On a regular basis, your dog is likely to cross paths with any number of sticky situations. No, we are not talking about sticky foods, but a more serious conversation about skin problems, such as dangerous allergies or bacteria that may cause infections you were not anticipating. Where these infections localize are called dog hot spots.
Dog got spots are intense sections on a dog's skin, beneath his big furry coat, where a rash or hives have developed making the area particularly raw and puss filled. As well, these rashes are unbearably itchy, making your dog want to scratch them out as in primal a way as possible. Of course, that's if your saying your dog hasn't been scratching this whole time, which he or she might have been.
To be preventing the likeliness of these dog hot spots, as owners, you can do a couple of things, which are pretty basic seeming in scope, but can go a long way. The first is to bathe your dog on a more regular basis. If you can provide your dog with a specialized shampoo to help treat the skin, or toughen it, you really improve your pet's chances in fighting off these hot spots. The second is basic. Check! Just by moving around your dogs fur to see if any anomalies appear, you are saving yourself time and your dog a bad day of illness.
Actually, many will mistake a dog's itching or hot spot area to just a case of fleas. While it can often be this, not treating your dog's truer target area effectively can cause even more suffering for man's best friend.
With that in mind, it is really quite important to understand what it is your dog hot spots are showing you.
Due to the significance of needing to know, we highly, highly recommend a good veterinarian. After all, who could possibly say a vet has not gone through proper training to know what the rash is? We certainly wouldn't, not when they have invested a great portion of their life's time, energy, and resources to attend medical school!
A vet will be able to tell you right off if you are dealing with fleas, or if the hives, rash, inflammation, what have you, is the result of a larger issue. If it is, they can usually prescribe you a special cream or medication to eradicate the infection and target the dog hot spots. While the cost of prescription drugs is never the most welcomed circumstance, it is often the most effective, and letting the condition go untreated could allow for a bigger medical expense to enter the door by way of your dog's infection.
Overall though, the situation is not on your vet. While they are a reliable source to use and should be sought out, they do not live in your house and work and live right beside your beloved dog. That said, in order to diagnose dog hot spots sooner, one should take heed of our advice and perform routine checks on their dog's skin. It can only lead to a healthier outcome for all!
Showing posts with label dog hot spots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog hot spots. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Easy Remedies for Dog Hot Spots
You will know that your dog’s skin has been inflamed when you see dog hot spots all over it. These appear as red moist patches that can either be concentrated on one portion alone or appear as scattered areas on the dog’s skin. In the medical field, the condition is more commonly known as moist dermatitis.
Because of the appearance of dog hot spots, it’s quite easy to note if your dog has this. You should first notice this when your dog starts to scratch with an unnatural frequency. When he begins to do this, you should inspect the area where the dog often scratches.
If you see an inflammation that might already be a hot spot. Of course it helps to bring him as soon as possible to the vet but if you can’t just yet, there are important things you can do on your own to treat it.
First off, you should consider shaving the area. This is especially important if your dog has a heavy coat on him. This will help you see how much damage has been done on the skin already. Dogs who have hot spots often have falling hair as well but if you shave it off, you would see more clearly if there are severe and larger problem areas that would need to be attended by a vet.
When the area has already been shaved off, you should then proceed to cleansing the wound. Even if you have only seen red patches, you should still take the time to cleanse it to prevent from further infections. You can use a gentle skin cleanser to wash out the dirt and kill the bacteria from the area. This can also help alleviate the itchiness from the area.
Once you’ve done the cleansing and until such time that you can bring your dog to the vet or he gets better, you can apply a cool compress over the dog hot spots. You can do this for two to four times daily using a clean wash cloth submerged in cool water. Tea bag compresses are also known to help dry and disinfect the area.
If you also want to keep your dog from scratching the affected areas during the healing period, it would be best to make them wear an Elizabethan collar. This way, they would not be prompted to scratch at the areas and further infections can also be avoided.
You should also observe the dog hot spots continuously until such time that it fully heals. If your home remedies do so little to change its appearance, you should immediately consult a veterinarian to look at your dog’s condition. Some oral antibiotics can be prescribed for your dog as well as topical sprays that can dry the wound. A special shampoo may also be prescribed to help cure the area.
Because of the appearance of dog hot spots, it’s quite easy to note if your dog has this. You should first notice this when your dog starts to scratch with an unnatural frequency. When he begins to do this, you should inspect the area where the dog often scratches.
If you see an inflammation that might already be a hot spot. Of course it helps to bring him as soon as possible to the vet but if you can’t just yet, there are important things you can do on your own to treat it.
