How To Treat Hot Spots On Dogs At Home
One day your pooch has a full coat of fur and the next day there’s a bald spot at the base of his tail or behind his ears. Why?! Chances are your dog has a hot spot.
Also called pyotraumatic dermatitis, hot spots are caused by your dog’s excessive biting, itching and scratching of an area of his body. Usually, the excessive itching is caused by an allergy or some other irritation. Fortunately, they’re pretty harmless, won’t leave a scar and are easily treated. However, while they’re there, hot spots are pretty painful.
Also, some dogs are more prone to hot spots than others. For example, dogs with denser coats seem to suffer more often than dogs with a bit less hair. Humid conditions also exasperate the problem.
If you suspect your dog has a hot spot, here’s what you should do:
- Trim the fur around the area. Not only will this make it easier to keep the area clean, but it will also help when you apply an antiseptic later. Always remember that the sore area is well, sore. So be gentle and patient.
- Bathe your dog. A cool bath filled with Epsom Salts will provide temporary relief until the sore heals. Another benefit of the bath is that it will clean the affected area, again preparing it for an antiseptic.
- Put a little antiseptic on the hot spot. Avoid alcohol! It’s an open wound and the burn that rubbing alcohol will cause is just more needless suffering for your dog. Instead, try a little povidone-iodine on a cotton ball.
- Leave the hot spot exposed. Allowing it to be exposed to air will dry it out faster and allow it to heal. Covering it with a bandage will only cause it to stay moist and stick around.
Hopefully, your dog’s hot spot will heal quickly and he will be able to fight the urge to continue to gnaw on the open wound. If all else fails, though, it may be time to throw one of those super-attractive “Elizabethan Collars” on him. These can be found easily at either your vet’s office or pet stores.
