It's really an uncomfortable thing for dogs to have those unruly dog hot spots. They can be extremely painful and not as easily manageable as allergies could be. You would know that it is a hot spot because it often emits some sort of pus and also has some foul odor easily sensed once it become plenty. These spots are not just relative to one area alone. They can easily spread to other parts of the body as well. They are usually found right under the flaps of your dog's ears. This being said, hot spots are known to be common among large breeds and those which are known for their thick hairy coats. There are many reasons why dog hot spots occur but it has been observed that they are most likely to appear when a dog is days away from shedding. What happens is that the dead hair gets moistened and trapped right onto the skin. Aside from this, improper grooming practices that lead to the appearance of fleas and mites on the skin can also cause the said spots. Because of the pain it causes and the quick way it can erupt, hot spots needed special medical attention immediately. Dogs are often sedated prior to treatment so that medication could be facilitated much better. The surrounding hair around the area would be clipped off by the veterinarian so that the hot spots would become more visible and easier to treat. Soon as the hair has been clipped off, the spots would first be cleansed using a povidone-iodine laden shampoo. Then the skin would have to be completely dried off first. After this, antibiotics will be applied in the form of either cream or powder over the affected area. This would be repeated twice every day and would last for up to two weeks. In addition to the cream or powder, your vet might also see it necessary to advise your dog with oral meds. But this is just to help them feel more comfortable because during the healing period, the dog hot spots can still become itchy. You would also be advised to make your dog wear an Elizabethan collar to protect the healing skin. Though it can be painful to have, dog hot spots can be avoided. The easiest way to do so is to make sure that your dog gets dried up completely after having a bath or taking a leisurely swim to cool off. Trapped moisture can be the early beginnings of a hot spot. It also helps to keep your home clean. Make sure you also vacuum the place where your dog usually sleeps to help prevent mites and fleas from being picked up. Jennifer is a dog health authority who specializes in skin care for dogs. Click here for more information.
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