Dogs, Puppies, and pet Hot Spot

Posts Tagged ‘flea bites’

Seasonal shedding occurs naturally but scratching and excessive hair loss can indicate parasites or certain diseases and should be treated before infection sets in. A few of the most common reasons for hair loss in dogs are discussed below.
Flea Allergy
Just one flea bite can cause a reaction in some dogs allergic to flea saliva. Fleas may be hard to detect, particularly on dark haired dogs, but when skin inflammation occurs around the base of the tail, fleas are a suspicion. Flea bites cause itching of the entire body and can lead to infection. The best treatment is prevention in the form of a high quality topically applied flea control. Read the rest of this entry »

An irritation on your dog’s skin may develop into a hot spot if he licks or chews the area. Flea bites, ticks and allergies are among the causes of the initial irritation, prompting the dog to relieve the condition by biting and scratching. Unfortunately, his efforts often worsen the situation, resulting in a painful sore that may become infected. Remedies for hot spots may include home treatment and veterinary treatment.
Cleaning
The first step in treating a hot spot is cleaning the wound and possibly removing the hair surrounding the sore. If the sore is small, you may try cleaning it at home with an over-the-counter medicated dog shampoo that contains cholorhexidine. An iodine solution, such as Betadine, is another cleansing choice. If the sore is large, a veterinarian may need to sedate the dog. Hot spots are painful. Read the rest of this entry »