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If you have a dog as a pet, you know that they sometimes get something that looks like a rash on their skin, and that it is known as a dog hot spots. Basically it is just one of several skin problems that a dog can have that can be very uncomfortable and irritating for them. Essentially, hot spots are areas that started out as some sort of irritation to the dog, and it bit or scratched at them until it became infected. Compulsive licking makes it worse, and then the fact that their fur mats the area down just makes it spread more quickly, exacerbating the situation and the discomfort involved. As far as what caused the initial irritation, there are several possibilities. It could have been an environmental or physical skin condition, or it could be something like parasites, bacteria, fungi, or potentially a virus. All of these things can cause a dog to itch initially, and from there it can all go down hill quickly, as when a dog wants to itch, it itches! Allergies also irritate a dog's skin to the point where it will bite and scratch at those areas. Yes, just like humans, dog have allergies as well, and one study suggests that has many as one in seven dogs have the condition severely enough to impact its life quite negatively. Food allergies are often a culprit as well, depending on what kind of diet you are feeding your dog. Fleas and ticks can also give your dogs skin the first set of irritation that it requires to start chewing at its skin. Those tiny but pesky critters can hop on your dog from other animals, from being out in nature, or being in living spaces that have them there already, so be aware at all times. Excessive hair loss or shedding can be an indication that something else is wrong with your dog, and often occurs when hot spots or symptoms of other ailments are present at around the same time, so it's always good to stay aware of things like your dog's general health as well, and know the signs of discomfort. Treatment for hot spots is usually with creams or ointments to treat the skin, antibiotics to fight the infection, and shaving the hair around the spot to allow for the area to breathe and heal, rather than be under a coat of fur. So if you think your dog has hot spots, check on the internet to see if the symptoms are right, then take it to the vet and find out what the best remedies are so you and you pet can get back to having fun! Jennifer is a pet health authority who specializes in dogs hot spots.
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