Hotspots ( Acute Moist Dermatitis ) In Dogs

An Introduction

We guess, the name itself, ranged a warning bell in your head, as Hotspots can act like a timebomb, then explode, and cause severe damages to your canine pal. Clinically called Acute moist dermatitis, the condition is characterized by humid and hot spots, along with lesions. These indications are typical on places like on the head, chest and hip area of the dog.

Within the blink of an eye, you may see the hot spots, growing at an alarming rate all over the animal’s body. The reason for the acceleration in the pace can be the dog’s tendency to lick all over its body constantly. Natural canine habits like chewing, and scratching the hot spots can further irritate the skin. The condition can be quite painful.

Why does the condition happen?

Sometimes, there are some irritants which can bother the dog. As a result, the dog will constantly scratch the place with the infection. Hot spots can happen as a result of a sudden allergic reaction, or bites of creatures like mites and fleas. Sometimes small negligence like poor grooming habits, or subtle ear and skin infection can result in infection. Constant chewing and licking, which are actions out of boredom, will welcome hot spots.

Which breeds are more prone to suffer from the condition?

Conditions like poor grooming, with the occurrence of matt, signify dirty coats, which can ultimately result in the dog suffering from the condition. Dogs who are having conditions like anal sac diseases, or hip dysplasia are naturally predisposed to the disease. Dogs with thick coat are mostly affected by the condition.

Pay a visit to the Vet, When:

The dog seems to suffer from an abnormality like excessive scratching, frequent biting, or occasional licking. An owner with full awareness of the condition can drastically reduce the chances of severe infection to the dog.

Treatment

The vet will try to find out the probable cause of the condition. Causes range from a flea allergy to anal sac infection, or even canine stress can work as underline causes and needs immediate care. Treatments include:

1. Shaving off the hair from the affected area, which can otherwise not allow medication and air to reach the exact level.
2. Washing the affected area with a non-irritating solution.
3. Using painkillers and antibiotics as an active shield.
4. Medications for treating the condition.
5. To prevent sudden trauma, as the affected area gets healing, using E-collars for the dog.
6. Dietary fatty acids are beneficial in combating the condition.
7. Antihistamines and corticosteroids to end itching.
8. To heal food allergy, taking the help of hypoallergenic diet.
9. Antiseptic and astringent sprays are also a great option.

Homeopathic Remedies

There’s always a homeopathic way of approach for several diseases. Common remedies are Belladonna, Apis, Aconite, Calendula, Graphites, Pulsatilla, Mercurius, Rhus tox, Arsenicum, which comes under the recommendation list.

Prevention

Please take notice of the following precautions:

1. Regular and vet approved ways of grooming is very useful in combating the condition.
2. Clipping the hair shortly, especially during hot summer months, will again, act as a shield to protect a dog.
3. Following the vet’s recommendation, and abiding by a strict flea control program will work in favor of the dog.
4. Maintaining a stress-free environment will aid in the mission to prevent the condition.
5. The dogs need to properly channelize its energy by engaging itself in activities such as regular exercising.

So, Is there anyway, using which, the owner can make the dog feel more comfortable?

The vet will give best answers to the question, and will suggest the most efficient ways, using which the owner can make the dog feel more comfortable, this will pave the way for faster recovery. The hotspots will thus heal faster. The owner can also try out the option of the Elizabeth collar, which will prevent the dog from licking and biting the affected area. There are some people, who use the Elizabeth collar as a sole medium of treatment, which isn’t a good practice. The single usage of the collar can ignite pain in the affected area.