Hot spots on dogs – how to prevent and cure hot spot

I love to take my Lab outside to play. I never mind when he gets into puddles or dirt because I know he’s just having a good time! Of course, I always make sure to give him a thorough bath afterward.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I found my baby wincing in pain during a recent bath. I had noticed him scratching a little more than usual, but I didn’t think anything of it until I saw his inflamed skin. After doing some research on the American Kennel Club website, I found that my dog was suffering from hot spots.

Apparently, hot spots can occur most frequently on dogs with thick fur like my Lab. The reason is that his fur may not be drying completely as he gets wet, making him the perfect target for bugs and bacteria. My little guy was just scratching away, not realizing that he was agitating his own skin.

I solved this problem with a natural topical treatment that I applied to my dog’s skin daily. It took me a while to find the perfect product for my pet, but we haven’t had any problems since. Now, I know how to prevent hot spots.

Since this experience, I realize how common hot spots are. So, I wanted to create a guide for dog-lovers like myself. We have to be able to notice the signs of hot spots, treat them, and play a role in preventing hot spots from happening in the future.

What causes hot spots on dogs?

Chances are, you’ve seen your pup lick, chew, or scratch at itself before. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are typically caused by a dog’s self-inflicted skin trauma. The skin starts to become moist, red, and itchy. Then, if left untreated, harmful bacteria contaminate that sore spot.

Moist dermatitis is not pleasant for your pet. You’ll notice that if you touch the infected area, your pup will express pain. The affected area may look crusty due to dried pus, and there may be hair loss over it.

Some dogs are more likely to deal with hot spots than others. Your animal may be prone to hot spots if they:

  • Are a breed with a thick coat, such as a Labrador, Golden Retriever, or Rottweiler
  • Frequently get wet from bathing or swimming
  • Are often itchy because of insect bites, allergies, matted hair, or skin scrapes

If your pet is often bored, it may even chew at itself for fun. Doesn’t that just drive you crazy? The good news is hot spots can usually be treated quickly and easily. The topical treatment K9 Kare Prebiotic Topical Spray can fix this nerve-wracking problem.

Pictures of hot spots on dogs

How do you know if your pup has hot spots? While they all look different, the most common symptoms are redness, hair loss, and swelling in one area. They usually occur where dogs have easy access to themselves, such as on the head, hips, or limbs.

The area of the hot spots hot on your pet can help you or your vet figure out the underlying cause. What made your dog begin scratching? Was it a flea or tick infestation or some other irritation?

When you look at a typical hot spot, it will look pink and circular. Vets usually shave the area around the spots hot so that they can be seen more easily as well as dry out. If you see a black dot on top of the hot spot, that may be where a tick was once attached.

In the most severe cases, you will see a much larger affected area. Your pet probably could not stop picking at the irritation, making it even worse. Help them get back to normal with some ointment or antibiotics.

How to prevent hot spots on dogs

If you’ve dealt with hot spots before, I’m sure you don’t want to do it again. Preventing hot spots requires patience. You can prevent spots hot in a number of ways:

  • Help your dog stop itching. It would be best if you addressed the underlying cause of the hot spots. Your dog may be trying to ward off parasites or deal with allergies. Even other skin conditions can lead to hot spots. You want to stay on top of treating your dog’s skin.
  • Practice good hygiene. If your pet plays outside a lot, make sure you are giving frequent baths with gentle shampoos and conditioners. Also, do your best to completely dry your dog’s fur after they’ve been wet. Wet fur area can become a playground for bacteria and pests.
  • Increase playtime. Is your pet bored and sitting at home all day? Try to find new ways to keep your pet entertained so that it doesn’t scratch and bit its own skin out of boredom. Even if you can’t be with them all the time, there are some ways to keep your dog’s environment enriched.
  • Improve your dog’s diet. The best skincare to prevent moist dermatitis is done from the inside out. Omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent skin disease, for example. Make your pet less susceptible to infection by monitoring what they eat.

Dog hot spot treatment

If your pup does get a hot spot, it’s far from the end of the world. Treatment for hot spots is usually simple. A natural topical spray provides fast hot spot relief for dogs. You can treat your dog’s skin irritation using these steps:

1. Use clippers to trim or shave the area around the infection.

2. Clean the affected area with an antiseptic solution or water-based astringent. You can also apply a warm compress to encourage circulation. Be sure to dry the area before applying any ointments.

3. Apply a treatment such as K9 Kare Prebiotic Topical Spray to stop the itching and heal the skin.

4. Make sure your pup does not bite or lick at the ointment. This step may require a cone since you don’t want the area to be re-traumatized.

You may choose to consult a vet before or during this process. They can recommend treatment and an action plan. Most importantly, you and your vet should address the root of the issue so that it doesn’t reoccur.

