A "hot spot" is a red, irritated section of skin that literally gets hot from the increased blood supply to the inflamed area. They quickly progress from red circles to wet, oozing, infected messes.

"Hot spots" are the result of intense chewing, scratching and/or licking. Anything can trigger this licking and chewing and fleas are the most common culprit, but ticks, biting flies and mosquitoes could also trigger such an intense reaction.

Once a dog starts focusing on one area of itching, the area becomes red. Continued scratching with dirty toenails or licking with a dirty mouth results in an infection in the area. This is what causes the wound to ooze puss. If it isn't treated, it becomes bloody and painful. They usually stink pretty badly, too. The key to treating a "hot spot" is to keep it clean and dry. The best way to do this is to remove as much hair from around the area as you can. I use clippers and a no. 10 blade to do this. Once the hair around the area is out of the way, I use a very diluted disinfectant soap to clean the area aggressively. Then I rinse it and dry it thoroughly. Dogs usually love having their "hot spot" cleaned and dried because it is so itchy. Keep a "hot spot" clean and dry like this until you can get to your vet.

The next step is to stop the incessant licking, chewing and scratching. Bandages don't work well, because they keep the wound from drying out. Remember, we have to keep these wounds clean AND dry. Elizabethan or Bite-Not collars can help at first, but the real trick is to remove the cause of the itch. You'll need your veterinarian's help here. If fleas are present, even in very small numbers, you need to eliminate these with quick-acting products like Capstar or Comfortis. Antihistamines might help break an allergic itch, but it usually requires short-term use of a steroid like prednisone to stop a "hot spot".

Your veterinarian will help you with treatments for an underlying allergy and he or she may even prescribe an antibiotic if the wound has gotten seriously infected. If you suspect your pet is developing a "hot spot", don't wait around. Call your vet for an appointment and start keeping the wound clean and dry right away.

(Dr. Katherine A. Saenger, DVM, owns Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel (www.beesferry.com) E-mail her your pet questions at vetsaenger@bellsouth.net.)

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