If you're having problems with dog hot spots then this guide will help you get rid if them. The three areas that you should know about are the basic definition of what they are, what causes them and how to treat them. By implementing what you learn here, you will be able to fix hot spot problems once and for all.
The word hot spot seems to mean different things to different people. Let me take just a brief moment and give you the most common definition that your vet would use. Basically, we're talking about an area of skin that gets infected due to your dog chronically damaging it. By repeatedly irritating or damaging the skin, it get's exposed to the outside world and an infection will eventually set in. They are typically the result of biting, chewing or constant scratching that exerts enough force on the skin over time to cause a cut or tear. The dog will just keep damaging it more and more until the problem gets out of hand.
There's a basic definition that you'll find is most common when using the phrase. Now, I'll go over the detailed causes so you can understand this problem even more.
Knowing what causes this whole process to start is very beneficial so that we can try and keep it from happening again. Some of the trigger mechanisms can be address to make sure this doesn't come back after treatment. Due to various reasons, an area of skin may itch constantly and thus the never ending scratching by your dog. Another common cause in dogs with thick, long hair is that loose hair is trapped in the tangled mat along with dirt and this irritates the skin over time. The skin irritation may initially be the result of an allergic reaction or caused by a chemical that the dog is getting exposed to in their day to day environment. Another common cause is gnawing due to a dog being constantly nervous.
You now have a good look at the major causes of this problem both from the point of view of external as well as internal causes. Now, let's get on to the important step of treating them.
Because the hot spot problem is the result of an issue that hasn't gone away, you will have to treat it or it will just get worse. Here's some great ideas about how to go about solving this problem. Go after the infection as soon as you see it. Go slow and shave the area to expose the skin for treatment then clean it with an antibacterial cleaner made specifically for wound treatment. During the cleaning, you may encounter an insect problem. Identify exactly what it is because you'll need specific medicine depending on the type of insect problem you have. If you're dealing with a major problem or one that you think can be life threatening, you'll need antibiotics and possibly steroids from a vet. Your vet can also help you address the issue that started the whole problem as well.
This style of treatment often works if the hot spot is small enough and you catch it quick enough. If you find you're dealing with a big problem, get a vet to look at it as soon as possible.
Now that you know more about dog hot spots, you may see the whole issue in a new light. You now know what the classical definition of the problem is, what some root causes are and how to treat it. Put this information to use for a happy healthy dog.
The word hot spot seems to mean different things to different people. Let me take just a brief moment and give you the most common definition that your vet would use. Basically, we're talking about an area of skin that gets infected due to your dog chronically damaging it. By repeatedly irritating or damaging the skin, it get's exposed to the outside world and an infection will eventually set in. They are typically the result of biting, chewing or constant scratching that exerts enough force on the skin over time to cause a cut or tear. The dog will just keep damaging it more and more until the problem gets out of hand.
There's a basic definition that you'll find is most common when using the phrase. Now, I'll go over the detailed causes so you can understand this problem even more.
Knowing what causes this whole process to start is very beneficial so that we can try and keep it from happening again. Some of the trigger mechanisms can be address to make sure this doesn't come back after treatment. Due to various reasons, an area of skin may itch constantly and thus the never ending scratching by your dog. Another common cause in dogs with thick, long hair is that loose hair is trapped in the tangled mat along with dirt and this irritates the skin over time. The skin irritation may initially be the result of an allergic reaction or caused by a chemical that the dog is getting exposed to in their day to day environment. Another common cause is gnawing due to a dog being constantly nervous.
You now have a good look at the major causes of this problem both from the point of view of external as well as internal causes. Now, let's get on to the important step of treating them.
Because the hot spot problem is the result of an issue that hasn't gone away, you will have to treat it or it will just get worse. Here's some great ideas about how to go about solving this problem. Go after the infection as soon as you see it. Go slow and shave the area to expose the skin for treatment then clean it with an antibacterial cleaner made specifically for wound treatment. During the cleaning, you may encounter an insect problem. Identify exactly what it is because you'll need specific medicine depending on the type of insect problem you have. If you're dealing with a major problem or one that you think can be life threatening, you'll need antibiotics and possibly steroids from a vet. Your vet can also help you address the issue that started the whole problem as well.
This style of treatment often works if the hot spot is small enough and you catch it quick enough. If you find you're dealing with a big problem, get a vet to look at it as soon as possible.
Now that you know more about dog hot spots, you may see the whole issue in a new light. You now know what the classical definition of the problem is, what some root causes are and how to treat it. Put this information to use for a happy healthy dog.
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