Your enjoying a meal on the patio with friends and you recognize your dog is incessantly licking at what appears to be a wound - over and over and over. You look closer and discover the area he is licking is now red, raw, and sensitive to the touch. This is a familiar scenario for many dog owners, but the first incident is often, understandably, filled with panic.

This is a canine hot spot - also known as acute moist dermatitis, where the skin has become inflammed, red, and often moist.

There are a number of possible underlying causes for hot spots. While more common during the summer months, they can be an issue any time of the year based on the underlying cause. Possible causes include:

Flea bite allergies

Food allergies

Insect Bites

Hypersensitivity to various things in the environment

Excessive matting of the hair

Ear infections...and

Behavioral problems

The lesion itself is a reslut of the itch-scratch cycle and it is most often aggravated by continuous licking, biting, and scratching. Home care in the early stages should include clipping the hair away from the lesion, cleaning, and then completely drying the area. Our suggested medication, Vetericyn Plus Hot Spot Gel reduces the inflammation and redness plus provides relief from the insulting itch.

If the lesion doesn't respond to your care, seems severe and moist, it is best to contact your Veterinarian for evaluation and care.