Magnolia Veterinary Hospital News
Preventing and Treating Hot Spots
Acute moist dermatitis, more commonly known as hot spots, occurs due to a bacterial infection on your pet’s skin. Your dog or cat will naturally bite, chew, lick or scratch his skin in response to an irritant. Unfortunately for your pet, this tends to increase rather than decrease his discomfort. Anal gland disease, allergies to fleas or food ingredients, mange, tick bites, and inadequate grooming are the primary causes of hot spots in companion animals.
Hot, humid weather can cause excess skin moisture that in turn causes hot spots to develop. It’s especially important to check your pet’s skin for evidence of hot spots now that the weather is consistently warm.
How to Recognize Hot Spots
If your dog or cat has developed hot spots, she will exhibit at least a few of these symptoms
- Lesion that appears red or raised
- Unexplained swelling
- Constant licking or chewing a certain spot of her skin
- A red or brown color around the hot spot
- Unpleasant smell coming from the affected area
- Pus and oozing
- Displaying obvious signs of discomfort or pain
Preventing and Treating Hot Spots
Keeping your pet’s skin healthy is the easiest way to prevent him from developing hot spots. We recommend using year-round flea and tick protection in addition to grooming his coat regularly. Matted fur traps moisture and can attract fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Occasionally, a pet may have a behavioral issue that causes the biting, scratching, and licking that leads to hot spots. If that’s the case with your pet, speak to our veterinarians to help determine what could be causing the unwanted behavior. They are happy to recommend a specific product to prevent parasites as well.
We encourage you to contact us right away if your pet displays any of the potential signs of hot spots described above. Our telephone number is (555) 555-5555.
Categories
Recent Posts
Sunshine, open windows, and the promise of new adventures—summer road trips are hard to resist. And if you’re like many pet parents, there’s no way you're leaving your four-legged friend behind. Whether you're headed to a cabin up north, the lake for the weekend, or on a cross-country tour, traveling with pets takes some extra planning. But with a little prep, your journey can be just as smooth for them as it is for you.
Before you gas up the car and grab the treats, here’s what you need to know to help your pet stay healthy, safe, and comfortable on the road.
Think heartworm is just a summertime issue? Or that your indoor cat is safe from it? You're not alone—many pet owners have heard (and believed) myths about heartworm disease. But the truth is, this serious and potentially deadly condition affects pets in every state and can impact even those who never leave the house.
Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the real facts about heartworm—so you can protect your furry family members with confidence.
Pets are naturally curious, which can sometimes get them into trouble. Many everyday items that seem harmless to humans can be extremely dangerous to our furry companions. Knowing what’s poisonous to pets and how to prevent accidental ingestion can help keep your pet safer.
Since March 16-22 is Pet Poison Prevention Week, it’s a good time to take a look at your home through your pet’s eyes for the presence of foods, plants or household cleaners that could put their health at risk. Let's ensure your home remains a safe haven for your furry family members by learning how to spot and prevent these hidden dangers.
Comments