The Heat is On! Treating 'Hot Spots'

What is a "Hot Spot?" and how do they develop?  Hot spots, or a weeping sore that seems to develop almost overnight is a bacterial skin condition that can cause great distress for your dog. 

Sam is just fine when you bring him in for the day, but by nightime, he's licking at a sore on his side that is roughly the size of tennis ball.  The hair is gone, it's oozing and is obviously uncomfortable.  He itches like fire and yet the spot is tender and inflamed, causing him to lick it continuously.  How could this happen in just a matter of hours? 

Hot spots occur when bacteria on the skin "blooms" or starts to grow at a very rapid rate.  This happens in the hot, humid weather of deep summer.  Treating them requires quick action on your part, but with fast action, your pet will not suffer undue discomfort.

When you first suspect a hot spot, clip all hair from around the wound for at least and inch from the sides of the sore.  Get it as short as you can and make sure that the edges of the spot are free from hair.  After the hair is gone, wash the entire area of the sore with antibacterial soap.  I use Dial brand soap because it is effective against many bacteria including staph.  Make sure that you wash the sore and all around the edges.  Rinse with clean water and pat dry.  Apply an antibiotic ointment to the sore or use a sulfa powder.  Repeat this treatment twice daily.  You should notice improvement within 24 hours. 

If your dog is an outside kind of pooch, inspect that hot spot each time he comes in the house or at least twice a day!  Flies love to lay their eggs in putrid flesh and an untreated hot spot can become home to maggots, which will consume the putrification and cause very serious health problems - Gross!!!

Hot spots can be prevented by giving your favorite friend a summer style of short coat, clean face and clipped paws.  Whether your dog is an inside or outside pet, they can be affected by hot spots so:

1. Check your pet frequently for signs of hot spots.  Look under collars, behind ears, at the base of the tail and flanks, as these are the places that hot spots commonly are found.

2. Treat immediately, as bacteria growth is amazingly fast.  A tiny spot in the morning can be a giant sore by nightfall.

3. If there is no improvement in 24 hours SEE YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY!  Untreated hotspots can become the site of fly activity including maggot infestation. 

4. Prevention is better than cure!  Clip your pet's coat short for the hot humid "dog days" of summer.  Keep them in an air-conditioned environment which is also humidity controlled.  Bathe your dog every two weeks or so to keep bacteria on the skin to a minimum. 

Enjoy the warm weather with your best friend!