Moist dermatitis, more commonly referred to as dog hot spots, are localized areas of skin inflammation caused by the dog frantically licking and chewing at a sensitive area. This incessant biting at its own skin results in excruciatingly painful sticky skin lesions, which start off as a small spot, but very often increase rapidly in size as the dog causes more trauma to the area, resulting in large patches of exposed inflamed skin and flesh.
Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.
Causes: Allergic skin reactions are often triggered by an environmental stimulus such as grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or fleas, and allergies to certain foods or food additives. Ectoparasites, anal gland disorders, and sensitivity to clipping and grooming may also cause skin inflammations in dogs. Breeds which seem to be most susceptible to hot spots include the long haired varieties such as retrievers, collies and shepherds, but it is also common in short haired breeds.
Treatment: In order to prevent recurrence it is vital that one treats both the symptoms and the cause. It may be prudent to use some form of restraint or sedation when treating the symptoms, as the dogs skin will most likely be very tender, resulting in him trying to defend himself by biting aggressively when touched. If the dog persists on chewing and biting at the area after treatment, it can be temporarily fitted with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from reaching the sensitive area, to allow the wound to heal.
Steps to be followed to cure moist dermatitis skin afflictions in dogs:
In order to properly treat the area of inflammation, you will first need to shave or trim away the fur surrounding the infected area.
The infected area then needs to be washed with a medicated shampoo or soap, and then gently patted dry.
Keep the inflamed area cool by applying cool compresses. Home remedies using tea bags as a compress to help cool down the skin also help to dry out the lesions.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.
Last but not least, you will need to try to figure out what is causing the skin irritation in the first place. Food allergies may be determined by a process of elimination, and if the cause is found to be food related then the diet can be changed accordingly. By treating the cause you will prevent future recurrence and save you and your dog much grief in the future.
Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.
Causes: Allergic skin reactions are often triggered by an environmental stimulus such as grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or fleas, and allergies to certain foods or food additives. Ectoparasites, anal gland disorders, and sensitivity to clipping and grooming may also cause skin inflammations in dogs. Breeds which seem to be most susceptible to hot spots include the long haired varieties such as retrievers, collies and shepherds, but it is also common in short haired breeds.
Treatment: In order to prevent recurrence it is vital that one treats both the symptoms and the cause. It may be prudent to use some form of restraint or sedation when treating the symptoms, as the dogs skin will most likely be very tender, resulting in him trying to defend himself by biting aggressively when touched. If the dog persists on chewing and biting at the area after treatment, it can be temporarily fitted with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from reaching the sensitive area, to allow the wound to heal.
Steps to be followed to cure moist dermatitis skin afflictions in dogs:
In order to properly treat the area of inflammation, you will first need to shave or trim away the fur surrounding the infected area.
The infected area then needs to be washed with a medicated shampoo or soap, and then gently patted dry.
Keep the inflamed area cool by applying cool compresses. Home remedies using tea bags as a compress to help cool down the skin also help to dry out the lesions.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.
Last but not least, you will need to try to figure out what is causing the skin irritation in the first place. Food allergies may be determined by a process of elimination, and if the cause is found to be food related then the diet can be changed accordingly. By treating the cause you will prevent future recurrence and save you and your dog much grief in the future.
About the Author:
Jennifer is a dog health pro focusing on dog hot spots. She suggests all-natural products and solutions for dog allergy symptoms.
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