Pet Scratching Series - Banish Bacteria and Hot Spot

By Shane McRae

This article, the second in the series of pet itch causes and treatment will discuss the ways in which bacteria can affect our pet's skin. Actually all skin, human and canine, is covered in bacteria all the time. But some types of bacteria, when out of control, cause a painful inflammation of the skin. Hot spots, moist eczema, summer sores are all common names for the same condition; acute moist dermatitis or acute moist pyoderma.

Hot spots in dogs (cats seldom get them) are usually painful, moist, often itchy, smelly, and warm or hot to the touch. Because the hot spots are sore and tender the dogs scratch, bite, and lick the area, exacerbating the problem, causing hair loss, and spreading the bacteria. Hot spots can develop rapidly, often within a couple of hours, especially in dogs with thick or matted coats that are living in a hot, humid environment. One of the first things you may notice is an area of hair loss and reddened skin or incessant licking and biting of the infected area. One of your first goals is to dry the affected area and keep it dry since the bacteria thrive in a moist, warm environment, then treat to control the bacteria.

A word of caution before starting a hot spot treatment at home: since hot spot can be quite painful even an easy-going dog may be inclined to bite or nip if you try to touch the infected area so take precautions if necessary. Clip or shave the area around the hot spot to help keep the skin dry and to access the area for treatment. Begin by using an astringent liquid or ointment. Betadine lotion is a good option. It will help dry the skin and kill the offending bacteria. Or, a good homemade option is a solution of 2 ounces hydrogen peroxide, 2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol, and 10 ounces water. Gently dab the solution on the hot spot with a cotton pad every two to three hours for the first couple of days. Continue the treatment a few times a day for the first week. By then if you aren't seeing improvement consult with your veterinarian. Follow this astringent solution with an antiseptic such as Betadine lotion or ointment. A compress of cold wet teabags may give the dog some temporary relief.

After treating your dog's hot spot you'll want to prevent a further occurrence. Ensure that your dog does not have fleas or ticks. Keep the skin and coat clean and in good condition. Work with your vet to alleviate any allergies. If hot spots are recurring despite your best efforts try a change in diet and include omega fatty acids or an oil based product designed to treat itchy skin. Hot spot is occasionally an indication of an internal problem such as hypothyroidism, another good reason to see your vet about recurrences of dermatitis. If your dog has a thick, heavy coat, seriously consider giving him a summer haircut. This helps keep the skin dry and the dog more comfortable.

After all this care and attention hot spot will only mean a place by the barbeque with your happy dog at your feet waiting for a tasty tidbit to fall his way.

Shane McRae is the top dog at Petology. The website, http://www.petologynet.com is a great source of information about dog itching and scratching since that is their complete focus. The people at Petology are dedicated to the health of dogs and to eradicating dog misery caused by itching and scratching.