What are hot spots and can food help?

What are hot spots on dogs and can food help?

Hot spots are areas of localised pyoderma (bacterial skin infection) that are inflamed, full of pus and intensely itchy. They can be quite painful for dogs and can lead to further complications if left untreated.

Hot spots can occur due to self-trauma – scratching, licking and biting of the skin due to itchiness that can be caused by flea or environmental allergies, foreign body (e.g. grass awn) and possibly food allergy. The infection increases the itchiness and irritation which increases the self-trauma to the skin, helping to spread the infected area. Matting of the hair with pus also helps spread the infected area.

General Causes of Hot Spots:

• Allergies - Food, environmental, or flea allergies can trigger itching and scratching.
• Parasites - Fleas, ticks, and mites can irritate the skin and lead to hot spots.
• Hormonal imbalances - Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect skin health.
• Stress or anxiety - Excessive grooming or licking can cause skin irritation.
• Injuries - Cuts, scrapes, or burns can create entry points for infections.

Can Food Help?
The use of a specially formulated food can alleviate the itchiness that caused the problem in the first place. Hill’s™ Prescription Diet™ Derm Defense™ would be the best diet for this, as it strengthens the skin barrier, reduces the effects of allergens and reduces inflammation.

• Elimination diets - These involve removing common allergens from your dog's diet to identify the culprit.
• Omega-3 fatty acids - These can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
• Probiotics - These can support a healthy gut microbiome, which can influence skin health.
• High-quality protein - A diet rich in high-quality protein can help support healthy skin and coat.

However, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes. They can provide personalised advice based on your dog's specific needs and health history.

While dietary changes can be helpful, they may not be sufficient on their own. Addressing underlying causes, such as allergies or parasites, is also crucial in preventing and treating hot spots.