First off, you should consider shaving the area. This is especially important if your dog has a heavy coat on him. This will help you see how much damage has been done on the skin already. Dogs who have hot spots often have falling hair as well but if you shave it off, you would see more clearly if there are severe and larger problem areas that would need to be attended by a vet.
When the area has already been shaved off, you should then proceed to cleansing the wound. Even if you have only seen red patches, you should still take the time to cleanse it to prevent from further infections. You can use a gentle skin cleanser to wash out the dirt and kill the bacteria from the area. This can also help alleviate the itchiness from the area.
Once you’ve done the cleansing and until such time that you can bring your dog to the vet or he gets better, you can apply a cool compress over the dog hot spots. You can do this for two to four times daily using a clean wash cloth submerged in cool water. Tea bag compresses are also known to help dry and disinfect the area.
If you also want to keep your dog from scratching the affected areas during the healing period, it would be best to make them wear an Elizabethan collar. This way, they would not be prompted to scratch at the areas and further infections can also be avoided.
You should also observe the dog hot spots continuously until such time that it fully heals. If your home remedies do so little to change its appearance, you should immediately consult a veterinarian to look at your dog’s condition. Some oral antibiotics can be prescribed for your dog as well as topical sprays that can dry the wound. A special shampoo may also be prescribed to help cure the area.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Cause Of Dog Hot Spots Can Be Difficult To Determine
When a dog looses its hair in various areas it can be attributed to one or a combination of many factors. Dog hotspots is a possible reason. Sometimes you will notice that the areas are wet, but this is not always the case.
Infection of skin by bacteria is the cause of hot spots. The bacteria proliferates only in weather conditions suitable for them and hence hot spots are often associated with changes in the environment. Some of the reasons for this illness can be inadequate hygiene, allergy or even temperamental problems.
Some parasites and some food can irritate the skin of a dog and the dog will start to lick the affected area. The excessive licking will create the perfect moist environment for the bacteria to develop. This will irritate the dog and they start to scratch the area, over time there will be a loss of hair in this area. If you have not brushed your dog for a while, matted fur can create an environment in which these bacteria can build up. The area can become moist and debris can become stuck in it. The dog will start licking and scratching at the area, and will cause an infection.
One of the main treatments is to clip the fur in the affected area and then wash it regularly with a gentle cleanser or antiseptic. Sometimes it may be necessary to invest in a neck collar to stop the dog from reaching these areas with his mouth. If the condition is really bad, proper treatment may be required from a qualified veterinarian.
If it is only a skin infection, cure is easy. But it has been found that there is something beyond the superficial problem. The issue may continue to disturb the dog until the bigger issue is diagnosed and treated. A permanent solution lies in finding out the root cause of the problem that makes the pet vulnerable to the attack.
Regular grooming of dogs that suffer from these lesions is very important, removal of all mats from the coat two times is very important, and will help avoid the development of skin infections. You can cut out the mats if you want to, sometimes you will have to. If you can't manage to maintain your dog properly you should invest in a professional groomer, this will be cost effective in the long run. Many household mites can cause allergies that will manifest as skin irritations. Keeping the house free of these parasites by vacuuming regularly and removing dust and pollen will help to keep the environment clean. Changing the dogs diet may also help.
The underlying condition has to be found if you want to be able to cure the condition when it is due to more than a simple infection. This can be a difficult process in which possible causes will have to be found and eliminated. The advice of the vet will be valuable in this regard.
Dog hot spots are indications of a bigger issue. Treating that is more difficult but it is important to find them out in order to avoid reappearance. Proper treatment of the root cause makes the dog a happy companion. Taking care of he training and entertainment aspects of the dog keeps it physically and mentally content.
Infection of skin by bacteria is the cause of hot spots. The bacteria proliferates only in weather conditions suitable for them and hence hot spots are often associated with changes in the environment. Some of the reasons for this illness can be inadequate hygiene, allergy or even temperamental problems.
Some parasites and some food can irritate the skin of a dog and the dog will start to lick the affected area. The excessive licking will create the perfect moist environment for the bacteria to develop. This will irritate the dog and they start to scratch the area, over time there will be a loss of hair in this area. If you have not brushed your dog for a while, matted fur can create an environment in which these bacteria can build up. The area can become moist and debris can become stuck in it. The dog will start licking and scratching at the area, and will cause an infection.
One of the main treatments is to clip the fur in the affected area and then wash it regularly with a gentle cleanser or antiseptic. Sometimes it may be necessary to invest in a neck collar to stop the dog from reaching these areas with his mouth. If the condition is really bad, proper treatment may be required from a qualified veterinarian.
