Canine Hot Spots - Prevention
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| Definition / Causes | Parasitic Allergens | Allergy Testing |
| Environmental Allergens | Other Causes | Prevention |
Long-term Effects and Prevention
The natural reaction of the dog (biting and scratching) will worsen the affliction, which only encourages more biting and scratching. This cycle can go on rapidly and spread widely. The descent to weepy, almost syrupy skin can occur very rapidly and be quite frightening. What is then seen is an area of hair loss with very red skin that may be exuding serum. In some cases there isn't much hair loss but the skin gets crusty or scabbed anyway.
The best action here is prevention. Keep your dog free of fleas. Groom and bathe your dog as necessary to keep the hair coat in good condition. Limit sources of irritation to the best of your ability. If allergies are a problem for your dog, work with the vet to control the itching they cause. Though these measures may not prevent hot spots in all dogs, they will certainly help in many cases.
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