Hot spot

Hotspot actually means hotspot. Sometimes it is also called Pyotraumatic Dermatitis. This is a purulent skin infection due to trauma that the dog inflicts on itself. Hotspots are common in dogs.

Two types of hotspots can be distinguished. In the first type, the itching occurs in the superficial hotspot in the foreground. In this species, a hairless, moist spot with a red edge develops quite quickly. The hairs at this point are often stuck together. If this hotspot is not treated in time, bacterial infections can occur.

The second type that can develop is deep hotspot, a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. Dogs often leave this area alone as this area is often painful. Often after shaving the fur, a thickening and demarcated area can be seen. This is often accompanied by open purulent areas.

What are the causes of a hotspot?
There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to speak of a hotspot. The first requirement is that the skin must be irritated, which can occur, for example, after a tick bite or a tangle in the fur. In response, the animal licks, bites, or scratches the area, preventing the wound from healing properly.

It can also be caused by heat. Some dogs have long, thick fur and sweat when the weather gets warmer. This can also occur when a dog goes swimming in the summer. However, a long coat is not always a prerequisite for the development of hotspots.

If the dog already has irritated or thin skin, a hot spot is more likely to develop. However, it can also happen that a hot spot develops in the vicinity of another inflammation. For example, with an ear infection, the dog already has an itchy ear and starts scratching. Then a hotspot is created.

• The area bleeds, becomes red, hot, painful and has pus.

• The animal injures itself by spontaneously scratching, licking and biting in the same place. This is where a large purulent skin inflammation develops, which we call a hot spot.

When should I go to the vet?
If you suspect the dog in a hotspot, you should go to the vet immediately. This is to prevent the hotspot from getting worse. Vaseline or other ointments can make the symptoms worse. It is not recommended to treat a hot spot yourself due to the risk of it aggravating.

How is the treatment?
First of all, the cause of the hot spot must be treated, which can be different in each situation. Good grooming usually has a positive effect.

Once the cause is known, it's time to heal the coat. Antibiotics are not preferred here as they unbalance the intestinal flora. In addition, the antibiotics only help temporarily and the hotspot returns quickly. A severe infection sometimes requires the use of antibiotics.

The hair around the hotspot is then shaved off and thoroughly cleaned with Betadine shampoo. The wound is then cleaned and disinfected with a silver spray. To ensure that the dog is less disturbed by the hotspot, an antipruritic agent is also administered. Finally, antibiotics and painkillers can be administered.

A diet may be used to restore the skin, but the effect depends on the cause of the hotspot.

If the dog suffers from regularly recurring hotspots, you can decide to treat the animal with a homeopathic preparation (PURE Hotspot). This homeopathic preparation ensures that the recurrence of the hotspots is reduced as much as possible.

What is the prognosis of a hotspot?
A hotspot is not contagious and can be easily cured in dogs. A hotspot usually has several causes, but if these are treated well and the hotspot is discovered quickly, the prognosis is poor. Since this is often a recurring problem, it is important to be aware of it.

How can a hotspot be prevented?
If the spot was formed after a flea bite, it is advisable to use a different anti-flea product next time and to distract the dog by walking or playing after administration. In the case of an allergy or inflammation, of course, the allergy or inflammation must be treated, otherwise there will be a recurring problem.

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