Why Does My Dog Always Get Hot Spots?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hot spots are

often triggered by , licking, or chewing the affected area

. The resulting trauma to the skin causes inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. Unfortunately, this self-trauma only makes the area more itchy, which causes a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching.

How can I prevent hot spots on my dog naturally?

  1. Parasite prevention. …
  2. Increase daily exercise and playtime. …
  3. Allergy and skin infection management. …
  4. Monitor for foods that can cause hot spots. …
  5. Trim around the infected area. …
  6. Cleanse the infected area. …
  7. Apply a soothing treatment. …
  8. Protect the hot spot.

What is the best thing to put on a dogs hot spot?

Clean the skin with

a mild, water-based antiseptic spray or wipe, like Douxo Chlorhexidine 3% PS pads, or an antibacterial shampoo

. Apply a veterinary-recommended hot spot treatment spray that is safe if ingested. One example is Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Hot Spot Spray.

Should I take dog to vet for hot spots?

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

.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does apple cider vinegar help hot spots 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

.

Are hot spots on dogs painful?

Anal gland inflammation.


Infected or impacted anal glands are painful and annoying

. Dogs lick the area around the rectum and can cause hot spots under or on top of the tail.

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.

Do hot spots on dogs smell?

Hot spots are typically red, with oozing serum or pus on the surface and

a foul smell

. They are often itchy, so affected dogs with repeatedly scratch the area, but they may also be very painful.

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.

Why do dogs lick their hot spots?

When a dog licks the sore spot,

he irritates superficial nerve endings in the skin which stimulates more itching followed by more licking, biting, and scratching

. This lick-itch-lick cycle is the basis for the self-trauma that causes hot spots.

Can diet cause hot spots on dogs?

Food Allergies

Sometimes, certain ingredients can cause allergic reactions. You may notice that

after your dog eats a certain food item or ingredient, a hot spot occurs

. You will want to have your dog tested for food allergies.

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.

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.