If it is only a skin infection, cure is easy. But it has been found that there is something beyond the superficial problem. The issue may continue to disturb the dog until the bigger issue is diagnosed and treated. A permanent solution lies in finding out the root cause of the problem that makes the pet vulnerable to the attack.
Regular grooming of dogs that suffer from these lesions is very important, removal of all mats from the coat two times is very important, and will help avoid the development of skin infections. You can cut out the mats if you want to, sometimes you will have to. If you can't manage to maintain your dog properly you should invest in a professional groomer, this will be cost effective in the long run. Many household mites can cause allergies that will manifest as skin irritations. Keeping the house free of these parasites by vacuuming regularly and removing dust and pollen will help to keep the environment clean. Changing the dogs diet may also help.
The underlying condition has to be found if you want to be able to cure the condition when it is due to more than a simple infection. This can be a difficult process in which possible causes will have to be found and eliminated. The advice of the vet will be valuable in this regard.
Dog hot spots are indications of a bigger issue. Treating that is more difficult but it is important to find them out in order to avoid reappearance. Proper treatment of the root cause makes the dog a happy companion. Taking care of he training and entertainment aspects of the dog keeps it physically and mentally content.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Have Fun And Enjoy Yourself At Dog Hot Spots
There are a number of available options if you
want to enjoy some free time with your pets. Dog hot spots are always a safe option to try. You need to
find somewhere that is pet friendly and that welcomes furry friends. It should be spacious and roomy and it should also be easy to afford. It
should be used by other like minded people.
A lot of fun
is there to be had at a public park, which is free for anyone and their pets to use. They are ideal for animals that need a lot physical
exercise and activity to keep themselves stimulated. It is even better if there is somewhere for them to have a swim around. They will have a
chance to see other animals and get rid of extra energy.
If you do not live in suburbia, but find yourself living in the city then you can still go walking in the street. This is usually easiest if
your pet is well trained and obedient to your commands. They should be able to walk on a lead and manage to hold it together when cramped in
small spaces with other people. They should understand the way the road works too.
If you are lucky enough
to live along the coast your pets will love the beach. This is somewhere they will never tire of visiting, and can be enjoyed by the whole
family. They can also go for a surf or catch a Frisbee on the sand. Some animals love being able to dig on the beach as well.
Many pets really enjoy going for a drive with
their owners. It is not necessarily where they go so much as the fact that they are going that they enjoy. It is soothing for them to go out
for a drive and it is company for them. It is not safe to let them sit in the front, in case of a collision, they should always stay in the
back of the vehicle.
When your animals leave home and get taken out they are
expected to behave. As the owner you are responsible for keeping them under some sort of control, and making sure they do not run riot all
over the place and cause trouble with other animals. You must clean up after them if they make a mess while you are out in public.
Your pets
should always have access to fresh water. You should keep them relatively clean and clean their mess up for them. They must exercise
regularly. You should have them inoculated to protect their health. They should be fed nutritious food and given a multivitamin when
necessary.
If you want some recreational time alone
with your pets then you should take them to dog hot spots if you do not have the space you need. You will be able to ensure that your animals
get the exercise that they require and will be able to get rid of any excess energy that is keeping them hyper active. It will give them a
chance to get out of the house and have fun.
want to enjoy some free time with your pets. Dog hot spots are always a safe option to try. You need to
find somewhere that is pet friendly and that welcomes furry friends. It should be spacious and roomy and it should also be easy to afford. It
should be used by other like minded people.
A lot of fun
is there to be had at a public park, which is free for anyone and their pets to use. They are ideal for animals that need a lot physical
exercise and activity to keep themselves stimulated. It is even better if there is somewhere for them to have a swim around. They will have a
chance to see other animals and get rid of extra energy.
If you do not live in suburbia, but find yourself living in the city then you can still go walking in the street. This is usually easiest if
your pet is well trained and obedient to your commands. They should be able to walk on a lead and manage to hold it together when cramped in
small spaces with other people. They should understand the way the road works too.
If you are lucky enough
to live along the coast your pets will love the beach. This is somewhere they will never tire of visiting, and can be enjoyed by the whole
family. They can also go for a surf or catch a Frisbee on the sand. Some animals love being able to dig on the beach as well.
Many pets really enjoy going for a drive with
their owners. It is not necessarily where they go so much as the fact that they are going that they enjoy. It is soothing for them to go out
for a drive and it is company for them. It is not safe to let them sit in the front, in case of a collision, they should always stay in the
back of the vehicle.
When your animals leave home and get taken out they are
expected to behave. As the owner you are responsible for keeping them under some sort of control, and making sure they do not run riot all
over the place and cause trouble with other animals. You must clean up after them if they make a mess while you are out in public.
