How can you prevent hot spots on long-haired dogs?

Question

My dog got hot spots for the first time - ever. I've never had a dog with them before...they just don't make sense.

Answer 1

High quality food.

Often hot spots can be triggered by a slight allergy... making the skin more sensitive... add moisture and lack of grooming and you get a festering mess.

Keep the dog DRY.. and well-combed out. An uncombed double coated dog that is slightly damp is somewhat like YOU wearing a slightly tight wet wool sweater.. how long til you have sores?

Answer 2

Good and frequent grooming is key. You need to pay close attention to amy mats that the dog may have. Also, making sure the coat is dried well after bathing or swimming. Wettness can lead to hot spots. Fleas and constant itching can also.
Sometimes no matter what you do, they happen. Then you just have to clip the hair and keep it clean and dry and wait for it to go away.
Sometimes antibiotics are the only answer.

Answer 3

Sometimes it is a sign of your dog developing new allergies. Hot spots become more common with dogs that get older. They are seasonal, and usually occur in the latter part of hot summers. It is kind of weird. Usually developes in really really undercoated dogs such as german sherpherds, huskies, akitas, etc. Some owners have their dogs trimmed down well for the summer, and that may also help. Also, make sure that you regularely bathe her, and brush her out as specified for the breed. Good luck!

Answer 4

Eliminate fleas and groom, groom, groom. Head and Shoulders is a good shampoo for dogs. Helps with dermatitis and seborrhea. Rinse with a light vinegar solution... 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.