food or treat him with some homeopathic medicines which are extremely effective in relieving itching.
