Veterinary Formula Clinical Care - Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Spray

Dogs exhibit signs of discomfort, including excessive licking, biting, or chewing the affected area, resulting in redness, inflammation, and potential hair loss. The hotspot might appear moist, with irritated skin that looks red and swollen. Dogs may show sensitivity or pain when the area is touched and can display restlessness or agitation due to discomfort.

Sprays like Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief help ease irritation and itching in dogs caused by various skin conditions. They are formulated to offer temporary relief from irritation, itching, and discomfort linked to diverse skin conditions. These sprays commonly consist of components like colloidal oatmeal, lidocaine HCL, glycerin, polysorbate-20, hydrocortisone acetate, allantoin, wheat germ oil, or similar soothing agents. These ingredients work synergistically to alleviate itching and soothe irritated skin in dogs.

Theophainia Brassard, a dog behaviorist in San Francisco, highlights that hotspots in dogs often indicate an underlying problem, such as skin irritation. Identifying this root cause is essential for effective resolution. This might involve investigating potential triggers such as insect bites, heat, or diet-related allergies. For quick healing, carefully removing the hair from the affected area allows better airflow to the skin, aiding in recovery. Trimming the hair with scissors or grooming clippers is recommended, but caution should be exercised to avoid nicking the skin. Seeking assistance from a professional dog groomer is advisable if you're not confident doing this yourself. However, hair removal may not always be necessary if the area has good airflow. The primary focus of treatment is to maintain a dry environment in the affected area. It's advised not to apply any ointments or sprays without a vet's prescription. Vets may recommend a powder containing Tetracaine (such as Neo-Predef) to absorb the sticky plasma after cleaning the hotspot, facilitating the healing process. In essence, keeping the affected area clean and dry is key, and the hotspot should resolve itself if the dog doesn't excessively lick the area.

Aloe vera can provide relief for a dog's hot spot due to its soothing properties, known for their anti-inflammatory effects. These properties help ease itching and reduce irritation in the affected area. It's crucial to use pure aloe vera gel without alcohol or additives, as these could harm dogs. However, Andie Lenhard, a DVM and RN from Southeastern Appalachia, advises seeking vet approval before applying any topical treatments to a dog or cat. She notes that if the wound is infected, aloe gel won't treat the infection. Instead, Lenhard recommends keeping the wound clean with water and a small amount of betadine solution using gauze pads. She warns that anything applied to the wound may be licked by the dog and could be toxic if ingested in significant amounts.

Betadine can be used on a dog's hotspot under veterinary guidance and with proper dilution. When advised by a veterinarian, dilute the Betadine solution with water (usually at a ratio of 1 part Betadine to 10 parts water). Apply the diluted solution gently using a cotton ball or gauze pad to clean and disinfect the affected area. Avoid excessive rubbing to prevent further irritation. After application, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and pat it dry.

You can recognize healing in hot spots as the affected area shows reduced redness and swelling. It transitions from a moist or oozing state to drying out and forming a scab or crust as the healing process progresses. Dogs may experience less discomfort and itching, leading to decreased licking, biting, or scratching at the area. With healing, new hair growth might become visible around the once-affected spot, indicating a return to a healthier state. Additionally, the hot spot typically reduces in size gradually.

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are not typically considered genetic in dogs. They are more commonly associated with external factors and underlying issues rather than being hereditary. Hot spots often develop due to various factors including allergies (food or environmental), insect bites, skin infections, and moisture accumulation. Additionally, excessive licking or scratching, along with underlying skin conditions, can contribute to their formation in dogs. Certain breeds or individual dogs might be more susceptible to skin sensitivities or allergies. However, there isn't significant evidence supporting the direct hereditary passing down of hot spots from one generation to another in dogs.