When a dog looses hair in a certain areas of its body it can be a sign of an infection called dog hot spots. Sometimes you may see that the area can be wet as well as have minimal hair on it. The infection is often caused by a bacterium that is in the dog’s environment.

The bacteria will grow in certain conditions. If you have been neglecting the grooming of your dog you may find that the bacteria have been growing on him. Some allergies and behavioral issues can cause this infection to develop.

There are sometimes allergies like food or parasites that can irritate the skin of a dog even if it has a good immune system. The dog generally starts licking excessively, thus creating a moist area where the bacteria thrive. If this condition is not treated, the dog starts to scratch resulting in hair loss. With dogs that have a normal immune system you can notice the irritation to the skin before the infection sets it. When you notice the irritation you need to look at your dog’s bedding, matting, food, environment and the possible exposure to moist areas. Also take in mind the boredom, anxiety and other behavioral patterns of your dog.

Treatment is to be undertaken under directions and supervision of a vet as there may be some underlying cause for the problem. The treatment may sometimes involve removing the hair from the affected part followed by thorough cleaning with mild cleansers or antiseptic on a regular basis. The vet may suggest using an e-collar in cases where the problem is caused due to excessive licking until the problem is cured.

Skin irritations can be treated relatively easy, but there is usually a deeper problem causing the issue. Resolving the bigger issue is important. The skin infection will reoccur until you have solved the problem.

In case the condition is caused by poor grooming, then more frequent grooming sessions with more care will be required. It is necessary to remove all matted portions from the dog’s fur more regularly. Two times a week or even more may be necessary so as to prevent skin infections. The matted portions can be cut off and removed to disentangle the hair. Services of a professional groomer may be sought in case the owner is not in a position to provide sufficient attention.

When you come across the problem of dog hot spots, it is important to look for the underlying cause and the issue is more complicated than a simple skin infection. Getting correct treatment is important, thus the need to speak to your vet as they have a vast experience in what can cause these problems.

Dog hot spots are indications of a bigger issue. Treating that is more difficult but it is important to find them out in order to avoid reappearance. Proper treatment of the root cause makes the dog a happy companion. Taking care of he training and entertainment aspects of the dog keeps it physically and mentally content.

Jennifer is a family pet health authority who specializes in dog rashes.

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