Sled Dog Society of Wales
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    • Canine First Aid Kit Contents
    • Bandaging & Wound Cleaning
    • Emergency First Aid A - E >
      • Abscesses
      • Adder Snake Bite
      • Bee Stings & Insect Bites
      • Bleeding (external)
      • Bleeding (internal)
      • Bloat
      • Chemical Burns
      • Choking
      • CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resusitation
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      • Difficult Births
      • Drowning
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    • Emergency First Aid E - O >
      • Electrocution
      • Fainting - "Syncope"
      • False Widow Spider Bite
      • Fever
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      • Fractures
      • Heatstroke
      • Hot Spots - Canine Acute Moist Dermatitis
      • Hypothermia
      • Nose Bleed
    • Emergency First Aid P - Z >
      • Paralysis
      • Poisoning and Exposure to Toxins
      • Penetrating Injuries
      • Rat Bites
      • Seizures
      • Shock
      • Straining & Constipation
      • Transporting Injurerd Dogs
    • Health & Wellbeing >
      • Health Conditions A - E >
        • Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Dogs
        • Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (Sub acute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)
        • B12 Deficiency or Cobalamin Malabsorption
        • Breathing Difficulties
        • Canine Athletes Heart Syndrome
        • Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs
        • Epilepsy
      • Health Conditions F -M >
        • Hip dysplasia
        • Hypoglycemia
        • Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
        • Joint Luxation
        • Ligament and Tendon Tears
        • Metabolic Myopathy
      • Health Conditions N - Z >
        • Paw Pad Problems
        • Portal Systemic Shunts
        • Pyometra & Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia
        • Snow Nose
        • Stomach Ulcers
        • Tendonitis
        • Urinary Tract Health
      • Infectious diseases >
        • Alabama Rot
        • Cryptococcosis
        • Distemper
        • Erlichiosis
        • Hepatitis
        • Histoplasmosis
        • Parvovirus
        • Rabies
      • Welbeing A - G >
        • Anal Glands/Sacks
        • Burns
        • Coconut Oil
        • Dry Dog Food
        • Grooming and maintenance
      • Wellbeing H - Z >
        • Heat Stroke
        • How To Trim Your Dogs Claws
        • Raw Feeding
        • Toxic Food - Fruits, vegtables & Fish
        • Turmeric Powder
        • Vitaimin E
        • Zinc Deficency
      • Dental Care
      • Nutrition
      • Vaccinations, Worming, Microchipping >
        • Kennel Cough
        • Microchipping
        • Vaccinaions
        • Worming, Flea & Tick Prevention & Parasites
      • Spaying & Neutering
      • Veterinary Clinical Examination
  • Controlling Your Dog In Public
    • Banned Breeds
    • Dangerous Dog Act 2017
    • Dog fouling
    • Public Spaces Protection Orders
  • Donation & Fundraising
  • Easy Fundraising
  • Evolution Of Dogs
    • Breeds >
      • Spitz Breeds >
        • Alaskan Husky
        • Aalaskan Klee Kai
        • Alaskan Malamute
        • Chow Chow
        • Crossd Breed - Huskamute
        • Greenland Dogs
        • Japanese Akita Inu & American Akita
        • Samoyed
        • Siberian Husky
        • Tamaskan
      • Wolf Hybrids >
        • Czechoslovakian wolf dog
        • Saarlooswolfhond
        • Timberwolfdog
  • Equipment
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    • Scooters, Dry Land Rig and Sleds
    • Walking Belt
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    • Stake out lines
  • Puppy and dog walking tips
  • Training
    • Canicross
    • Crate Training
    • Obedience training >
      • Bite Inhibition
      • Leave it Training
      • Recall Training
      • Sit Training
      • Sit & Stay Training
      • Walking to Heel Training
    • Temperature Guide to Safely Work Your Dog
    • Toilet Training
    • Vocal Commands
    • Weight Pull Training
    • Working In Racing Harness Sled/Dry Land Rig or Scooter
Picture
Hot Spots
 
In veterinary terms Canine acute moist dermatitis is a canine pyoderma, which is more commonly known as a “hot spot.”  Hot spots are red, moist, irritated patches of skin often caused by an initial irritation and then exacerbated by bacterial infection.  The irritated area can quickly double in size within hours and this soon becomes very painful indeed.
 
Common areas you can see hot spots are on the head, neck, hips and limbs.  With the matting of fur, and often accompanied with fur loss, scabbing and oozing wounds are often seen.  Hot spots seem to be very common in long-haired and double coated dog breeds and are more frequent during the summer months in times of high temperature and humidity.  Hot spots are a result of a bacterial infection.  Your dog's skin becomes irritated and then the dog starts scratching, licking, or even both, this eventually causes a red, ugly, sore.  Officially, hot spots are referred to as acute moist dermatitis or superficial canine pyoderma, usually confined to a specific area.  The hot spot can really only be treated properly by focusing on the underlying infection.  
 
Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs
There are many symptoms of a hot spot which includes one or more of the following:
 
  • Itchy, painful patch of skin
  • Continual chewing or licking at site
  • Abnormal aggression that’s due to the soreness of the hot spot
  • Possible depression again this is linked with pain of the hot spot
  • Inflammation, redness, and swelling in a localised patch of skin
  • Crusted scabs or oozing sores
  • Dry scaly skin
  • Fur loss Moist, matted fur
  • Foul odour from lesion
 
Causes of Hot Spots in Dogs
Possible causes of initial irritation can be any one of the following:
 
  • Flea allergies
  • Cuts or abrasions
  • Ear infection
  • Anal gland infection
  • Foreign objects such as splinters or thorns
  • Food allergies
  • Matted fur
  • Insect bites
  • Chewing or licking due to stress or boredom
 
How Hot Spots Develop
Hot spots on dogs are a direct result of an imbalance in the normal bacteria which is Staphylococcus intermedius, on the skin.  This bacterial imbalance is most likely brought about by some initial irritation that the dog bites or scratches at repeatedly.  Biting and chewing can introduce bacteria from the mouth and nose to disrupted hair follicles at the site of irritation.  Moisture and heat from the matted fur, summer warmth and humidity or even from open scrapes or cuts can then further exacerbate bacterial growth.  Bacterial growth causes the body natural immune response to react, which results in further itching, heat, redness, inflammation and pain.  
 
Diagnosis
If you notice your dog is showing any symptoms of a hot spot, you may want to try an over the counter medication to clean and treat at home.  However, since hot spots are painful and can worsen within a matter of hours, it is always advisable to book an appointment with your local veterinary practice to obtain professional treatment for this condition.  
 
The veterinarian will take a thorough history and then conduct a physical exam to determine the initial cause of the hot spot.  It is important to let your veterinarian know when the onset of symptoms began and if there were any unusual circumstances that may have led to the irritation so the vet can identify the possible allergens or stressors to ensure that the treatment prescribed addressed the cause as well as the symptoms.
 
The hot spot area will most likely be shaved and then properly cleaned to determine severity and size of the hot spot.  Shaving and cleaning is also necessary to properly clean and to allow air flow to dry out the moisture that the hot spot produces.  In cases where other forms of pyoderma are suspected, your veterinarian may further examine bacterial samples under the microscope or even take a culture sample for diagnosis.
 
Treatment
The area must be cleaned thoroughly.  Any matted fur should be shaved from the affected area.  This is because it can be quite painful, it is often a good idea to bring your dog to the vet practice so that the nurses can clean and shave the area properly.  Some level of sedation may be necessary, depending on the pain tolerance of your dog.  A topical antibacterial/antiseptic which has the ingredient chlorhexidine in is then used to clean the wound. 
 
Your vet may decide to treat the bacterial infection by either opting for a topical approach or with administering oral.  Depending on the severity, your vet may decide to use the double prong approach of topical and oral antibiotics.  Although by using the antibiotic treatment approach this may last 4 weeks or longer.  
 
Treating Initial Irritation
Some cases of hot spots are idiopathic where the cause is unidentifiable.  More commonly the causes are thought to be from, allergies to fleas, pollen or food that are identified with a history and examination.
 
Monthly flea treatments or hypoallergenic diets can address allergies.  Along with regular grooming or keeping fur cut short can prevent matting, a common cause of skin irritation.  Any anxiety-induced chewing and licking can be reduced by introducing toys or chews and exercise and play.  
 
Medications for pain and inflammation antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce itchiness and irritation.  NSAIDS can be prescribed to reduce inflammation.  A short acting corticosteroid may also be administered one time to make your dog more comfortable and to promote healing.  Gentamicin/Betamethasone sprays are quite often prescribed to spray on the lesion daily.  Dietary supplements Essential fatty acids may be suggested for pets prone to skin conditions.  
 
Recovery
Follow up veterinarian appointments may or may not be necessary, depending on the severity of the wound.  In most cases hot spot resolve quite quickly if the original irritant is addressed and the correct treatment regimen is followed.  An Elizabethan collar or Comfy collar should be used to prevent further chewing or licking of the hot spot.  Also, regular grooming can help prevent hot spots from developing.  If you are not able to groom your pet regularly, you may consider either a professional groomer to help maintain your dog’s coat, or even keeping the hair clipped short or shaved to prevent matting.
 
Follow a monthly flea control program.  Maintain a stress free environment in the dog’s home.  Try to eliminate loud noises, introduce toys and chews, and provide your pet with exercise and play.  Maintain an appropriate hypoallergenic diet if your veterinarian suspects food allergies.  Healing may not be apparent for 1-2 weeks.  Fur should begin to grow back in 3-4 weeks.  Scarring is not often a problem except in severe cases.  If hot spots continue, further diagnostics may be required to determine the cause.
 
NB. Do Not Shave Sled Dogs!  Unless advised by your veterinarian for medical purposes.  
 






