What are Hot Spots (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis)?
Hot spots are a source of frustration among dogs and their owners. They are produced by self-induced trauma as the dog bites or scratches at any part of the body in an attempt to alleviate some pain or itch. There are many predisposing causes. The most common are allergies caused by fleas, air-borne allergens or food. Other predispositions include other skin parasites, anal sac problems, otitis, contact irritant substances, psychoses and painful musculoskeletal disorders. Any of these predisposing factors may initiate the itch-scratch cycle. Breeds with a heavy hair coat and dense undercoat have the highest incidence of hot spots. The problem is much more common in hot, humid weather.
