Dogs, Puppies, and pet Hot Spot

Posts Tagged ‘itchy’

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 »

“Hot spot” is the common term for acute moist dermatitis—a hairless, intensely itchy patch that a dog will not leave alone. Because of the constant scratching or chewing to relieve the itch, the skin is often red and inflamed. Hot spots can happen to dogs of any breed or age.
Flea Bites
1. Flea bites are a common reason for hot spots in dogs, usually due to the irritating nature of flea saliva.
Ear Shape
2. According to Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, dogs with hairy, floppy ears get hot spots on the ear flaps. Golden Retrievers and Newfoundlands are prone to this kind of hot spot.
Poor Grooming or Neglect
3. Dogs rescued from puppy mills or hoarders often have hot spots due to not being groomed in their lives. The ASPCA claims that poor grooming is a very common hot spot cause.
Allergies Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

When a flea bites, the saliva that prevents your pet’s blood from clotting, so that the flea can take its blood meal, is what causes an allergic reaction in some pets.
You have noticed that your dog or cat is constantly scratching and biting at itself, but you can’t see any fleas. It could be that your poor pet is suffering from flea allergic dermatitis or FAD.
What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
Flea allergy dermatitis is when your pet suffers an allergic reaction from a fleabite. When fleas feed on dogs and cats, they release saliva with the bite, to prevent the blood from coagulating. The flea saliva is what causes the allergic reaction in some pets, and results in inflammation and itchiness and if left untreated, can become severe enough to cause self-mutilating behaviour and secondary infection. For pets that suffer flea allergy dermatitis, just one flea, or just one fleabite can cause an allergic reaction. Read the rest of this entry »