Itchy Summer Hot Spots

Although similar skin lesions can occur any time of year, hot spots.... raw, inflamed, wet sores that itch and often grow rapidly, are much more common in Summer. Warmth and moisture are usually contributing factors in this type of inflammatory skin disorder, also referred to as moist Eczema, Acute Moist Dermatitis or Acute Moist Pyoderma.

The nasty, painful sores can start just about anywhere on a dog's body. Typical locations are the side of the face, especially around the ears; on the rump, over the hip, on the legs and paws. Common characteristics include weeping and oozing, crusting and scabbing, intense itching, and hair loss. The sores sometimes have a foul odor.

Any dog can get a hot spot but they occur more frequently in long haired breeds like Golden Retrievers, Collies, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels. Dogs with dense coats, especially those with an undercoat, are most susceptible.

Hot spots can start with almost anything that irritates the skin... a flea bite, a tick bite or a mosquito bite. Irritation from matted hair, burrs or awns, an ear infection, anal gland secretions... evan a tiny scratch from a clipper blade can become a hot spot. Skin allergies are compounded by heat and humidity. Excessively warm and moist skin, irritated by exposure to grass or pollen, can cause intense itching. With incessant scratching, licking and chewing, a very small irritated area can quickly become a large infected sore. Regardless of the cause, the scratching and gnawing must be stopped.

If you notice signs of irritation very early and act quickly to provide relief from the itching, you may be able to stop further damage. If you see your dog rubbing, scratching or chewing around a spot, check to see what's there. Clipping the hair over the affected area will allow you to see how large the lesion really is. It will permit light and air to reach the skin and help to dry the surface. Wash the area gently with warm water and mild soap, rinse, and gently pat dry. Applying an antiseptic may be all that's needed to stop the discomfort caused by an insect bite. A thin coat of Cortisone cream could calm the itch of an allergic rash. Use a mild astringent to help dry irritated skin in warm, moist areas.

If the spot does not quickly respond to those measures, if your dog continues to lick and/or scratch the area, if there is any sign of weeping or inflammation, call your Veterinarian.

In addition to topical medications, Veterinary treatment might involve use of an oral antihistamine or a course of Prednisone to stop the itching and inflammation. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infection. If medication does not provide quick relief... if licking and scratching continue, using a Protective Collar or E-Collar is the best way to prevent additional skin mutilation by the distressed dog.

Treating the source of the problem must go hand in hand with treating the lesion. Medication may be needed to cure an ear infection, eliminate fleas or ticks, or treat whatever caused the itching and irritation in the first place. Keeping the area clean and dry during and after the treatment, will promote healing and help prevent a recurrence.

Regular baths with a non-allergenic, anti-bacterial shampoo, followed by careful drying, may be beneficial. Good grooming should include frequent brushing to prevent matted hair and to remove burrs and other irritating debris. You might need to learn how to express the dog's anal glands to prevent recurring irritation in that area. With regular use of an effective flea and tick preventative, you can eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction to fleas in the future.

Additional sources of information about hot spots and related skin disorders....

Alleviating Your Pet's Itchy Skin

Itch-And-Scratch-Bite-And-Lick!