First Aid For Dog Hotspots

What is a hotspot?

 

Canine hotspots are red, inflamed skin lesions also known as purulent traumatic dermatitis or acute wet dermatitis. These names accurately describe inflammatory lesions exacerbated by scratching that appear rapidly, ooze, and may contain pus. Hot spots can be found anywhere on a dog, but the most common places are the head, legs, and rump. These painful, smelly sores can be very obvious or hidden under matted fur.

What causes hot spots?

 

Hot spots are usually caused by self-injury, an open wound caused when the dog scratches vigorously at the itchy spot. Dogs scratch for many reasons, but whatever the reason, hot spots are a nuisance. When the dog licks the sore, it stimulates the superficial nerve endings in the skin, which stimulates more itching, followed by more licking, biting, and scratching. This lick-itch-lick cycle is the basis for the self-trauma that leads to hot spots. Hotspots can increase dramatically in a very short period of time. A pet owner might go to work after noticing a pinpoint reddened area and come home at the end of the day to find a pancake-sized raw lesion.

 

How to deal with hotspots?

 

The goal of treating a hot spot is to stop the trauma and prevent the development of a deep skin infection, so the first step in treating a hot spot is to stop self-harm. But how do you stop your dog from licking, biting and scratching? Some options include:

 

An Elizabethan collar (also known as an E-collar or cone collar) that prevents dogs from chewing in hot spots.

 

Cover the hot spot with a sock or bandage as a barrier.

Topical or oral steroids (prednisone most commonly used) and antihistamines (diphenhydramine - brand name Benadryl®, cetirizine - brand name Reactine®, Zyrtec®) to reduce itching. Consult your veterinarian before using any medicines intended for humans, as they are often toxic to dogs.

 

Often, a combination of all options is required to prevent trauma.

 

At the same time, the root cause of the hotspot must be addressed.

 

If the hot spot is due to anal gland involvement, milking will be required.

 

If the cause is a flea allergy, start the flea control program with a fast-acting adulticide and continue with a monthly product (Frontline® Plus, Advantage® or Advantage®, Revolution®, Nexgard®, Simparica®, Bravecto®) to control the entire Fleas will need a flea life cycle.

 

If arthritis is the culprit, your veterinarian may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as meloxicam (Metacam®), carprofen (Rimadyl®), or other pain relievers (gabapentin is a common choose).

 

For environmental (atopic) or food allergies, your veterinarian can help you start avoidance or desensitization treatments and recommend hypoallergenic foods.

 

For ear infections, the underlying yeast or bacteria will be treated.

 

If boredom or behavior problems are the cause of the dog's self-injury, training and behavior modification, additional exercise and enrichment, and/or medications such as antidepressants (fluoxetine, clomipramine, amitriptyline) may be the solution .

 

If faulty grooming is the cause, seek out an experienced professional groomer who uses fear-free techniques.

 

The first step in treating a hot spot is to stop self-harming.

 

Clipping the hair away from the hot spot and surrounding area can be very helpful, especially if your dog has a thick coat. Hot spots will heal faster if the hair is removed and the lesion is properly dried. Grooming can be painful, so your dog may need to be sedated.

Lesions should be disinfected with a bactericidal chlorhexidine solution. Topical antibiotics, drying sprays, and soothing agents are more effective when applied to cleanly trimmed skin surfaces. Oral antibiotics and steroid/antihistamines may also be used to treat severe hot spots.

 

How to prevent hotspots?

 

Ongoing monitoring and treatment of the underlying cause should prevent future hotspots. Some dogs also benefit from seasonal grooming, as well as regular brushing and bathing. Treating any underlying causes, such as allergies or arthritis, will also reduce the recurrence of hot spots.