by Stacy Kaaki

Created on: March 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 05, 2010

Hot spots are a common ailment in dogs and can occur for a variety of reasons. A hot spot is a lesion that occurs on the skin of the dog. The lesion leaks, or "weeps" a foul-smelling puss-like liquid that becomes matted into the dog's coat. Without treatment, the lesion can grow and become very painful, possibly leading to infection. Hot spots occur more often in summer when the weather is hot, and are commonly found under the ears or around the head of the dog; however, they can occur at any time or anywhere on the body. The most common causes of hot spots are allergies, flea bites or dirty, matted hair.

Most minor hot spots can be identified and treated at home. Regular grooming of your dog is the best method for finding a hot spot. The spot may feel like something has spilled onto the dog's coat and dried, causing a rough spot. It may also feel like a scab. Upon closer examination, the skin under the dried puss will appear raw and red. Any unusual spots on the dog's skin should be thoroughly checked and cleaned. The hot spot may also have a foul smell.

Whether you take the dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis or begin treating it at home, treatment of a hot spot begins with close shaving of the afflicted area so that the skin can dry out and to make the application of medication easier. Hot spots should be cleaned one to two times a day with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide will disinfect and clean the lesion, while helping to dry it out. Thoroughly dry the area after cleaning with a sterile towel. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned and dried, an ointment or powder should be applied. Your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic ointment, and it should be used according to your veterinarian's instructions.

If you elect to treat the dog at home, there are there are several over-the-counter medications that can be applied to the lesion after cleaning. Gold Bond Medicated Powder helps to ease the itching caused by the hot spot and to dry the skin. Aloe vera gel and antihistamines also help control the itching that some dogs have with hot spots. Topical antibacterial cremes are also good for covering the lesion after cleaning. It is important to keep the dog from scratching the area so that the skin can heal. Bathing the dog with antibacterial soap can also help keep the hot spot from spreading.

There are times when veterinarian care is needed. Dogs with lesions that grow larger after treating at home for a week, or if they have hot spots that are larger than a silver dollar, may need steroids or a course of antibiotics to treat secondary infection. Repeated episodes of hot spots may also indicate allergies. Your veterinarian may suggest panel testing to pinpoint the cause of the allergy. Changing the dog's diet may be all that is needed to eliminate repeated hot spots.

The single best tool for keeping your dog healthy is a good relationship with your dog's veterinarian. They can help you determine when home treatment is best, and when veterinary care is required. In most circumstances, if you catch the hot spot early and begin treating it right away, home treatment is usually all that is required to keep your pet comfortable and hot spot free.

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