This quote from Ogden Nash may be true.  After all, there's nothing like having an itch that you just can't scratch!  But those of you with allergic dogs know that all that scratching certainly does NOT bring happiness!

Dory (pictured above) very courteously agreed to let us share her story as a demonstration of how quickly - and severely - a "hot spot" can appear!

"Hot Spot" is the quickie term for a superficial bacterial dermatitis - or skin irritation and infection affecting the top layer of the skin.  Hot spot is much easier (not to mention fun) to say, so let's stick with that. 

Basically what happens is that something (a bug bite, a scratch, a small wound, fleas, or inflammation due to allergies) disrupts the skin's natural resistance to infection.  This disruption allows the bacteria that normally live on an animal's skin to start reproducing at an alarming rate.  This bacterial party plus the initial "something" creates itchiness for your pet.  The natural response to an itch?  Scratch!  All that scratching then disrupts the defenses of the skin even further.  So the bacteria naturally party-on and invite friends and family to join in the fun.  It's a vicious - and painful - cycle.

Even worse, a hot spot can come on within 12 hours!  Dory's skin looked 100% normal the morning that she developed her hot spot!  From normal to red, raw and hairless in 12 hours.  Pretty dramatic!  Luckily once the diagnosis is made, we can help your pet to become more comfortable ASAP.  We're happy to report that Dory is back to looking beautiful and has continued her therapy work in the Kalamazoo area.

The take home message here is this - if you notice your pet itching, give us a call.  Sometimes hot spots are simply unavoidable (poor Dory)!  But many times by treating the underlying itch, we can prevent that bacterial party before the invitations are even sent out!

Have an interesting picture or story to share?
E-mail us at shaverroadanimalhospital@gmail.com
We'd love to use your story to help our other patients live longer, happier, healthier lives!