Hot spots are an unpleasant side effect of diseases, infestations, topical infections, allergies and rashes, etc. They can be caused by a number of triggers that may be challenging to amend. Though we have discussed preventative measures that can be taken to protect animals from developing hot spots, how should pre-existing ones be treated? From medications to training patterns, the options for healing hot spots are listed below.
Hot Spot Remedies
- Treating the cause: Whenever we see manifestations of ailments on our pets, it is usually our first assumption to believe that the problem must be purely physical. However, some animals have psychological issues cause them to have destructive behaviors such as licking, scratching, or itching their fur. If there is an anxiety or trauma-related reason why your cat or dog might be clawing at their coat, it might be time to speak to a pet behaviorist or meet with a trainer to assess how the habit might be corrected. While we might be baffled, the professionals will be able to offer solid advice about how to approach this problem.
Additionally, if the hot spots are brought on because there is an infestation of some parasite (fleas or ticks), the causal issue will have to be addressed. Going in for regular flea-ridding shampoos, using flea collars, sprays and other protective methods will strip your pet’s coat of the pest bites that are causing all the itchiness. If these underlying problems are not addressed, the hot spots will simply reappear elsewhere. - Cleaning and drying the agitated area: Use cleansing washes and wipes to disinfect the sore areas. If a hot spot is particularly bad, the pet may need additional support, and potentially anesthesia so that any hair or grime caught in the wound might be removed. Once accomplished, a warm bath of antibacterial soap will cleanse all germs. Next, if the hot spot is emitting puss or is moist, there are topical drying powders which will speed up the healing process.
- Antibiotics: Since certain hot spots can infect the tissue deeply, antibiotic treatments generally prove helpful. Talk to your veterinarian to see whether or not this kind of medication is advisable for your pet’s case. She may encourage you to employ topical antibiotic ointment, or oral medications to stave off any further damage. Be advised that some topical medications/salves actually harm or disrupt the healing process, therefore be sure to only apply the products prescribed by a professional.
- Cortisone creams: A vet might suggest coating the irritated area with cortisone cream, which will effectively diminish the relentless itchiness leading your dog or cat to scratch. While this tool does not apply to itching caused by parasites/ticks, it will relieve rashes, hives and allergy-based itching.
- Interruptive measures: While you administer topical medications and ointments, it is best to leave the area undisturbed so that it can properly heal. In order to achieve this, many pet owners use Elizabethan collars to disable the cat or dog from licking the balding patch. Though they not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, these collars are certainly helpful tools.