In summer time, these nasty patches of inflammation and infection on the skin can develop almost overnight. And why do they occur several times a year in some dogs and never in others?

Hot spots are also known as moist dermatitis. They are areas of bacterial infection which develop opportunistically after the surface of the skin has been disrupted, either by a scratch or itchy insect bite. In Queensland, the humidity and high summer temperatures make this broken skin surface even more favourable for bacterial growth. There are normally many millions of bacteria on the surface of healthy skin, but when these conditions of high humidity, temperature and scratched skin coincide, these bacteria literally have a party and start multiplying many times over. This causes more inflammation which feels itchy to the dog and the scratching becomes worse, which provides a larger area of damaged skin for the bacteria to grow on, which becomes itchier…. I think you get the vicious cycle  picture!

So how do you treat a hot spot?

The most important factors, apart from killing the bacteria, are to help the area dry out and reduce the itching. So what can you do and when is is time to call the vet? If the area is still small (<3cm diameter), is mildly inflamed and your dog does not seem to be going bonkers trying to ‘get at it’, you can try a couple of things to help it heal:

  • Trim the surrounding fur
  • Clean the skin with a dilute disinfectant safe for using on pets e.g. Betadine – check with a veterinary professional if you’re not sure!
  • Discourage your pet from chewing/scratching at the area – try going for a walk or giving him a chew treat to keep busy

When do you call the vet in?

  • If the hotspot has developed to a large red angry patch (>3cm diameter), and especially if it has grown very rapidly (overnight).
  • If your pet is extremely itchy and can’t seem to think or do anything apart from lick, bite, scratch or chew at the affected area.
  • You have tried treating it for a day and there has been no improvement.

How will the vet treat the hot spot?

  • Shaving: She will shave the fur around the affected area so that all the damaged skin and a border of healthy skin is exposed. This will ensure the area can be cleaned and dry out.
  • Disinfecting: She will then clean the area with a dilute disinfectant or disinfectant soap such as a Chlorhexidine solution. She may send some home with you, for you to clean the wound a few times a day.
  • Topical Antibiotic Cream: She may prescribe a topical cream to apply to the affected area. This will almost always contain a topical antibiotic to kill the bacteria, and may contain an anti-inflammatory and local anaesthetic to make the area feel less itchy.
  • Oral/Injectable Antibiotic Course: If the hotspot is particularly large, it seems to be spreading rapidly or there are multiple affected areas, she will probably prescribe some antibiotics. The full course must be completed, since an incomplete course may allow more resistant bacteria to remain. These then become more difficult to get rid off and prolonged pain and infection result.
  • Elizabethan Collar: These are the comical ‘bucket-head” contraptions that one sometimes sees on TV. The vet may advise using an elizabethan/E-collar to help prevent your dog from scratching the area. They’re especially useful when the affected area is on the pet’s face or rump.
  • Cleaning under sedation or general anaesthetic: Very occasionally a dog may be so uncomfortable and sore that he is unable to tolerate having the area examined, shaved or cleaned whilst he is awake. In these cases the vet may need to sedate or anaesthetise a pet in order to get the healing process started.

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So why do some pets get hot spots and others don’t?

  1. Pets with long, thick or matted coats are more likely to have problems since the surface of the skin does not dry as easily so any trapped moisture remains there for longer. Dogs that go swimming often will also be more predisposed.
  2. Pets with skin allergies already have a reduced resistance to opportunistic bacterial infections. Further more, very often these pets are already scratching and so more likely for one of the scratches to break the skin surface.
  3. Dogs with blocked anal sacs or ear infections. These are also both itchy conditions where pets are more likely to be scraping/scratching/rubbing itchy spots and more likely to cause a break in the skin.
  4. Certain species are more predisposed – dogs generally tend to get hotspots far more often than cats.

If your pet is suffering from an itchy skin condition, especially if it seems to occur over and over again, there may be another underlying cause. These should definitely be investigated further. Remember that although hotspots occur more frequently in summer, they can occur at any time of the year – if you suspect your pet may have a hotspot, even if it’s in the middle of winter, don’t ignore it, it won’t go away!

If you would like more info or would like to book an appointment to get your pet’s skin checked, please call on 0481 527 678 or book online via the booking page – we’ll be happy to help!