Dog Hot Spots Can Sometimes Have An Underlying Cause

By Jennifer Gretson


When a dog looses its hair in various areas it can be attributed to one or a combination of many factors. Dog hot spots is a possible reason. Sometimes you will notice that the areas are wet, but this is not always the case.

When your dog has hot spots, it could indicate a bacterial infection of the skin. The environment may be favourable for the bacteria to thrive. Wet and warm conditions are favourable for bacteria. There are many things that can cause these hot spots. Some are allergies, poor grooming or even in some cases behavioral issues.

There are sometimes allergies like food or parasites that can irritate the skin of a dog even if it has a good immune system. The dog generally starts licking excessively, thus creating a moist area where the bacteria thrive. If this condition is not treated, the dog starts to scratch resulting in hair loss. With dogs that have a normal immune system you can notice the irritation to the skin before the infection sets it. When you notice the irritation you need to look at your dog's bedding, matting, food, environment and the possible exposure to moist areas. Also take in mind the boredom, anxiety and other behavioral patterns of your dog.

When infections are involved and you are unable to ascertain the problem, you will require supervision from a veterinarian. At times they will suggest clipping around the area that is affected and washing with a gentle cleanser or antiseptic solution. If the area is caused by constant licking or scratching, an e-collar may be recommended until the area heals.

However, it is recommended to try to treat the cause of the condition as well, not just the condition itself. Trying to determine the cause is the only way to stop this problem for good. Irritating skin conditions can be onset by boredom, anxiety and other behavioural issues.

Regular grooming of dogs that suffer from these lesions is very important, removal of all mats from the coat two times is very important, and will help avoid the development of skin infections. You can cut out the mats if you want to, sometimes you will have to. If you can't manage to maintain your dog properly you should invest in a professional groomer, this will be cost effective in the long run. Many household mites can cause allergies that will manifest as skin irritations. Keeping the house free of these parasites by vacuuming regularly and removing dust and pollen will help to keep the environment clean. Changing the dogs diet may also help.

When you come across the problem of dog hot spots, it is important to look for the underlying cause and the issue is more complicated than a simple skin infection. Getting correct treatment is important, thus the need to speak to your vet as they have a vast experience in what can cause these problems.

When it comes to dog hot spots regular exercise is necessary. Plenty of play things to keep them busy and healthy can be a huge help to prevent boredom. Along with this, regular grooming and observation of your pet is needed.




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