Your pet gets moisture in the undercoat of his fur that doesn't completely dry. This moisture then serves as an excellent place for bacteria to grow and cause problems and infections.
Hot spots are also more likely to occur during warm weather and periods of high humidity. Dogs that are frequently wet from swimming, bathing, or inclement weather are more prone to developing hot spots due to the excess moisture held against the skin by their coats.
The most effective treatment for an uncomplicated hot spot is a mild steroid/antibiotic cream, which you can purchase over the counter. Neosporin is an effective and safe ointment to use on dogs, but the biggest problem is that most dogs will lick creams off if not watched closely.
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.
Depending on the cause, hot spots can be seasonal because environmental conditions make them easier to grow. If a pet's hot spots are caused by pollen and allergic skin reactions, for example, the sores are more likely to develop only when seasonal pollen counts are high.
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.
Topical antibiotics, desiccating sprays, and soothing reagents will be more effective when applied to a clipped, clean skin surface. Oral antibiotics and steroids/antihistamines may also be in order for serious hot spots.
Regular grooming enables swift intervention if a hot spot is developing; often they will simply get worse and worse until treated so veterinary help is advisable. A hot spot that is left untreated may turn into a lick granuloma, which can be difficult to get rid of.
As soon as you notice a hot spot, it's best to contact your family veterinarian. Since a hot spot results in the scratch-itch cycle, it's important to stop further self-traumatization (licking, scratching, and biting).
However, apple cider vinegar can work well on a dog's skin when it comes to mild itchiness and irritation like hot spots because it has anti-inflammatory properties due to its acetic acid and alpha hydroxy acid, Dr. Jackson says.
Bathe your pup all over with a special shampoo, such as chlorhexidine, to prevent new hotspots from developing. A shampoo made for treating hot spots should be gentle on the skin. You may also use an antiseptic or astringent. However, these products are more likely to burn when you apply them.
Stress is known to be a factor in hot spots. Poor grooming, dehydration, lack of exercise and environmental changes can all lead to stress for your dog. When a dog is stressed they have the tendency to lick and scratch excessively to calm themselves down which can lead to 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.
If your long-haired dog gets matted, a hot spot can form under the mat where moisture collects allowing skin bacteria to proliferate.
Grooming can reduce the number of mats in your dog's hair, and it can also help prevent moisture becoming trapped on your dog's skin. Both of these factors make grooming a great long-term solution for the prevention of hot spots.
Once properly treated, the hot spot should scab up and heal in a week to ten days. There are some things you can do to help your pet avoid this painful condition: Brush your pet to get rid of the extra fur and prevent matting. Use a good flea medication on a monthly basis.
Hot spots are itchy, painful, and messy, and can appear suddenly in both dogs and cats, but are seen more frequently in dogs. With appropriate treatment, they can be resolved quickly.
If your dog allows you to touch the affected area, you can temporarily treat hot spots at home by cleaning the area with warm water and applying a saltwater solution to the lesion to gently draw out pus.
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.
Some people put a bit of Vicks VapoRub near the dog hot spot to keep your dog from licking, as it has a strong menthol odor. However, it is for external use only and shouldn't be used anywhere near your dog's eyes. It should not be eaten or applied to cut skin.
Morgan recommends mixing equal parts vinegar with water and spraying the mixture on your dog's hot spots. “You can massage it into the areas,” Morgan says. “If you have a raw hot spot, it could sting a little.
Try Baking Soda: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a little bit of warm water to make a paste. Gently apply to the spot for fast-acting itch relief.
Hot spots are caused by chewing and scratching, so any underlying issue that causes irritation to the skin could potentially lead to a hot spot. It includes insect bites (fleas, ticks, flies, etc.), allergies (food or environmental), excessive skin surface moisture (swimming, rain), matted hair, and skin scrapes.