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The hot spot. A catchy name for one of the grossest things you can find lurking under their fur. But have you ever wondered what causes that intensely itchy, weeping and smelly sore? You might be surprised.
Oh and I’ve also included the secret to fixing them…quickly.
In a weird way, that 'manky' sore is a very uncomfortable miracle. It's required a unique combination of moisture, bacteria...and your dog to become a painful reality. Let me explain.
First of all, what is a hot spot?
It's a small patch of intensely itchy, irritated and infected skin. The proper name? Acute moist dermatitis. Like this...
Who’s most at risk of a hot spot?
Any dog (or cat) can experience a hot spot but here are the most commonly affected:
- Long-haired and dense coated pets
- Those with allergies or prone to irritations.
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Those who swim or get caught in the rain
Here's how a hot spot forms:
Step 1. The incident: Most often, a patch of skin that doesn't quite dry. But it can also be an insect bite or a scratch.
Step 2: The opening: With the skin barrier broken or even just irritated, their own skin bacteria and yeast are able to get under your dog’s skin (quite literally) and multiply.
Step 3: The itch: With that rapidly growing infection and irritation, comes your dog’s reaction. They scratch. And scratch.
Step 4: The escalation: With the scratching comes more breaks in the skin. What was one small irritation is now a major open wound.
Step 5: The spot is hot: Even an hour of scratching can create an enormous hot spot. The finishing touch is that wet and weeping liquid that’s their own body’s immune system (white blood cells and antibodies) trying to bring a rampant infection under control…
So what can you do...
The easiest solution? Dry them thoroughly after a swim, bath or getting caught in the rain. My new Towel Hoodie makes this fast, fun and fashionable. Drawing moisture out quickly is a must!
If they already have a hot spot...
Here's the 3 step process I find almost always works. So here goes…
1. Start by SHAVING THEM. It sounds dramatic but that trapped, weepy gunk is the source of the ongoing infection. So get rid of it…
2. Then…SCRUB THEM. With either salty water or a dilute antiseptic like chlorhexidine or betadine.
3. And finally…SOOTHE THEM. Apply a soothing cream that repels moisture and then a further accumulation of weepy skin. My Super Useful Skin Cream is perfect for this job.
If the signs persist or your dog or cat is in serious discomfort, see your vet. Antibiotics may be required.
But despite their sudden and rather dramatic appearance, it is possible to bring the heat out of hot spots. And relief to those long and itchy nights...
