Bulldog hot spots are painful and itchy areas caused by different factors. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, these hot spots suddenly show up on dog’s skin especially in areas that are prone to moisture, such as the neck, hips, and in between skin folds. Appearing as red and moist lesions, these patches often exude an unusual odor. This skin irritation can either be superficial or deep.
Bulldog hot spots are more common because of the breed’s skin, which has folds and is very sensitive.
What Causes Bulldog Hot Spots
Many factors can cause Bulldog hot spots, including
- flea/tick bites
- insect bites
- mites
- trapped skin moisture
- allergies
- bacterial infection
- fungal/yeast infection
- biting, scratching, and/or licking the skin
Basically, Bulldog hot spots start popping out due to skin irritation. Scratching and licking of the irritated area extend hot spots and spread the infection very fast.In fact, it is common to see a small hot spot on a dog in the morning and find it big and oozing in the afternoon.
Bulldog hot spots can start popping out any time of the year. But they are more prone to it during the warmer months.
The most common causes of Bulldog hot spots are allergies and trapped moisture in their skin folds. For this reason, the best way to prevent your Bulldog’s skin from developing hot spots is to steer clear of allergens and ensure that his skin always remains clean and dry.
How to Treat Bulldog Hot Spots
Although Bulldog hot spots are very common, these must not be ignored. Treatment for hot spots involves addressing the underlying cause of this skin problem. Topical and oral treatments are also given to help soothe the itchiness and discomfort.
The #1 treatment for Bulldog Hot Spots is Verticyn AntiMicrobial Hot Spot Spray. It has a 4.5 star rating with over 1,100 reviews for a reason. You should notice a big difference within 2 weeks.
Here are other things you can do to treat Bulldog hot spots.
- Ask your veterinarian for ointments or any medication you can use in case hot spots start appearing on your Bulldog’s skin.
- Clean the hot spots with cool water and mild soap.
- Apply the topical or lotion your veterinarian has prescribed on the affected areas.
- Make a cold compress and apply it on your Bulldog’s hot spots thrice daily for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps relieve the itching and even calms the tissues. Allow the area to fully dry.
- Put an Elizabethan collar around your Bulldog’s neck. This protective device prevents the spread of hot spots in your Bulldog. Also known as E-collar, it stops your Bulldog from chewing or licking parts of his body while also preventing your pet from scratching his skin. Aside from preventing the spread of hot spots, E-collars also hinders your Bulldog from licking topicals that are applied to his skin.
- Depending on the severity of your Bulldog’s hot spots, your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics.
- Bathe your Bulldog using medicated shampoo at least twice a week. Do not forget to dry his coat.
Additional Medication for Bulldog Hot Spots
Medications for Bulldog hot spots vary and depend largely on treating the underlying cause of the skin problem.
Generally, hydrocortisone creams or sprays are used to help relieve the itch and discomfort hot spots cause. For allergy-related hot spots, some vets recommend oclacitinib, corticosteroids, and other related drugs. Oral and topical antibiotics are also prescribed when the hot spots are large and severely infected.
Preventing Bulldog Hot Spots
- Check your Bulldog’s skin. Look for ticks, fleas, or any insect and remove them immediately. Do not forget to check for any signs of bites, wounds, or skin irritation. Clean the irritated area and apply the ointment your veterinarian recommends.
- Identify the allergen that affects your Bulldog.Avoid feeding or letting him get in contact with this allergen.
- Dry your Bulldog’s coat after bathing, swimming, strolling in the rain, or playing around sprinklers.
- Clean your Bulldog’s paws, folds/wrinkles, and rump after walking or playing outside. Dry them after cleaning.
- If your Bulldog chews or licks his skin out of boredom, exercise and regular playing can help distract his attention and get rid of this habit.
- Give your Bulldog omega-3 fish oil to help lessen the risk of developing hot spots and other inflammatory skin diseases.
- If your Bulldog has hot spots and recurrent fungal/yeast infection, apply coconut oil on his skin to help lessen the chance of developing skin problems.
