Dog with hotspots? 6 practical treatment tips

If your dog has hotspots, it’s naturally distressing to see. There’s a good chance your beloved four-legged friend is suffering from pain and irritation. Fortunately, there are things you can do to treat the hotspots as effectively as possible. Read on to find out what you can do for your dog.

How do I know if my dog has a hotspot?

You can recognise a hotspot in a dog by several signs. It often develops within a short space of time and spreads quickly if the dog licks, scratches or bites at it. You can recognise it by these symptoms:

  • Red, inflamed skin
  • A wet or damp patch caused by wound fluid
  • Hair loss around the affected area
  • Itching and pain, which you’ll often notice as licking, scratching or biting
  • Scabs, discharge or a foul odour

You’ll often notice a developing hot spot because the dog starts licking and biting the area. It’s important to take action quickly, as it can worsen rapidly. You can read what you can do a little further on in this article.

What causes hotspots in dogs?

A hotspot usually develops due to irritated skin that the animal starts to lick or bite. This damages the skin, allowing bacteria to spread more quickly. This leads to inflammation of the skin. Other possible causes include:

  • Allergies to, for example, pollen, house dust mites or food ingredients
  • Fleas or parasites
  • Wet or damp coat after swimming or bathing
  • Ear infection
  • Thick coat and tangles
  • Licking due to stress or boredom

Is a hot spot contagious?

In most cases, a hot spot is not contagious. It is a localised skin inflammation caused by irritation. However, it is important to identify the cause, because if it is caused by a parasite or a flea, it can be contagious.

It is therefore important not only to treat the hot spot, but also to identify the cause so that you can tackle it.

hond hotspots

Source: Pexels

6 ways to treat hotspots in dogs

1. Gently clean the affected areas

Gently clean the area with a suitable skin cleanser specially formulated for dogs. It is important to pat the skin dry thoroughly afterwards. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin.

2. Prevent the dog from licking or scratching

Make sure your dog cannot lick, scratch or bite the affected area. This will only cause further damage to the skin. A protective collar or a medical pet shirt can help to keep the area undisturbed.

3. Keep the skin dry and the coat clean

Heat and moisture can make skin irritation worse. You should therefore keep the area dry and ensure that the coat around the hotspot does not get wet or remain damp. If your dog has long hair, it may help to trim the coat around the affected area.

4. Investigate the cause of the hotspot and treat it

Sometimes hotspots are caused by allergies, matted fur, an ear infection, or fleas and parasites. It is therefore important to investigate whether any of these are present, so that you can treat them. Of course, you must also look after the hotspot properly, but tackling the cause prevents the condition from worsening or new irritations from developing.

5. Consult your vet if necessary

If the condition worsens quickly or if you notice your dog is in a lot of discomfort, it is best to visit the vet. You should also do so if you see pus, notice a foul odour, or if your dog feels warmer than usual. The vet can then determine the appropriate course of action.

6. Use red light therapy

Use red light therapy to support the natural healing process. The red light affects the tissues and cells, which can help to speed up wound healing, reduce pain and treat inflammation.

How does red light therapy help with hotspots?

Red light therapy supports the skin’s natural healing processes. Red and near-infrared light penetrate the tissues and can thus have a positive effect on cellular activity. It also improves blood flow in the affected area, ensuring that nutrients are delivered more effectively to the irritated areas. In this way, it also helps to reduce pain and inflammation.

PowerCure red light therapy for dogs

The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can be used to treat your dog’s hotspots. The device is designed for self-use, on both animals and people. It can help not only with hotspots, but also with other complaints and conditions. This means you can help your beloved pet in a variety of ways!