Question submitted by the audience in our recent webinar: "The Itchy Dog":
I have a Golden Retriever , who is 6.5 years old. This summer he had several hot spots whereas he has never had them before. His coat care is the same and I have not added anything new to his diet, or changed laundry soap, or bathing routine. His activities are the same. So I cannot figure out why this is starting to happen now. Any insights?
Answer by: Andrew Hillier, BVSc, MANZCVS, DACVD
Hot spots are acute focal areas of skin irritation and infection that develop very rapidly. They invariably occur in dogs that have allergies – for those with hot spots over the rump it is often associated with flea allergy and those with hot spots on the cheek or neck it is associated with atopic dermatitis or food allergy. To prevent them from recurring, your veterinarian will want to consider treatments for controlling the underlying allergies.
