Dogs, Puppies, and pet Hot Spot

Posts Tagged ‘Hair’

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 »

Any area of skin that is angry pink to red, warm to hot, moist to wet, irritated to bloody, and possibly seeping pus can be called a “hot spot.” It is important to realize, however, that the term “hot spot” is a general description and not a specific diagnosis. Simply put, a hot spot is a patch of your dog’s skin that is bothering her so much that she can’t leave it alone. Because of this overwhelming discomfort, she has rubbed, scratched, and licked it into the condition you see before you.
What to Look For
Gently separate your dog’s hair around the hot spot to get a good look at it. Look for open skin and raw, bloody patches of flesh. Then slowly and carefully look over your dog’s skin for other hot spots. It’s helpful to speak softly to your dog and gently rub her with one hand while checking her skin for hot spots with the other hand. Read the rest of this entry »

A dog is more than a pet; it’s a part of the family. That’s why your dog deserves the kind of care that you loving provide all family members. To really care for your dog, be aware of signs that can indicate disease or illness.
Educating yourself on proper canine care should always be done before you bring home your new pet. Be aware of the signs of potential health concerns, and know how to provide preventative care.

Good health is dependant on preventative medicine and a healthy lifestyle. Puppies, like children, should see a health care specialist on a regular basis. Your puppy should begin a series of four DHLPP/CCV vaccinations at six weeks of age. These injections will be administered at intervals of three to four weeks. Puppies also need to be de-wormed often, and heartworm prevention medication should be given at four months of age. Heartworm can affect dogs of all ages, and ongoing treatment is necessary for a long and vital life.
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If your canine friend suddenly developed a bald spot he’s not showing signs of old age but is suffering from a form of dermatitis which is commonly referred to as hot spots. A hot spot is an area of irritation and inflammation. Hot spots are characterized by circular patches of hair loss that develop. A hot spot may be the result of fleas or an allergic reaction to dust, a particular food, household cleaner or other substance. Hot spots may also occur as the result of a pet’s own aggressive grooming habits. For example, the animal may bite, chew or pull out his own hair. When a pet behaves in this manner it is usually due to stress or another underlying cause. Read the rest of this entry »