I’m really hoping to get some advice because I’m kind of at my wits’ end here. We have two amazing dogs, Max and Bella, who have suddenly developed these crazy itching issues. Both of them have started scratching themselves constantly to the point where they’ve got these sore, red hot spots on their skin. It’s heartbreaking to see them so uncomfortable and in obvious distress. We've tried switching their food, thinking it might be an allergy, but there's been no improvement. We’ve bathed them with hypoallergenic shampoo and even sprayed on a vet-recommended topical treatment, but nothing is working. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? Any ideas on what could be causing the irritation or suggestions on what we can do to help our fur babies get some relief? Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can share. I just want them to feel better soon.
Hello there! I’m glad you reached out about your furry friends’ itching and hot spots. These can be pretty uncomfortable for your dogs, so let’s see what might be going on.
Hot spots are inflamed, often moist areas of skin that your dogs may have developed from excessive licking or scratching. The root causes could be allergies (maybe to food, pollen, or dust), external parasites like fleas, or even skin infections.
At home, you can gently clean the area with mild antiseptic solutions and keep your dogs from biting or scratching the spots. Distracting them with toys or putting them in a soft cone can help give their skin time to heal.
However, keep an eye out for any signs that things might be getting worse, such as increased redness, swelling, or if your dogs seem to be in pain. Also, if you notice any discharge or a foul odor, that might indicate an infection, and it’s worth getting professional advice soon.
Since every dog’s situation is unique, it might be beneficial to have a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. They can provide more personalized guidance and help ensure your pups get the care they need.
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