Hot Spots in Dogs

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are one of the most common skin problems among dogs, especially during certain hot and wet months of a year. But it's not only developed in summer. Hot spots are often mistakenly diagnosed as an insect bite by many dog owners. But unlike an insect bite, hot spots will spread and get worsen much quickly. Thus, get to know the symptoms and the right treatments of hot spots are essential to every pup owner.

Symptoms

Acute moist dermatitis, also known as hot spots, is one of the most common skin diseases among dogs, especially for dog breeds with long hair. It's not a fatal disease, but can be really frustrating for both you and your dog. If you don't take the right actions for your dog at first, areas once had hot spots will continue to have it again and again. Thus, to notice if your dog is developing a hot spot, check out the list of symptoms below:

Unusual frequent licking and chewing at certain sites.
Inflammation and oozing at certain sites.
Itchy of skin.
Abnormal aggression.
Abnormal depression.
Common sites of developing hot spots are limbs, neck, and hips.

Causes

Hot spots usually start from an initial irritation. The initial irritation can result from anything that will make a dog feel itchy. For example, insect bites from fleas, mosquitoes or other small insects; parasites; environmental or food allergies; ear infections; matted or dirty fur; and excessive chewing or licking because of stress or boredom. The initial wound is usually not a big deal, but the itchy and painful feeling will make your dog continue to lick and chew the infected area, which will create a warm and damp environment for bacteria to grow. Bacteria is the culprit of hot spots.

Treatments

Hot spots are annoying and easily reoccurring, thus it's important for you to take the appropriate treatments. Of course, the first thing you have to do if you notice that your dog is suffering from hot spots is to take him to the vet. Here are some other tips you can follow at home. First, trim the hair around the infected area to prevent a warm and wet environment. Second, wash the area with an anti-itch medicated shampoo. It's essential to expose the affected area into the air and keep it dry and clean. Third, prescribe antibiotics and steroids to treat inflammation, bacterial infections, and decrease itching. Additionally, if your dog is licking and chewing the infected area too much, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent further damages.

Prevention

Keep healthy and clean skin is the main defense to prevent future hot spots. Keep your furry friend away from the repeatedly licking and scratching is important. Like we discussed above, there are various reasons that can make dogs feel itchy and uncomfortable. If your pooch is a long-hair breed, regular grooming is needed to prevent its coat to become damp and messy. Also, dry your dog's fur after it finished swimming or bathing. A wet environment is always ideal for bacteria and parasites. If you are not sure what allergen your dog will allergy to, you can take him or her to do an allergy testing with the vet. After doing the test, you can protect your dog from all the potential dangerous factors that will lead to itching and cause hot spots.

Hello ! This Is Taffy!

Teddy, Turbo, Taffy, Toby, Tootsie, Tori, Taylor did not have names until recently. They actually really don’t even know their names, but we know they deserved them. These beautiful retriever/labrador mix puppies were born on the streets. They have not known human touch. They did not know what it was like to eat dog food. They did not know what a soft bed, comforting touch, clean water or being held was like. Until recently. These 7 puppies were just our typical neighborhood puppies. They ran from humans because mom ran from humans. Not that any human wanted to help, it’s puppy season, so why would they? There are 20 more like them in the next few blocks in either direction. There is a mom, and we are working to trap her as she is sweet, but very scared. Mom is about 50-55 lbs and looks very much like a yellow lab/retriever mix. We will not give up until she is trapped and safe with us. Multiple volunteers are feeding her until we can gain her trust. The puppies have been raised to be weary of everything and everyone. Especially as newborn babies, they were subject to almost every predator possible, and mom must have done everything she could to keep them alive. We received a picture of mom and puppies one day all in the middle of a neighborhood street, just waiting for a car to come by too fast and not paying attention; We knew we had to help, and we did. These babies are finally learning what true love, canned and dry puppy food is (they LOVE it!!), and they’re slowly learning what treats and toys are. It’s so sad to see puppies given treats and toys and they shy away, wondering if they’re dangerous or off limits. We are teaching them how to be puppies. We are experiencing so many firsts. Their first face full of moosh. First tail wags, which are a work-in-progress. You can tell they so desire the human touch but haven’t had it, so they just aren’t sure how to take it. They have been exposed already to kitties, and they don’t mind them at all. If anything, they’re a bit scared of them. These babies thrive with other dogs. They met the fosters dogs, and they instantly were full of life and energy. While these babies are only timid, another dog in the home or one that they can be with often will help them tremendously. Another dog can offer guidance, confidence and everything these babies will need to thrive. They love to follow other dogs around. We estimate they were born around Feb 17th. We do not know who dad is, but based on size and the semi big feet they have, we estimate they’ll be around 50-60 lbs full grown. They are not house trained, but who can blame them? They don’t even know how to be true rambunctious little squirts yet, so house training will have to be worked on. An ideal home will be one who understands these babies need patience, lots of love, lots of affection, confidence building and trust. They have so much potential, and so much hope in their eyes. If just in a short time we can experience their happiness and tail wags, we know in more time, you can help break them out of their shell and help them become the best fur babies we know they can be. All adoption fees include current negative hw test if old enough, current age appropriate vaccines including rabies, parvo/distemper, bordatella, current heart worm and flea/tick preventions, lifetime registered microchip, 2 dewormers and transport costs from Texas to the East Coast. PLEASE READ THIS TO APPLY TO ADOPT: Www.ruraltank.org/adopt We process applications as they arrive in our inbox. Especially for highly adoptable dogs, we strongly suggest you fill out an application as soon as possible as we can receive quite a few per animal, but only can choose one application. ALL OF OUR ANIMALS ARE LOCATED IN SOUTH TEXAS. They are posted in areas where we transport to ONCE ADOPTED. 95% of our animals are pre adopted prior to transport, if you want to do a meet and greet with an animal in person we suggest going to a local shelter as we probably will not be able to offer that. We do sometimes have animals located in certain areas and if that is the case, it will be at the top of their profile BIO. Once approved though us, we will put you in contact with the foster family that has your animal to learn more about them! We transport almost weekly; it just depends on vetting and transport companies. Application turn around is usually about 1-3 days max, if not sooner. After you submit an application and want to send additional information or pictures of current animals/past ones in a separate email, we love that, and it always helps your chances :)