If the area is too big, shave … After giving your dog a bath, make sure they are fully dried, and don't start to lick or excessively groom themselves! For any kind of skin problem to heal, diet plays a key role. This can prove to be difficult, but knowing the early signs can make a huge difference in how quickly the skin condition can be resolved. Hot spots in dogs are bacterial by nature and can increase … And don't get us started on the abundance of mentally stimulating toys in their bed. Long-haired dog breeds are also more prone to hot spots than those with shorter hair. This comb is designed to leave an inch of hair left, which is the length typically recommended. Just make sure you leave at least an inch of fur to protect your dog's skin from the sun. This is not due to incompetence on the groomer’s part—it happens to the best. Shave the groin. Hot spots usually start as a red spot on your dog's skin. ", http://pets.webmd.com/features/shaving-dog-or-cat-during-summer?page=2, http://pets.webmd.com/features/shaving-dog-or-cat-during-summer?page=1, http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/myiasis-maggots-pets, http://woof.doggyloot.com/truths-and-myths-about-shaving-dogs-with-double-coats/, https://www.cesarsway.com/how-to-use-dog-clippers/, https://www.vetinfo.com/how-to-shave-a-dog-safely.html, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The first treatment for hot spots is to dry them out and get air to the area. Even when it does make sense to it is usually best to employ a professional. Rather than shaving your dog, there are some steps you can take to keep him comfortable when the weather is hot: Brush your dog’s fur regularly to eliminate the dead hair, … The following signs are also associated with hot spots in dogs. Again, whenever possible, it is very important for pet parents to get to the bottom of what caused the hot spot in the first place, to make sure all of your pets stay hot spot-free. ... Shaved … If you begin picking up the hair and pulling it backward, you are pushing against the grain of the hair. Experts recommend giving the oatmeal bath in the evening, so that it can exert its effects overnight. They occur when the dog licks, bites, and itches their skin incessantly, eventually creating traumatized tissue, raw skin, and a moist scab. Hot spots get their name because they are typically warm to the touch, at least warmer than the dog's surrounding skin. To reiterate, catching a hot spot early on is key. One of the most common treatments for hot spots is some form of topical medication. This can be true of dogs with all kinds of ailments. 1. I see why you got confused, though. You should also look for the following signs of hot spots: Unusual aggression and behavioral changes (due to your dog associating touch with significant amounts of pain), Whining, wincing, or crying out in pain, particularly when touched, Persistent chewing, biting, licking, or grooming, Sores that are scabbing or filled with pus, Excessive warmth that can be felt on the dog’s coat or skin, Fur with a strong odor (a telltale sign of infection), Hair Loss (from excessive licking and scratching). wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Once you've successfully treated hot spots on your dog the first time, you'll want to do everything you can to prevent them from ever developing again in the future. Officially known as Moist Dermatitis, hot spots can be found anywhere on the body and can increase in size very quickly. In many cases, the inciting cause of the persistent licking and itching could be something as simple as an insect or flea bite. Even in cases where your dog might need a bit of grooming, don’t overdo it. Trim or clip the hair from the surface of the hot spot. It would also help to gently trim any long hair or fur around the hot spot, if your dog would allow you to. Make sure you're using long, slow strokes instead of upward curves. Many pet owners wonder whether or not hotspots are contagious, particularly if they live in a multi-pet home. For the rest of the body, … Some dogs are afraid of the noise the shaver makes so before you use the shaver, turn it on for a little bit and let your dog get used to the noise. The following conditions could also lead to similar signs: Scabies (a skin condition caused by a tiny, burrowing mite), icosis (caused by tiny mites that live in or near hair follicles). "I love how much info is in this area, shaving techniques, bathing, along with all the other helpful topics that are, "Loved both the step by step, and the tips! Many dog owners also use large t-shirts to keep their dog away from the hot spot but this will only work depending on the location of the infection. Up, or opposite the direction that the hair is lying. Read this article to find out. Even in dogs that “use” licking and scratching to reduce stress, this can create a hot spot. Please always ensure to check with your vet first, before using or applying any of the following medications or treatments. Apply Banixx pet care spray twice daily. The first thing the vet will often do is shave the surrounding area. Clean the Area. In this article, we'll cover all you need to know about hot spots on dogs, including what causes them, how to treat them, and ways to prevent them. Make sure that you're doing all you can to provide your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation during the day. Coconut oil has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that make it a safe, effective way to alleviate skin problems. This will keep the dog clean when it needs to go to the bathroom, … If the hot spot increases rapidly in size and severity, you'll want to make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Hot spots (also called moist eczema) can result from trauma to the skin surface from a clipper blade scratch, a scratch from the dog’s toenails, or from contact with a hot … However, you don't need to trim his paws. However, this is not the only way you can help to stop hot spots in their tracks. Clean the affected area with a pH-appropriate product, so as not to cause … Hot spots on dogs can also be caused by the following: Excessive licking resulting from boredom, anxiety, or stress. As a scab begins to form, the itching sensation intensifies, causing the dog to bite, lick, and itch even more than before. How can I shave a dog who is hyper or anxious? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Hot spots themselves are not contagious. Everything that I read says that I have to shave the area, but he is not going to like it very much, as the hot spot is really tender and he whines even if I gently touch it. Dogs need to be groomed in the right environment and with the right set of tools, tables, and equipment. Without it, a dog is liable to get sunburn, and is more susceptible to skin cancer. