|
Author: Nancy Cope
How to Prevent and Cure Dog Hotspots
While they may be a common ailment, dog hotspots are hardly a trip to the doggy park. It is more than likely
that during his lifetime your pup will suffer from a hotspot, and when he does there are many things you can
do to help him get better, and even some things you can do to prevent hotspots. With the right care a dog
hotspot is nothing more than a slight bump in the road for you and your pup.
Curing Hotspots
One of the first things you need to do if you discover that your dog has a hotspot is to trim the fur away
from the area very gently. This is important because the area needs to breathe in order to prevent bacteria
from growing, and bacteria likes nothing better than a warm and moist place. Next you should wash the wound
gently with soap and water and pat it dry. Keep an eye on your dog and make sure he isn’t licking the area;
this will only exacerbate the problem. If necessary get an Elizabethan collar (it’s shaped like a lampshade)
to put over your dog’s head to prevent him from licking the hotspot.
Once you have taken these preliminary steps it’s time to head to the vet’s office. Your vet will sterilize the
wound and then most likely give you an anti-biotic cortisone cream. With consistent application your dog
should heal in a few weeks!
Prevention
Of course, ideally you never want your dog to get a hotspot. There are some steps you can take to protect your
dog against hotspots, and most just employ good pet care practices. For long haired breeds make sure that
your dog is always well groomed, because mats trap moisture beneath the skin which promotes bacterial growth.
Also be sure to feed your dog quality pet food with no wheat, soy, or corn. Dog’s stomachs don’t digest
these cheap grains well, and some dogs are allergic to these ingredients, making them very itchy.
If your dog has seasonal allergies, talk to your vet about antihistamines.
While dog hotspots may make an ugly sight they are easily fixed and prevented. With the right care your dog
will be better before you know it!
|
