'Hot spots' warning for dog owners

VETS are urging dog owners to watch for the signs of painful skin infections known as hot spots which can develop and spread in less than 24 hours during warmer weather.

Medically known as acute bacterial skin infections, hot sports appear as red, inflamed and often moist patches of skin that can rapidly worsen if left untreated.

While they can occur at any time of year, the combination of heat and moisture during the summer months creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.

Dr Tanya Leslie, veterinary advisor for DOUXO, warns that many owners mistake hot spots for minor skin irritation, only to discover the affected area has dramatically worsened within a day. 

They typically appear suddenly as red, wet, hot and angry areas of skin which produce a sticky discharge, which then forms a crust over the affected area.

They can be smelly and become obvious once the fur above them becomes crusted or the dog scratches the affected fur and scab off, often leaving it looking like a burn.

But they can be more difficult to spot if hidden under matted thick fur. It is also worth knowing that the area of damaged skin easily extends 2–3cm under the fur, wider than what you can typically see, which is why your vet often recommend shaving the affected area much more widely than what you would expect.

Hot spots are more common in the warmer months due to the heat and humidity providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

The combination of outdoor activity, swimming and seasonal allergens makes summer the peak time for them to flare up. 

Dogs may chew and scratch at the area, which makes the condition worse as the skin becomes more inflamed and more bacteria are introduced. Unless this cycle is stopped, the hot spot will get larger and deeper. 

Several seasonal factors can increase a dog's risk of developing hot spots during warmer weather, including:

• Allergies: Seasonal pollen and environmental allergens can cause itching and skin irritation.

• Insect bites: Flea bites, ticks and other insect bites can trigger excessive scratching, damaging the fragile skin barrier and introducing bad bacteria.

• Damp fur after swimming: Moisture trapped against the skin softens the skin, disrupts the skin barrier and encourages bacterial growth.

• Excessive licking or chewing: Dogs may repeatedly target a small area of irritation, leading to skin damage and infection.

Any dog can get a hot spot, but some are more vulnerable than others. Long and dense coats may need extra attention, especially in the hotter months. Thick fur traps heat and moisture close to the skin and can also hide a hot spot until it has already grown quite large.

Dogs with a history of allergies or existing skin conditions are also more prone, as their baseline level of itchiness is already higher. Dogs that swim with a collar on can also end up with damp, warm skin under the collar. If sand is also trapped, this can result in abrasion to the skin under the collar and cause a hot spot that you don’t notice until it is quite extensive.

To detect hot spots, owners should run their hands through their dog's coat regularly throughout summer, paying close attention to any area they keep returning to. It is also important to ensure dog collars are removed after pets get home from a swim and the fur around the neck is dried thoroughly before reapplying the collar.

Look for:

• Red, inflamed or wet patches of skin

• A crusty or sticky discharge

• Hair loss around one area

• Constant licking, chewing or scratching at the same spot

• Skin that feels hot or sore to touch

• A smell coming from the affected area

Dr Leslie added: "Hot spots quickly progress from small red spots to large areas of infected, sore skin. Early intervention is essential. If you think your dog has a hot spot, seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. 

"Whilst waiting to see your vet, try to stop your dog from chewing or scratching the area. An old t-shirt over the body can help cover the spot and reduce the damage while you wait for your appointment. Using something like DOUXO S3 PYO pads to gently clean the affected area while waiting to see your vet can also be helpful."