Hot Spots on Dogs

Free screensaver with images of dogs of different breads. We designed this free screensaver for dog lovers to help support treatment methods for dogs with hot spots. Hot Spots are usually caused by a bacterial infection. They can appear anywhere on a dog's body, and it can rapidly spread, but most commonly appear under a dog?s ears, on his rump, or near the rectum area. Most of the time these hot spots can be cured with oral and topical antibiotics. They most often occur in the hot summer months. A dog that is wet, dirty and/or matted is more susceptible. Fleas, ticks, and burrs can cause them or allergic reactions due to food allergy, flea allergy, atopy, parasites (such as mange), anal gland problems, localized inflammation of the skin from clipping and grooming, or skin infections. The goal to treatment is to clear the bacterial infection, relieve the itching and pain, and identify and remove the underlying triggers if possible. The hair in and around the dog's hot spot is usually clipped to allow initial cleaning of the area and the application of topical medications. Topical treatment with sprays, creams or ointments to kill bacteria and help with pain and inflammation are often used.