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. In efforts to prevent this, a hydrocortisone anti-itch spray is usually recommended. Some (not all) experts suggest that certain dogs that were bred for extreme cold weather climates do have coats that are too thick for warm summers. A dog's fur helps keep it warm and also prevents sunburn. When it comes to your dog, you'll do just about anything in your power to ensure their happiness and health. If you don't have professional grooming experience, it's not advisable to shave your own dog—it's much harder than it looks! Oral antihistamines may be recommended to alleviate the itchy sensation, and thereby prevent additional injury from the constant scratching. Furthermore, dogs that have a pre-existing imbalance of bacteria on the skin are at a higher risk of much more rapid worsening of the hot spots. Shaving will allow the vet to apply a topical medication… By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Sometimes, when a more severe infection is present, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics, in addition to the topical treatment. Maintain a Healthy Diet. Not to mention, He is a long haired dog, and he'll look awfully funny with a bald spot! It is important to definitively diagnose whether your dog has a hot spot before beginning the appropriate treatment. In other words, they can also occur with a slew of other conditions. Hot spots are inflamed and often painful lesions that your dog may develop for a variety of reasons. However, the underlying cause that led to the development of the hot spot (i.e., fleas, ticks, other parasites, etc.) Thank you. Because of the constant licking, you'll find that the surrounding skin and fur is very moist, so much so that you’ll easily be able to see the difference in your dog's fur. You said, "shave with the grain" and then you show the exact opposite in picture 10. For some people this might be a difficult sum to raise, but generally your dog can do – and might even be better of – without the trim. Consult with your veterinarian and ask if your dog might be a bit too hairy for its own good. The frustration for pet owners and the pain and discomfort for dogs often begins during the healing process. On the same note, it is important for dog owners to understand that if the circumstances align, any dog, of any breed, can potentially develop hot spots. I just noticed yesterday because his fur was wet in that area ( I guess from licking it). https://thebark.com/content/home-treatments-moist-dermatitis-dogs-hot-spots, https://www.honestpaws.com/products/cbd-infused-coconut-oil, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/. Regular baths and grooming are necessary to keep your dog's skin healthy and prevent hot spots. However, keeping the cone in place is paramount to making sure your dog is unable to lick or bite the wound. Number 5 is an example of how not to shave the dog. A good order is head, underarms, under-tail, behind the head, back, sides, belly. Witch Hazel is an all-natural astringent that pet owners can dab onto the hot spot with a cotton ball. Topical treatments could include any one or combination of the following: Corticosteroid creams help to alleviate discomfort associated with the open wound, as well as ease the itchiness as it heals. Approved. Dog hot spots are areas of infected skin that look red, wet and sometimes raised. This may sting and should be used carefully. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 293,830 times. Hot spots can develop anywhere a dog licks, scratches, or gets a small injury. Before you shave your dog, keep in mind that your dog's coat actually protects it from the sun and helps keep it cool during hot weather, and shaving off a dog's coat is generally not recommended. Ask your veterinarian if myiasis is a serious concern for your dog. … Hold it near their head. Your dog will experience them as itchy and sometimes painful patches and will often try to soothe hot spots … The first thing the vet will often do is shave the surrounding area. Although hot spots can affect any dog, certain breeds are more prone than others. Unless your dog is completely still you should skip its face altogether. Bacteria like to grow in moist environments. Therefore, when problems arise (and they inevitably do), we understand that it can be a bit frustrating. How to Treat Dog Hot Spots . Simply dilute the ACV with an equal volume of warm water and spray directly onto the hot spot 2–4 times a day. You stay up to date on the latest and greatest advancements in holistic wellness. With that said, treating the hot spot as soon as possible is paramount to preventing the development of any further injury or infection. Hot spots are a common ailment that has many pet owners scratching their heads. But if you do shave your dog, you should be very careful and attentive to the safety of your canine friend. Because hot spots are usually very painful, it may be best for a veterinarian to treat your dog’s hot spots, as clipping can cause more trauma if not done correctly. My dog has developed a hot spot. *With all conventional medications, it is imperative that you first check with your vet, you’re aware of any potential adverse reactions, and observe your pets closely. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. Topical parasite treatments are typically prescribed if fleas and ticks are the underlying causes of the hot spot. Hydrocortisone can also help the healing process by alleviating the itchy sensation. And don't get us started on the abundance of mentally stimulating toys in their bed. Yet, many pet owners may overlook how important it truly is. Pair a long-haired dog breed with one who also loves the water... chances are you may have to deal with hot spots every now and then. Commonly prescribed oral medications include the following: Anti-parasitic medications are prescribed when the causes of the hot spots are parasites. In this case, 80% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The antiseptic spray will likely need to be continued at home for several days after, to prevent new infections of  the wound. Similarly, a hot spot near an ear could indicate an ear problem, an allergy, or a dental/nerve irritation. You want to shave upward against the fall, not with it. Some dogs will present with a hot spot after going for a soak in a pond. If the hot spot increases rapidly in size and severity, you'll want to make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Clean and Disinfect the Hot Spot. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. 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