{"id":468,"date":"2022-09-07T14:34:40","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T18:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=468"},"modified":"2022-09-07T14:34:42","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T18:34:42","slug":"how-to-recognize-and-treat-hot-spots-on-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/how-to-recognize-and-treat-hot-spots-on-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Recognize and Treat Hot Spots on Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There are usually a few different possible explanations for certain canine behaviors. For example, a dog that obsessively licks, bites or scratches their skin could be suffering from allergies, parasites, or even anxiety, stress, or boredom. If this behavior continues, moist dermatitis (hot spots) may develop. Characterized by terribly itchy, painful open sores, hot spots in dogs don\u2019t heal quickly due to the excessive attention dogs give to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Comes First?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hot spots in dogs can develop from excessive licking, or when moisture gets trapped in the coat. In other words, hot spots are the symptom of a condition, such as allergies<\/a>, or they are the direct cause of intense itching<\/a>. Either way, hot spots in dogs are painful and require immediate care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation and Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moist dermatitis can happen after a dog swims or bathes. If not thoroughly dried off, any residual moisture can get trapped beneath a thick fur coat. Hot spots in dogs are also directly linked to excessive licking from fleas<\/a>, allergens, or stress. This cycle of trapped moisture, itching, and scratching causes inflammation. If left alone, infection can soon set in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Look For<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dog owners are usually alerted to hot spots simply by observing their dog\u2019s behavior. If they appear uncomfortable or distracted, or simply cannot stop scratching or licking <\/a>at a certain area, it\u2019s time to investigate what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot spots in dogs are commonly found near the hips, limbs, and head, but can occur all over the body. You might see an area licked completely clean of fur around an angry, red sore or lesion. Fluid or blood may be coming from the lesion. Bacteria aid in the spread of hot spots, and increase the seriousness of this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dog owners should move quickly to address and treat hot spots in dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n