Dog Skin Problem - Is the Cause Environmental?

By Debra Proctor

The number one cause of dog skin problems is usually environmental and the number one symptom of an environmental cause is hot spots. But don't worry, the symptoms are easy to identify; the causes are relatively easy to prevent, and treatments are effective.

A main symptom if your dog has a "hot spot" is an obvious open, oozy sore that your dog won't stop licking and biting. These sores start out small and don't look as if they will be a problem, but don't be deceived. Hot spots can develop into very serious problems with the infection getting into your dog's bloodstream and potentially cause death if not treated.

This problem is usually seen in dogs that run free but can happen to dogs that are confined in a small space also. When dogs dig, swim, run through woods and fields or even nose around in the backyard, they are susceptible to getting a small scratch or wound that can develop into a hot spot. If your dog gets a small wound or scratch and it is allowed to stay moist and never dries out, you have the setting for a hot spot. The moist scratch gets invaded by bacteria and develops into a problem. It is often impossible to prevent a normal dog from getting small scratches, but you can help prevent this from happening by checking your dog frequently for scratches. Most importantly, notice if they start biting or licking on spot in particular.

Treatment for hot spots require aggressive intervention from your vet. The hot spot will need to be cleaned and then the hair surrounding it shaved. This helps to keep the wound clean. More than likely your dog will also be given an oral antibiotic that fights the infection internally and an ointment that helps topically or at the site of the wound.

By recognizing the symptoms, being aware of the causes and getting proper treatment, hot spot can be prevented and/or cured. But don't wait too long if you suspect this is the problem. A hot spot dog skin problem can be very dangerous and make your dog extremely ill.

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