Dog owners know the signs. Persistent licking or chewing on that one spot. Redness. Itching. A certain smell. Your dog acting irritated and wound up. And then you notice a raw, oozing, open sore.
To veterinarians, this is known as pyotraumatic dermatitis. More commonly referred to and recognized by the term “hot spot”. This is a surface skin infection that is caused when normal skin bacteria grow in numbers and overwhelm the dog’s normal resistance. They are generally circular in shape and can grow in a matter of hours. Usually the sore itself is swollen, itchy and painful. Dogs will often scratch, lick and bite at themselves to the point of self mutilation. The sore can also exude a smelly pus.
When left untreated, a hot spot can spread – sometimes up to twenty times its size in one day – and become so irritating that it will provoke even a normally even tempered dog to growl or nip when touched. The key to treating the infection is to act quickly.
Due to the speed with which a hot spot can spread and the possibility of a more severe infection, it is probably best to speak with your vet once you discover the hot spot. If it is not possible to get your dog to the vet immediately, you can try treating it at home. Treatment involves clipping or shaving the spot to prevent spreading and infection. Next you should wash the area with an astringent such as hydrogen peroxide. You can also use a cortisone cream to relieve the itching but you’ll need to be aware that your dog will probably try to lick the cream so you’ll need to make sure that it is not toxic. In severe cases where there is a more serious infection, your dog may need prescribed antibiotics to recover.
There are also some natural remedies that can be used to treat hot spots. Applying Witch Hazel to the spot can provide a cooling sensation which can comfort the dog. Also, you can treat the spots by applying black tea bags – make sure not to use herbal ones though. The tannic acid found in black tea helps to dry out and heal the sore. Soak the tea in warm water. Remove the tea bag and allow it to cool. Once the bag is cool, apply to the spot for approximately five minutes or so.
Hot spots can be caused by any number of things such as allergies, heavy coats, warm and humid climate and sometimes behavioral problems. If dead hair is trapped next to the skin when your dog begins to shed their undercoat, the skin can become irritated very quickly.
