Hotspots: Causes and Solutions
At The Healthy Hound, we often see hotspots in pets. For newcomers, they can be alarming. For regulars, they're a frustrating nuisance. Let’s dive into what hotspots are, why they happen, their connection to gut health, and ways to help your pet heal.
What Are Hotspots?
Hotspots, or Pyotraumatic Dermatitis, are also known as 'Acute Moist Dermatitis.' This condition appears as red, raw, and moist patches of hair loss on dogs. They can appear anywhere and often show up quickly.
Unlike ringworm, which occurs in patches, hotspots look wet and raw. And yes, they hurt. Your pet may itch, lick the area, or act differently due to the pain. Infected hotspots might ooze and smell bad, and the surrounding fur could be matted.
No age, sex, or breed is more likely to get hotspots. However, keeping a healthy microbiome is key to reducing their risk. Let's investigate Hotspots: causes and solutions.
What Causes Hotspots?
Hotspots arise from bacterial overgrowth, often linked to another health issue. The main trigger? Constant itching in a specific area. This makes hotspots a secondary problem to allergies, flea infestations, insect bites, ear infections, grass seeds, stress, anxiety, and poor grooming. Matts in the fur close to the skin can also be a factor.
Why does this happen? The continuous scratching and licking create an ideal environment for bacteria. Warmth and moisture—bacteria's favourite conditions—take over.
The Connection Between Hotspots and Gut Health
Skin issues often tie back to gut health. Enter the Skin-Gut Axis. At first glance, the gut's interior and the skin's surface may seem unrelated. Yet both are covered in epithelial cells, making direct contact with their environments—the skin with the air and surfaces, the gut with everything we ingest.
The key link is that both the skin and gut have their own microbiomes. You've probably heard about the microbiome before—it's crucial for health and proper system functioning. It includes all microbes an organ interacts with good and bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and other parasites.
Research shows probiotics can improve skin quality. Gut metabolites directly influence the skin's ability to fend off harmful agents, reducing hotspot risks.
Healing Your Dog’s Hotspot
Act Fast! Hotspots won't heal on their own. If you notice one on your dog, act quickly. If it’s oozing yellow or creamy fluid, visit the vet. Antibiotics might be necessary, but remember to support your dog's gut health afterwards with a quality probiotic.
If you're looking for a more natural approach try the following:
Step 1: Shave the Fur
Start by gently shaving the fur around the hotspot. This lets you see the entire area and keeps fur out of the wound. Plus, it helps the hotspot breathe and dry out.
Step 2: Clean the Area
Use a probiotic wound spray like MicroMed to clean the spot. This removes harmful bacteria. After spraying, gently pat the area dry with a cotton pad.
Step 3: Apply Green Clay
Green Clay is the most effective clay for drawing impurities and toxins from the skin. It also helps soothe and relax irritated skin. Dust green clay on the hotspot with a clean brush. If the clay still appears wet after application, apply more. Reapply the probiotic spray and clay once or twice daily, keeping the area dry.
Green clay is a must-have for any dog owner! It's readily available online or at your health food store. Make sure it’s 100% green clay without added ingredients.
Step 4: Prevent Licking and Itching
Stop your dog from licking or scratching the wound. This could mean using the "cone of shame" or a clean t-shirt or sock, depending on the hotspot’s location.
Step 5: Be Patient
In a few days, the itching should lessen. Within two weeks, the fur will grow back, and the wound will heal. Stay tuned to learn how to prevent future hotspots!
Unleash the Power of Prevention!
Want to tackle reoccurring hotspots head-on? Start with a fresh food diet! Ditch the processed, carb-heavy kibble and give your dog's gut the love it deserves. A balanced fresh food diet—raw or cooked is your ticket to optimal gut health.
Kick toxins to the curb! Keep your home and pet's environment free from harmful chemicals. Swap out those harsh worm and flea treatments, cleaning products, and garden chemicals. And don’t forget to wipe down paws and bellies after walks to protect that gut-skin connection.
Boost those good fats! Omega 3 is your dog's anti-inflammatory ally. Think of adding oily fish such as sardines and salmon to your dog's bowl. Our Green-Lipped Mussel Oil is also excellent for skin health. Focus on Linoleic Acid (LA) to nourish and protect the skin, creating a healthy habitat for beneficial bacteria. Walnuts, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds are your go-to sources. Remember to grind them down to make them easily digestible.
Keep the gut in fighting shape! With 70-80% of the immune system residing in the gut, it's crucial to maintain its health. A robust gut equals a strong immune system, ready to fend off pathogens. Heal any gut damage with a powerful duo: a mucilage herb and a top-notch soil-based probiotic. Our MicroMed and Barks and Whiskers products are ready to help!
Tackle food intolerances and environmental allergies head-on. A food elimination trial is your best strategy. By controlling itching and licking, you prevent bacterial overgrowth and keep your dog comfy and hotspot-free.
Whether hotspots are a constant battle or a new challenge, this guide is your blueprint for prevention and healing. If you need a personalised approach, I'm eager to assist. Book a consultation now, and let’s get your dog back to thriving!
Comments