Is Your Dog Scratching More Than Usual?
If your dog has been scratching excessively or you’ve noticed a red, irritated patch of skin, they might be dealing with a hot spot. These painful and itchy skin lesions can appear suddenly and cause significant discomfort for your furry friend. Left untreated, they can quickly escalate into something more serious.
What Are Hot Spots?
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are inflamed, infected areas of the skin. They can be triggered by anything that causes your dog to scratch or lick excessively—such as allergies, insect bites, or moisture trapped in their coat. Over the past few months, we’ve seen an increase in cases of hot spots here at Rouse Hill Family Vets. This rise may be due to the recent humid weather and dogs enjoying extra swims to cool off, which can create the perfect storm for skin problems to develop.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hot Spots
Hot spots may start as a small patch of irritated skin, but they can worsen quickly if not treated.
Here’s why addressing them early is so important:
- The Infection Can Spread: What starts as a small lesion can grow into a larger, more painful wound in a matter of days.
- Your Dog’s Discomfort Increases: Hot spots are intensely itchy and often painful. Left untreated, they can cause extreme distress.
- Treatment Becomes More Complicated: Severe hot spots may require antibiotics or additional interventions, which could have been avoided with early care.
By acting early, we can keep your dog comfortable and ensure their skin heals quickly.
Why Early Treatment Matters
When it comes to hot spots, the sooner we intervene, the better.
Here’s what you can expect with early treatment:
- Faster Relief for Your Dog: Immediate treatment stops the itch-scratch cycle, giving your dog relief from discomfort.
- Quicker Healing: Early care prevents the lesion from getting worse, which means less time spent recovering.
- Lower Costs: Treating a small hot spot early can save you from more expensive treatments down the track.
At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we aim to catch problems like this early to minimise stress for both you and your pet.
Dispelling the Myths About Hot Spots
One common misconception is that hot spots only affect long-haired dogs, but that’s not true. Dogs of all breeds and coat types can develop hot spots, especially if they’ve been swimming or have underlying allergies. Another myth is that over-the-counter creams or home remedies will fix the problem. Unfortunately, these often fail to address the underlying cause and can sometimes make the irritation worse. It’s always best to have your dog checked by a vet to ensure they get the right treatment.
How We Can Help at Rouse Hill Family Vets
Our team is here to make sure your dog gets the best care possible. Knowing that hot spots are painful and distressing to pets, we are able to utilise a Fear Free approach to our examination and diagnostic process. We offer:
- Thorough Skin Assessments: To find the root cause of the issue.
- In-house Skin Diagnostics: To assess the type of infection present and ensure we are treating it with the correct medication
- Tailored Treatment Plans: Including medications, skin care advice, and follow-up care.
- Prevention Tips: Guidance on grooming and lifestyle adjustments to help prevent future hot spots.
Don’t Wait—Take Action Today
If you’ve noticed your dog showing signs of a hot spot, don’t delay. The earlier we treat it, the better the outcome for your dog. You can book an appointment with us online or by calling 02 9086 9130. Our clinic is conveniently located at 10/591 Withers Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155. For more tips and updates, follow us on social media at @rousehillfamilyvets, or visit our website at www.rousehillfamilyvets.com.au.
At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we know your dog is more than a pet—they’re family. If you’re worried about a hot spot or any other skin issue, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to keep your best friend happy, healthy, and itch-free.
Warm regards,
Dr. Belinda
Rouse Hill Family Vets
