subject: Dog Hot Spots Can Be A Tricky Problem [print this page] Dog Hot Spots Can Be A Tricky Problem
Loss of fur for a dog in some areas of the body is sometimes an indication of a condition known as dog hot spots. Sometimes moisture is noticeable in the area but this is not necessarily so. The condition is very uncomfortable for the animal.
Hot spots develop as a result of bacterial infection. The environment, especially if it offers conditions favorable the growth of the bacteria can play a big part. Grooming, behavioral issues and allergies can also play a role in whether hot spots will develop.
Sometimes allergies caused by parasites or even food for instance irritate the skin of a dog with a good immune system. The dog starts to lick the area excessively, creating a moist area where the bacteria can develop. This causes further irritation and the dog starts to scratch, resulting in the loss of fur over a period of time. Other factors such as boredom or anxiety can also lead to the loss of fur.
Clipping of the hair around the problem area and applying a mild antiseptic sometimes take care of the infection, but if it does not, it is best to call in the advice of a vet as other factors may also be at play. If your dog licks the area during treatment, an e-collar must be used. This will help keep the area dry which is essential.
Sometimes the issue is bigger than just a few infected areas on the skin. There may be an underlying problem. As long as you do not take care of this, infection will continue to be a problem for the dog. To remove the discomfort of infection once and for all the underlying cause must be discovered and eliminated.
Make a habit of grooming your dog regularly. If it is not possible take the animal to the groomer. Poor grooming may be a contributing cause especially in dogs with longer and thicker fur. Having the fur clipped regularly in warm weather is also a good idea. Time you spend on grooming the dog also means you are giving the dog more attention and this can help relieve boredom and anxiety. Shorter fur will it make easier to spot hot spots when they occur as well as treating them. Giving the dog a bath regularly will kill any parasites there may be.
As this condition may be allergy related, it is not always easy to heal. To find out the cause of the allergy is in itself a mission. It may be that the food causes it, or maybe parasites. Those two are easy to put right by giving the dog a bath with a flea killing shampoo or changing the food. If the allergen is something else, maybe something in the backyard or home, you may be in for a tough time trying to find it. Keeping your dog away from certain areas for a short time, may be a way of finding the culprit through a process of elimination.
To keep your canine friend in the best possible heath, be on the lookout for dog hot spots. Start treatment as soon as you notice them. Make sure the dog gets a lot of attention and that it has some toys to play with to fight boredom. If you take away the underlying cause, the problem will be solved without expensive treatment.
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