How long will you have to see your baby maneuver around an e-collar? Dog hot spot healing time is usually one to two weeks. While more serious infections may take a little longer, your pup should be back to feeling great in no time.

Dog hot spot spray

As a pet owner, you know how hard it can be to apply medicine to a dog. We designed our prebiotic topical hot spot spray for that reason. You don’t have to worry about getting sticky ointment everywhere, and it’s absolutely dog safe!

You know the importance of using natural products for yourself, so don’t you want the same for your pet? If you use the wrong treatment, you risk your dog not healing or getting sicker. Before you give your dog any medications, you have to read the ingredients and make sure it’s safe for dogs.

A topical spray like K9 Kare allows you to know exactly what you’re putting on your pet. The formula includes natural ingredients such as a blend of organic plant extracts, coconut oil, aloe, kelp, and cannabidiol.

CBD works wonders on skin, and your dog’s skin is no exception. In a 2017 study conducted by Jessica S Mounessa, Julia A. Siegel, Dr. Cory A. Dunnick, and Dr. Robert P. Dellavalle, they found that CBD can:

  • Reduce skin sensitivity
  • Have anti-inflammatory properties
  • Soothe and calm skin
  • Decrease redness

Wouldn’t you want a safe way to get rid of your dog’s irritation? The best hot spot spray for dogs is one that increases the good bacteria on your dog’s skin like K9 Kare.

Hot spot dog home remedy

If you’re like me, then you like to save money by treating your pets at home. There are home remedies you can try if you don’t want to use steroids or antibiotics, or take that trip to the vet. However, keep in mind that these remedies are not foolproof ways to treat hot spots.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel reduces inflammation and relieves itching as well as burns. It is both antibacterial and antifungal. You can find it at most drug stores, but it’s even better if you have an aloe plant at home.

If you use aloe vera, you just have to use your finger to apply the gel to your pup’s hot spot area at least twice a day. Be aware that aloe vera is toxic to dogs if they eat it! You’ll need to keep an eye on your dog to prevent any accidental harm to your pet.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Since ACV is acidic, it will kill fungus and bacteria. Organic ACV can help your dog’s skin heal and provide some relief to the area.

You do not want to apply ACV that has not been diluted. Your pet will definitely get upset with you! Be sure to cut your ACV with a minimum of equal parts of water.

Oatmeal

Not only does oatmeal soothe itchy skin and reduce inflammation, it is also a natural cleanser. If you have natural oatmeal handy, you can use it to give your pup a bath.

Grind one or two cups of unflavored oatmeal into a powder and mix it into a tub of warm water. Then, let your dog soak for 10 minutes while you give them a nice massage.

Coconut Oil

After you clean the spot, you can apply a healthy amount of coconut oil to provide your dog some relief. Coconut oil is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. It is also safe if ingested.

You may come across a few other dog hotspot home treatments such as vitamin E and Tea Tree Oil. These can help, but it may be easier for you to go with a trusted product specifically formulated for hot spot treatment.

“Remedies” that you need to stay away from are hydrogen peroxide and Listerine. These do not help your dog’s skin heal, and they may hurt your pup. For more advice on treating your dog at home, you can watch Dr. Jones’ tips in this video.

Dog hot spot healing stages

How do you know if your dog is healing? It can take up to a week before you start seeing improvement. You should notice:

  • Reduced inflammation and redness
  • Your dog is less agitated when you touch the area
  • Your dog stops picking or biting at the affected area
  • Fur begins to grow back after about three weeks

Typically, the hot spots will not leave scars and you’ll forget they were ever there. If your dog continues to get these spots, you may want to get a professional opinion.

If you’re not sure whether something is a hot spot, consult your veterinarian. You should also consult a vet if the problem worsens or your dog is becoming withdrawn.

Keep hot spots away by using a treatment that improves the health of your dog’s skin. A natural spray can not only heal hot spot damage but strengthen your pup’s overall skin health.

Natural hot spot treatment for dogs

Hot spots are painful for dogs, and it’s stressful to see your dog in pain. In addition to the physical appearance of an infection, there are other signs that your pet may have a problem:

  • Aggression or irritability due to pain
  • Fur with a strong smell
  • Your dog has little to no appetite
  • Wincing when touched
  • Lethargy
  • Fever

After learning all of this information, wouldn’t you want a simple way to treat dog hot spots? A topical spray with natural ingredients is the easiest route to getting your dog back to normal. You don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals, worsening the problem, or having to spend a lot of time and money.

With K9 Kare Prebiotic Topical Spray, you only have to mist your dog’s skin two to three times a day to get rid of your dog’s hot spots. It is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and you can also use it for rashes or bald patches.

Even if your pet is not currently suffering from hot spots, you want to be prepared. Purchase K9 Kare topical spray today to heal and protect your dog’s skin. Take your pet’s skincare into your own hands.