Your pets
should always have access to fresh water. You should keep them relatively clean and clean their mess up for them. They must exercise
regularly. You should have them inoculated to protect their health. They should be fed nutritious food and given a multivitamin when
necessary.
If you want some recreational time alone
with your pets then you should take them to dog hot spots if you do not have the space you need. You will be able to ensure that your animals
get the exercise that they require and will be able to get rid of any excess energy that is keeping them hyper active. It will give them a
chance to get out of the house and have fun.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
What Are Dog Hot Spots And Ways To Treat Them
Hairless areas on your dog that seem sensitive, and perhaps ooze a clear fluid or pus may be dog hot spots. Inflamed skin has allowed an infection to take hold, and the resulting area becomes extremely sensitive, perhaps painful or itchy. Properly called pyotraumatic dermatitis by veterinarians, these bacterial infections of the skin have several causes, including allergies, improper or insufficient grooming, and behavioral issues.
Irritation of the skin is necessary before an infection can take hold in a dog with a normal immune system. This irritation can result from allergies to parasites, food, or environment, matting or fur that creates a buildup of moisture and debris, or excessive licking or scratching caused by allergies, boredom, anxiety, or other behavioral issues.
Treatment requires supervision by a veterinarian, in case there is more to the issue than there appears to be. Probably, the suggested treatment will be clipping fur around the inflamed area short to allow access, and then washing on a regular basis with a gentle cleanser or antiseptic. If the irritation was caused by licking or scratching, the use of an e-collar might be recommended until the area heals.
The skin infection can often be treated relatively easily, but there is usually a larger problem behind it. Until this larger problem is resolved, the skin infections will only continue. Figuring out what is making the dog susceptible to these infections is the only way to stop them for good.
For dogs that have developed these issues because of improper grooming, better and more frequent grooming is indicated. Regular grooming sessions (twice a week or more) are necessary for the hygiene and health of dogs with long coats. Mats need to be removed at each grooming session, or they can result in excess moisture buildup against the skin. Clipping these mats out is sometimes necessary if they refuse to be detangled. Some owners are unable to provide their dogs with the necessary grooming needed for their health-- these owners can and should take their dog to a groomer regularly.
Allergic dogs can be allergic to almost anything they encounter regularly. Cleaning your dog's environment of as many of these possible allergens as is realistic is generally the first treatment. This requires treating for fleas, if any are present, treating the dog with a flea-preventative to avoid those that might be outdoors, switching to a lower-allergen food, and vacuuming to remove dust and pollen. Some dogs require an antihistamine, as well.
Behavioral issues such as licking can be the most difficult to treat. Usually, affected dogs are either bored or anxious. Treating these problems can help resolve the licking. Bored dogs will benefit from more exercise and training and toys to tire out the body and mind, and anxious dogs will benefit from similar help, as well as other exercises suggested by a trainer or behaviorist. Sometimes, anti-anxiety medications are called for.
Dog hot spots are an indication that something else is wrong with your pet. Aside from treatment for the issue itself, get some suggestions from your veterinarian as to how to resolve the larger issue. With appropriate care, most dogs can recover from the underlying problem and the skin issues will resolve themselves.
Irritation of the skin is necessary before an infection can take hold in a dog with a normal immune system. This irritation can result from allergies to parasites, food, or environment, matting or fur that creates a buildup of moisture and debris, or excessive licking or scratching caused by allergies, boredom, anxiety, or other behavioral issues.
Treatment requires supervision by a veterinarian, in case there is more to the issue than there appears to be. Probably, the suggested treatment will be clipping fur around the inflamed area short to allow access, and then washing on a regular basis with a gentle cleanser or antiseptic. If the irritation was caused by licking or scratching, the use of an e-collar might be recommended until the area heals.
The skin infection can often be treated relatively easily, but there is usually a larger problem behind it. Until this larger problem is resolved, the skin infections will only continue. Figuring out what is making the dog susceptible to these infections is the only way to stop them for good.
For dogs that have developed these issues because of improper grooming, better and more frequent grooming is indicated. Regular grooming sessions (twice a week or more) are necessary for the hygiene and health of dogs with long coats. Mats need to be removed at each grooming session, or they can result in excess moisture buildup against the skin. Clipping these mats out is sometimes necessary if they refuse to be detangled. Some owners are unable to provide their dogs with the necessary grooming needed for their health-- these owners can and should take their dog to a groomer regularly.
Allergic dogs can be allergic to almost anything they encounter regularly. Cleaning your dog's environment of as many of these possible allergens as is realistic is generally the first treatment. This requires treating for fleas, if any are present, treating the dog with a flea-preventative to avoid those that might be outdoors, switching to a lower-allergen food, and vacuuming to remove dust and pollen. Some dogs require an antihistamine, as well.
