Wellness Dog Food: Hot Spots in Dogs

Overview
Hot spots, technically called acute moist dermatitis or canine pyoderma, usually appear as localized, moist reddish sores. Hot spots are the response to a infection: something irritates your puppy’s skin plus the irritation becomes itchy, which means your dog does the logical thing—scratch, lick, or both—eventually causing a red, ugly oozing sore.
Risk
Just what exactly causes your pet dog to be itchy initially? Itchy skin is usually caused by a various things, for example allergies to food or even the surrounding environment and fleas. Factors including mange, anal glandular disorder, poor grooming, tick or mosquito bites, and in many cases summer might cause other people you know to start out the dangerous cycle of repeatedly scratching and licking an itch. Dogs with long, dense coats will be more subject to this problem.


In a few instances, licking generally is a behavior issue, so make sure you discuss your dog’s behavior after you go to your veterinarian.

Symptoms
Should your dog is enthusiastic about licking and/or scratching, or you may notice hair thinning and irritated skin that's oozing, crusty or scabby on him, you should call the vet immediately. Your four-legged friend needs some respite through the itching and quite a few likely some medication to help remedy his irritated skin.


Diagnosis/Treatment
Your veterinarian should identify the underlying source of your canine friend’s desire to scratch and lick. According to your canine’s history, the position of the hot spot, and other symptoms, the vet will recommend the proper mix of tests. These might include blood tests and microscopic skin evaluations.

How your pet find relief? The vet probably will clip your hair from the infected area and gently fix it using a mild antiseptic. They may prescribe medications for instance an antibiotic if there is a bacterial infection, a cortisone-type medication to aid control the itch, and topical ointments to help heal the recent spot. Furthermore, your veterinarian works along to deal with the underlying cause of the hot spot.

Prevention
Healthy skin is vital to preventing hot spots! Make sure your dog costs nothing of fleas and ticks. But if your pooch carries a thick, heavy coat, groom him regularly to prevent his coat from matting. Matted fur traps moisture and parasites, such as fleas, creating the optimal environment for hot spots. Finally, you should definitely speak to your veterinary staff but if your friend seems itchy; they might help identify the source and gives advice prior to a itch creates problems. For more information, watch this video about protecting your canine from fleas and ticks.

More Info: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/hot-spots-dogs