A hot spot is a painful area of the skin that is often accompanied by discharge and a bad odor.Hot spots can be caused by allergic reactions to skin infections.There are a variety of causes for skin breaks and wounds, including flea bites, scratches, nicks, anal gland problems, and underlying allergies.The fur of a dog can be wet with wounds and skin breaks.Hot spots can be very painful for dogs.If you notice a hot spot on your dog, you should seek prompt and adequate treatment.
Step 1: You should watch your dog.
If your dog licks a spot frequently, notice.This is usually a sign of skin irritation.
Step 2: You should inspect your dog's fur.
Take a closer look at the problem area you have identified.The cover of the dog's fur makes it hard to see hot spots with the naked eye.Hot spots are usually established by the time you notice them.
Step 3: Do you know if you are dealing with a hot spot?
There are hot spots on the skin.There are hot spots that include discharge and an unpleasant odor.Most of the time hot spots are found on the dog's head, hip or chest area.Dogs with long hair and thick coats are more likely to be affected.Dogs who are not groomed regularly and have matted coats are also prone to developing hot spots, as are dogs who swim or are frequently in the rain.Dogs with hip dysplasia or anal sac disease are more likely to suffer from hot spots because they tend to lick the skin on their hind end.
Step 4: Look for areas surrounding the hot spot.
Take some time to check the rest of the dog's skin if you find a hot spot.Take the fur from the area surrounding the hot spot and look for any other moist or reddened areas.If you can, try to determine the underlying cause of the hot spot by treating it immediately.).
Step 5: Contact your doctor.
It is important to see a vet if this is your dog's first hot spot.An appropriate treatment plan can be developed by your vet.
Step 6: The hair should be removed from the hot spot.
The hot spot to air will help speed up the healing process.Don't cut the dog's skin, pull the hair or irritate the skin.It's a good idea to wash your scissors or clippers.If there is a lot of discharge emerging from the hot spot, you will need to clean your clippers frequently.The clippers will get plugged with debris.After use, make sure the instrument is clean and sterile.Have your dog lie down.If you need help keeping the dog still, get a second person.If you want to avoid cutting your dog's skin, leave a quarter inch of stubble.If the area is too large, shave it.
Step 7: Take care of the wound.
You can buy an antimicrobial shampoo at a vet's office or a pharmacy.chlorhexidine is an ingredient in a good product.You can use an antiseptic spray to clean the area.Don't use any product on a hot spot without consulting your vet.
Step 8: Leave the dog's hair on the ground for 10 minutes.
This will allow the medication to start working in the affected area.After 10 minutes, rinse and dry the area.Follow the instructions on how to apply if you use an alternative solution.
Step 9: Use an antibiotic spray.
Your vet will usually prescribe a medication, such as a spray.Depending on the situation, your vet may recommend oral antibiotics.You can apply antibiotics to the wound up to three times a day.
Step 10: The area should be kept dry.
The air will help the wound heal more effectively.Hot spots can't be covered with a bandage because this causes the wound to get worse.
Step 11: Twice a day, inspect the wound.
If there is a build-up of discharge, wash the wound and keep it clean.
Step 12: The dog should be checked for any new hot spots.
If it is hot or humid, this check should be done daily.
Step 13: Take an antibiotic to stop the itch.
An antibiotic prescribed by your vet is the best way to relieve itching.Your vet may prescribe a cream antibiotic that is applied directly to the skin in order to quickly and directly relieve itching.It's not a good idea to use hydrocortisone spray long term.Benadryl may provide some relief.The correct dose is 1 tablet per 50 pounds.This can make matters worse if you put creams on your dog's skin.The spot needs to dry before it can heal, because creams keep the area moist.
Step 14: If your dog keeps licking or biting, use an Elizabethan collar.
The cone-shaped collar will prevent your dog from reaching the wound.Hot spots should not be treated with an Elizabethan collar.Collars prevent your dog from making the hot spots more severe.If your dog is not treated, it will grow and become more serious.If the hot spot can be scratched by a rear foot, you can wrap a sock around it and tape it in place.
Step 15: Your dog's toenails should be trimmed.
Your dog won't be able to scratch the area and spread the disease.