Behavioral issues such as licking can be the most difficult to treat. Usually, affected dogs are either bored or anxious. Treating these problems can help resolve the licking. Bored dogs will benefit from more exercise and training and toys to tire out the body and mind, and anxious dogs will benefit from similar help, as well as other exercises suggested by a trainer or behaviorist. Sometimes, anti-anxiety medications are called for.
Dog hot spots are an indication that something else is wrong with your pet. Aside from treatment for the issue itself, get some suggestions from your veterinarian as to how to resolve the larger issue. With appropriate care, most dogs can recover from the underlying problem and the skin issues will resolve themselves.
Monday, February 14, 2011
How To Cure Dog Hot Spots
Dog hot spots, sometimes referred to as moist dermatitis, are a common skin condition experienced by dogs, which is brought on by persistent licking and gnawing at an inflamed area that is causing it irritation. A small inflamed spot can rapidly flare up to cover a much larger surface area, and if left untreated can result in painful pussy lesions causing much discomfort.
Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.
Causes: Environmental allergies stemming from grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or reactions to fleas can all cause allergic skin reactions, whilst some dogs are allergic to certain types of foods, or to food additives, which can cause an allergic skin reaction. However, mange mites, anal gland impaction, and side affects from veterinary medicines or injections, may also cause allergic skin reactions in dogs. Dogs with sensitive skins may come out in a skin rash following grooming or shaving, which if aggravated by constant biting at the area could result in moist dermatitis. Moist dermatitis is common amongst all breeds of dogs, but Retrievers, collies and shepherds are more susceptible due to their long thick fur.
Treatment: To treat these types of skin allergies it is necessary to first treat the symptoms, and then to isolate and treat the cause of problem in order to prevent recurrence. When treating a dog at home, it may be necessary to restrain or even sedate the dog, as the skin my be painful to touch, causing him to show aggression when handled. After treatment an Elizabethan collar may need to be temporarily fitted to allow the area to heal without the dog interfering with the wound.
The following steps need to be taken to treat the affected area:
Firstly, the hair surrounding the inflammation needs to be clipped or shaved short so that the infected area can be properly treated.
Wash the affected area with a mild antibacterial soap or shampoo, then gently towel dry to ensure moisture removal, without causing further discomfort to the area.
Keep the inflamed area cool by applying cool compresses. Home remedies using tea bags as a compress to help cool down the skin also help to dry out the lesions.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.
But no matter how successful your treatment, dog hot spots will recur unless the cause of the problem is addressed. You will need to ascertain whether the allergy is food related or caused by some stimulus in the environment, or whether there is some other underlying cause of the reaction. You will then need to take steps to prevent it from flaring up again as this will not only save you time and money, but will spare you and your dog further anguish as well.
Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.
Causes: Environmental allergies stemming from grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or reactions to fleas can all cause allergic skin reactions, whilst some dogs are allergic to certain types of foods, or to food additives, which can cause an allergic skin reaction. However, mange mites, anal gland impaction, and side affects from veterinary medicines or injections, may also cause allergic skin reactions in dogs. Dogs with sensitive skins may come out in a skin rash following grooming or shaving, which if aggravated by constant biting at the area could result in moist dermatitis. Moist dermatitis is common amongst all breeds of dogs, but Retrievers, collies and shepherds are more susceptible due to their long thick fur.
Treatment: To treat these types of skin allergies it is necessary to first treat the symptoms, and then to isolate and treat the cause of problem in order to prevent recurrence. When treating a dog at home, it may be necessary to restrain or even sedate the dog, as the skin my be painful to touch, causing him to show aggression when handled. After treatment an Elizabethan collar may need to be temporarily fitted to allow the area to heal without the dog interfering with the wound.
The following steps need to be taken to treat the affected area:
Firstly, the hair surrounding the inflammation needs to be clipped or shaved short so that the infected area can be properly treated.
Wash the affected area with a mild antibacterial soap or shampoo, then gently towel dry to ensure moisture removal, without causing further discomfort to the area.
Keep the inflamed area cool by applying cool compresses. Home remedies using tea bags as a compress to help cool down the skin also help to dry out the lesions.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.
But no matter how successful your treatment, dog hot spots will recur unless the cause of the problem is addressed. You will need to ascertain whether the allergy is food related or caused by some stimulus in the environment, or whether there is some other underlying cause of the reaction. You will then need to take steps to prevent it from flaring up again as this will not only save you time and money, but will spare you and your dog further anguish as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)