What is a dog and cat "hot spot"?
A hot spot, also known as acute moist dermatitis is a localised area of skin inflammation and infection which most often oozes pus and sometimes gives off a foul odor. Due to a pet licking, chewing or scratching itself the condition grows at a rapid rate and causes hair loss in patches. It is one of the most common medical complaints from pet owners.
A hot spot, also known as acute moist dermatitis is a localised area of skin inflammation and infection which most often oozes pus and sometimes gives off a foul odor. Due to a pet licking, chewing or scratching itself the condition grows at a rapid rate and causes hair loss in patches. It is one of the most common medical complaints from pet owners.
Symptoms of pet hot spots include:
- Hair loss in small areas. Sometimes long hair can hide the severity of the lesions.
- Compulsive scratching, licking, biting and chewing, which causes rapid aggravation. These can cause the hot spot to grow rapidly, in a matter of hours.
- Redness of skin
- Oozing / pus
- Lesions that look like bite wounds
What causes Hot Spots in Pets ?
- Allergies
- Parasites (fleas and mites)
- Insect bites
- Small cut / minor wound / scrape
- Licking & Chewing
- Bad Grooming - If the coat is dense or allowed to become matted, moisture on the skin may remain long enough to allow superficial bacteria to reproduce and create an infection.
- Pet Products which can destroy a pets immunity making them susceptible to infection and disease
- Psychological problems causing stress or boredom
Hot Spots in Cats and Dogs is a self-inflicted condition. The licking, biting, chewing, aggressive scratching causes skin inflammation which can lead to bleeding and oozing if left untreated. Because the hot spot itself is caused by bacteria (fungus, yeast), the more a pet scratches and bites, the more bacteria will keep going into the infected area causing worsening of the condition. It should be treated as soon as possible.
It is common for a pet owner to notice a small aggravation, then hours later notice in horror that it has enlarged to up to twice (or more) its size. The distressed pet will go to great extents to be left alone and will even growl or snap at the owner if the spot is touched.
How do I treat this Hot Spot?
Firstly we recommend you choose the correct bathing products.
It is extremely important that your pet's shampoo is pH balanced (for them) and contain no sls, sulfates, or any harsh chemicals that can strip your pets natural oils. When a pet's pH balance is disrupted, yeast and fungus proliferate and help the condition to get worse.
The best choice is an antibacterial-anti-fungal shampoo which is also calming and soothing at the same time.
*Shampoos are the first step of defence against problem skin in pets.
For natural treatment of Hot Spots please try DERMagic Hot Spot Salve.
This is a topical treatment that dramatically improves the condition in a matter of hours. It is guaranteed to work. Furthermore, it contains only naturally ingredients.
Where can I find DERMagic Hot Spot Salve and Organic Pet Shampoo? www.dermagic.com.au
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