Throughout your pet’s lifetime, it’s likely that they will experience some kind of skin irritation for which they will need to see the local vet. In particular, you may have heard of something called a hot spot and wondered exactly what it is and what causes the condition. At Anasazi Animal Clinic (serving Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa), we offer compassionate pet care that strives to put both you and your four-legged friends at ease while at our office. So, whether you bring your cat or dog to see us for skin irritations or for any other need, you can be assured, we’ll treat them like family.
What is a Hot Spot?
Hot spots are a fairly common skin condition occurring in both cats and dogs. When Fido or Fluffy have an irritated patch of skin, their natural instinct is to lick, nip, or scratch the affected area. In the process, they can develop a moist bald spot that looks red and could even contain lesions. If the spot continues to go untreated and gets infected, the skin can break and emit a foul-smelling odor.
What are Underlying Causes for Hot Spots?
There are a number of reasons your cat or dog may have developed a hot spot. The most common underlying causes for hot spots include: flea or tick bites, an already present wound, stress or boredom, or allergic reactions to things like food, grass, or weeds.
How are Hot Spots Treated?
Hot spots can grow at an alarmingly quick rate. If you notice your pup or feline has developed a moist red spot on their body, we recommend you take them to see the vet as soon as possible. Once there, the area can be properly treated to reduce the risk of further infection. It’s the wet environment, combined with an open wound, that encourages harmful bacteria to set up residence in the hot spot. When a vet treats for hot spots, the fur around the spot will be trimmed to allow the area to dry out, the wound will be cleaned, and some kind of medication will be applied to decrease the itchiness and irritation.
After your pet has seen the vet and you’ve returned home, keep an eye on them and try to decrease their contact with the hot spot. The less they lick, bite, or scratch the area, the faster it can heal. If you’re in the Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa region and you’re looking for compassionate pet care, give us a call today. Your pet’s health is our highest priority!
Photo by Krista Mangulsone on (6/21/2018) Unsplash