Detect hot spots early to reduce infections!
Hot spot and pyotraumatic dermatitis
Recognize weeping, circular wounds on the skin as hot spots early on!
Hot spots in dogs are caused by pyotraumatic dermatitis . Hot spots are characterized by inflamed wounds on the skin. In today's blog post, we'll explain how hot spots develop, how best to treat them , and how best to prevent them.
Actually, you don't really think much about dogs scratching. This mostly harmless itching can be caused by
- Dirt,
- loose fur
- or coarse soiling
However, if the scratching in a particular area of the fur gets out of hand, you should examine this area more closely, including the skin underneath the fur.
- inflamed,
- pressure-sensitive,
- weeping,
- circular
- or hairless area
If a hot spot has formed on the skin, it could be an incipient or already established hot spot. These "hot spots" can lead to unpleasant inflammation over time and be extremely painful for your dog . Known in medical jargon as pyotraumatic dermatitis, a hot spot describes a weeping and acute eczema on your dog's skin . Over time, it can spread in a circular pattern across the skin.
The term "hot spot" comes from the red, hot spots. In a few severe cases, you can even smell your dog's hot spot. The exuding wound fluid, combined with oxygen, creates an unpleasant odor. Breeds with long or thick coats are particularly affected by hot spots. The ears, trunk, and legs are among the most commonly affected areas of the skin . But what causes a hot spot?
Causes: How does a hot spot develop in a dog?
Insect bites and minor abrasions can lead to hot spots!
A hot spot is not a skin disease in the classic sense . It is more of a symptom and has a specific cause. Inconspicuous insect bites or small wounds can lead to severe hot spots. Excessive licking, scratching, or nibbling of affected skin areas irritates them. Constant licking and nibbling softens the skin in that area, making it susceptible to germs and bacteria . Within a few hours, the small spot can grow into a circular wound. However, it is not only traumatic skin injuries that can cause a hot spot. Also:
- Ectoparasites, especially their bites and stings,
- Inflammation of the outer ear,
- Infections with skin fungi,
- Food intolerances,
- Allergies,
- Contact reactions to grasses or pollen,
- Problems with the anal glands,
- Disturbances of the skin climate,
- Foreign bodies in the fur,
- inadequate coat care
- as well as muscle, bone or joint problems
can be the cause of a hot spot.
Recognizing hot spot symptoms in dogs
Recognize symptoms of pyotraumatic dermatitis!
The most striking feature of a hot spot is its circular appearance . In the early stages, pyotraumatic dermatitis appears slightly inflamed, warm, painful, and red. If the hot spot has arisen from a micro-injury, the cause is not always easy to find. Thick or long hair also makes it difficult to see the underlying skin. This often leads to the inflammation going undetected for a long time. If the hot spot flares up, your dog will lose its fur in that area or the affected area will develop matted fur due to wound secretions. At this point, the inflammation has already progressed and is clearly demarcated from the surrounding tissue.
Treating and preventing hot spots in dogs
Treat your dog’s hot spot naturally!
Even the smallest hot spot requires treatment. Depending on the size and extent of the affected skin area and the severity of the inflammation, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended at this point. For minor and superficial skin inflammations , and as a complement to veterinary treatment, our emmi®-pet skin care set is ideal. Cleansing inflamed skin areas and the associated reduction of germs stimulates wound healing. You can gently and carefully clean your dog's skin wounds with our ultrasonic skin care set. In combination with our emmi®-pet HOCL skin, hoof, and wound hydrogel or our emmi®-pet skin and wound solution, you promote the natural wound healing process.
Expert tip: To prevent the next hot spot, we recommend regular coat checks. If you notice increased scratching, licking, or nibbling on certain areas of the skin for no apparent reason, you should investigate the cause.
