It’s hotspot season!

Does your dog suffer from “hotspots”? Also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, or acute moist dermatitis. Hotspots are lesions of the skin caused by the dog biting or scratching to relieve an itch. They can develop into large ulcerated lesions in just a few hours.

Underlying causes of hotspots may be flea hypersensitivity, allergies, foreign bodies in the coat like grass seeds, and even muscle or joint pain.

Dogs with heavy coats and dense undercoats may be more likely to develop the condition. However, they can occur in any dog and are more common in hot humid weather, as the name suggests.

If you suspect your dog has a hotspot, or any skin irritation, it is essential to see your vet for a consultation. Hotspots can be painful, and your dog may need to be sedated to have the area clipped and treated. Clipping the affected area allows us to see the extent of the lesion and ensures we treat that area effectively.

Staphylococcal bacteria, a normal bacteria on the skin of dogs, quickly colonises the area and an antiseptic is required to treat this. Chlorhexidine is an effective antiseptic for staph bacteria, and is the active ingredient in the Dermcare Pyohex range. A combination of Pyohex Medicated Shampoo and Pyohex Medicated Conditioner may be part of your dog’s treatment plan. Once the hot spot has resolved, your vet may recommend using the Pyohex range once a week to once a fortnight throughout the summer months, to keep the coat clean, remove allergens, and prevent reoccurrence of infection.

If you have any questions about hotspots, or how to prevent them over summer, please give our friendly nurses a call here at the hospital.

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