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  • Home
  • About
    • Club Ethos
    • Club Code of Ethics
    • Club Dog Working, Showing & Pack Walks
    • Club Membership
    • Club Merchandise >
      • Pyrography
      • Car Decals
      • Clothing >
        • Size & Colour Chart
      • Custom Embroidery Designs
      • Dog Accessories
      • Keyrings
      • Miscellaneous
    • Meet the Pack & Club Event Photos
    • Rainbow Bridge
  • Education & Public Speaking
  • Contact
  • Ain't Nothing But A Hound Day
    • Gleblands Park - Newport
    • Victoria Park - Cardiff
    • Romilly Park - Barry
    • Roath Recreation Ground - Cardiff
  • Dog Show Sponsors 2019
  • Canine First Aid & Health & Wellbeing
    • Canine First Aid Kit Contents
    • Bandaging & Wound Cleaning
    • Emergency First Aid A - E >
      • Abscesses
      • Adder Snake Bite
      • Bee Stings & Insect Bites
      • Bleeding (external)
      • Bleeding (internal)
      • Bloat
      • Chemical Burns
      • Choking
      • CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resusitation
      • Dehydration
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Difficult Births
      • Drowning
      • Eye Injuries
    • Emergency First Aid E - O >
      • Electrocution
      • Fainting - "Syncope"
      • False Widow Spider Bite
      • Fever
      • Fox Bites
      • Fractures
      • Heatstroke
      • Hot Spots - Canine Acute Moist Dermatitis
      • Hypothermia
      • Nose Bleed
    • Emergency First Aid P - Z >
      • Paralysis
      • Poisoning and Exposure to Toxins
      • Penetrating Injuries
      • Rat Bites
      • Seizures
      • Shock
      • Straining & Constipation
      • Transporting Injurerd Dogs
    • Health & Wellbeing >
      • Health Conditions A - E >
        • Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Dogs
        • Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (Sub acute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)
        • B12 Deficiency or Cobalamin Malabsorption
        • Breathing Difficulties
        • Canine Athletes Heart Syndrome
        • Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs
        • Epilepsy
      • Health Conditions F -M >
        • Hip dysplasia
        • Hypoglycemia
        • Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
        • Joint Luxation
        • Ligament and Tendon Tears
        • Metabolic Myopathy
      • Health Conditions N - Z >
        • Paw Pad Problems
        • Portal Systemic Shunts
        • Pyometra & Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia
        • Snow Nose
        • Stomach Ulcers
        • Tendonitis
        • Urinary Tract Health
      • Infectious diseases >
        • Alabama Rot
        • Cryptococcosis
        • Distemper
        • Erlichiosis
        • Hepatitis
        • Histoplasmosis
        • Parvovirus
        • Rabies
      • Welbeing A - G >
        • Anal Glands/Sacks
        • Burns
        • Coconut Oil
        • Dry Dog Food
        • Grooming and maintenance
      • Wellbeing H - Z >
        • Heat Stroke
        • How To Trim Your Dogs Claws
        • Raw Feeding
        • Toxic Food - Fruits, vegtables & Fish
        • Turmeric Powder
        • Vitaimin E
        • Zinc Deficency
      • Dental Care
      • Nutrition
      • Vaccinations, Worming, Microchipping >
        • Kennel Cough
        • Microchipping
        • Vaccinaions
        • Worming, Flea & Tick Prevention & Parasites
      • Spaying & Neutering
      • Veterinary Clinical Examination
  • Controlling Your Dog In Public
    • Banned Breeds
    • Dangerous Dog Act 2017
    • Dog fouling
    • Public Spaces Protection Orders
  • Donation & Fundraising
  • Easy Fundraising
  • Evolution Of Dogs
    • Breeds >
      • Spitz Breeds >
        • Alaskan Husky
        • Aalaskan Klee Kai
        • Alaskan Malamute
        • Chow Chow
        • Crossd Breed - Huskamute
        • Greenland Dogs
        • Japanese Akita Inu & American Akita
        • Samoyed
        • Siberian Husky
        • Tamaskan
      • Wolf Hybrids >
        • Czechoslovakian wolf dog
        • Saarlooswolfhond
        • Timberwolfdog
  • Equipment
    • Collars
    • Cooling Coats & Mats
    • Scooters, Dry Land Rig and Sleds
    • Walking Belt
    • Dog Weather Shelter
    • Head Collar
    • Leads
    • Harnesses
    • Stake out lines
  • Puppy and dog walking tips
  • Training
    • Canicross
    • Crate Training
    • Obedience training >
      • Bite Inhibition
      • Leave it Training
      • Recall Training
      • Sit Training
      • Sit & Stay Training
      • Walking to Heel Training
    • Temperature Guide to Safely Work Your Dog
    • Toilet Training
    • Vocal Commands
    • Weight Pull Training
    • Working In Racing Harness Sled/Dry Land Rig or Scooter