How are Hot Spots treated?

How are hot spots treated?

The aim of treating a hot spot is to halt the trauma and prevent a severe skin infection. The initial step is to stop the self-harm. Options to prevent your dog from doing this include:

• Using an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone) to prevent the dog from chewing the hot spot

• Covering the hot spot with a sock or bandage as a barrier

• Using topical or oral steroids and antihistamines to ease the itching. Consult your veterinarian before using any human medications, as they can be toxic to dogs.

Often, a combination of these methods is necessary to stop the trauma. Meanwhile, the underlying cause of the hot spot must be addressed:

• If caused by impacted anal glands, they need to be expressed.

• If due to a flea allergy, a monthly flea control protocol (e.g., Frontline® Plus, Advantage® or Advantix®, Revolution®, Nexgard®, Simparica®, Bravecto®) is required to control the flea life cycle.

• If arthritis is the cause, your veterinarian may prescribe NSAIDs like meloxicam (Metacam®), carprofen (Rimadyl®, Vetprofen®), deracoxib (Deramaxx®), or other pain medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin®).

• For inhalant or food allergies, your veterinarian can initiate avoidance or desensitization therapy and may suggest a hypoallergenic diet.

• For ear infections, treat the underlying yeast or bacteria.

• If due to boredom or behavioral issues, training, behavior modification, additional exercise, enrichment, and/or medications like antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Reconcile®), clomipramine (Clomicalm®), or amitriptyline (Elavil®) may help.

• If poor grooming is the cause, consult a professional experienced with clippers.

"Clipping the hair away from the hot spot and the surrounding area is crucial to a successful treatment plan."

Removing the hair from the hot spot and surrounding area is essential for effective treatment. The hot spot will heal faster if the hair is removed, allowing the lesion to dry properly. Grooming might be painful, so sedation may be necessary. After clipping, disinfect the lesion with a chlorhexidine solution to kill bacteria. Topical antibiotics, drying sprays, and soothing agents are more effective on a clipped, clean skin surface. Serious hot spots may also require oral antibiotics and steroids/antihistamines.

How can hot spots be prevented?

Ongoing monitoring and addressing the underlying cause should prevent future hot spots. Some dogs also benefit from seasonal grooming, as well as regular brushing and bathing.