How To Prevent My Dog From Getting Hot Spots?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Healthy skin is the key to preventing hot spots!

Make sure your dog is free of and ticks

. If your pooch has a thick, heavy coat, groom him regularly to prevent his coat from matting. Matted fur traps moisture and parasites, such as fleas, creating the ideal environment for hot spots.

How do I prevent hot spots on my dog?

  1. Clipping the hair around the area to prevent matting.
  2. Cleaning the affected area with gentle antiseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine.
  3. Bathing with a chlorhexidine shampoo for dogs.
  4. Prescribing topical or oral antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Why does my dog keep getting hot spots?

Most often,

anything that causes itchiness of the skin

can lead to the development of hot spots on dogs. Some common triggers are atopy (allergies to things in the environment such as grasses, trees, weeds, dust mites, etc), food allergies, fleas, mites, insect bites and skin wounds.

Will a dog hot spot go away on its own?

Unfortunately,

a hot spot won't go away on its own

, especially since dogs have a hard time leaving their irritated skin alone. A hot spot is easier to prevent than to treat, so try to keep your dog free of hot spots by grooming them regularly and keeping them up to date on flea and tick medication.

Does coconut oil help with hotspots on dogs?

Topical Benefits –

It's been known to help skin conditions like hot spots

, bites, stings, or itchy, dry skin. Shampoos made with organic oils such as coconut oil can improve damaged skin and reduce allergens. Some pet owners have even made a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.

What foods cause hot spots on dogs?

  • Dry kibble (it has a warming energetic due to processing at extremely high temperatures and also dampening due to large carbohydrate load)
  • Diet rich in carbohydrates.
  • Warming foods (venison, lamb, chicken, mutton)
  • Dairy & fatty foods.
  • Obesity.

How do you treat hot spots on dogs UK?


bathing the hot spot with a medicated shampoo

. prescribed cream/spray. occasionally a course of antibiotics will be prescribed. you may be advised to place your dog in an Elizabethan collar (also known as a buster collar or a cone) to stop them from irritating the area by licking, biting and scratching.

Is apple cider vinegar good for hot spots on dogs?

You'll know your dog has one when he's licking, scratching or biting the area incessantly to gain relief from the pain, itch and inflammation.

You can try apple cider vinegar on a hot spot only if it's in the very early stages – but as soon as there is any broken skin, it is definitely NOT recommended

.

How often should you bathe a dog with hot spots?

Bathing

once a week

will help relieve pain and itching, and increase healing and recovery from any infections. Once the infection has been treated, either with antibiotics or in many cases with a cream, you should be able to reduce bathing to every two weeks.

Are dog hotspots contagious?


No, hot spots on dogs generally aren't contagious to other dogs and humans

. However, if the cause of your dog's hot spots is fungal or parasitic, then it may be possible for it to spread to other dogs or humans.

How long do hot spots on dogs take to heal?

Dog hot spot healing time usually lasts anywhere from

a few days up to a couple of weeks

. Continue to clean and check the affected area daily. If the area worsens or does not show improvement in a couple of days, or in extreme cases, you should contact your veterinarian for further treatment, such as antibiotics.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet for a hot spot?

While some hot spots can be treated at home, the underlying cause of the hot spot should always be identified, if possible, to prevent further hot spots from occurring.

To determine the underlying cause, and especially for large or overly infected hot spots on dogs, a veterinary exam is necessary

.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for hotspots?

Using Benadryl For Dog Hot Spots


Benadryl may be beneficial in cases where dogs suffer from hot spots

(acute moist pyotraumatic dermatitis) or itchy, irritated skin (3). These can be caused by: Food allergies. Some dog foods contain too much corn, soy or other “fillers,” and the dog's system reacts to these negatively.

Can I use my hydrocortisone cream on my dog?


The FDA approves Dog-friendly hydrocortisone products

. They are safe to use, especially when treating a rudimentary skin issue like a tiny rash without the need for guidance from a veterinarian.

Can dogs lick coconut oil?


You can let your dog lick the coconut oil straight off of your spoon

– some dogs love the taste! If he isn't too fond of the taste, you can always mix the oil into his food. When shopping for coconut oil make sure to look for unrefined or virgin coconut oil.

Is Listerine a good medication for hot spots?


The solution of equal parts Listerine, baby oil and water for dogs' hot spots is the most fantastic remedy I've read about in a long time

! The minute my dogs start “worrying” a spot, I get out my spray bottle, spray the area thoroughly, massage the solution into their skin, and the problem stops immediately.

What dog food is good for hot spots?

Raw Pet Food To Help Heal Hot Spots

The benefits for digestive issues have been the most significant. A balanced raw diet should include mostly

high protein meat and other healthy ingredients like fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables

.

Does high protein dog food cause hot spots?

A dog that is getting more protein than he can burn up ends up with excessive protein in his system. This means that this left over protein burns up in the dog ́s system causing the dog to itch.

The more he scratches, the more likely he will develop a hot spot.

Can I put Sudocrem on my dogs hotspot?

Sudocrem.

This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts

. Sudocrem contains zinc-oxide which is highly toxic to birds. Zinc-oxide is also toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, but applying a thin layer of sudocrem to sore or irritated skin is generally safe and can be beneficial.

Do hot spots spread?

But be cautious:

hot spots can spread very rapidly

and are usually much bigger then you think. They are very itchy and painful, your veterinarian can provide very fast relief.

Can anxiety cause hot spots in dogs?

Other Causes of Hot Spots


Sometimes there are underlying mental or emotional causes for your dog's hot spots, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, or even boredom

. These behavioral issues can cause the licking and chewing that generates the lesions.

Can I give my dog a bath with a hot spot?

When bathing the sensitive skin of a mild hot spot,

you can improve shampoo lathering and penetration and possibly stimulate better (healing) blood flow to the area by using a soft, silicone brush while lathering

.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide on a dog's hot spot?

First,

never use hydrogen peroxide on a hot spot

! OUCH! Not only is H2O2 irritating and distressing, it can damage tissue and delay healing. Also, it's not advised to use over the counter anti-itch creams, like hydrocortisone lotions.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.