Our Veterinarian Explains

If your pet scratches or bites at his skin constantly, he may have a rash or hot spot. If the sight of reddened skin and bald patches on your dog has you ready to tear your own hair out, a basic understanding of these rashes and hot spots will help you know when your pet needs veterinary examination and treatment.

Skin rashes in dogs can stem from a variety of triggers. Contact dermatitis, for instance, occurs when the skin comes into contact with a specific irritant, which could include anything from an industrial chemical in your garage to a particular dog shampoo. Allergies to certain foods or plants can also cause skin rashes. Your dog may even have an auto-immune disease that causes skin breakdown and pruritus (itching).

Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, take this skin irritation to a whole new, even more painful level. These raised, hot areas of skin may smell and ooze pus, indicating an acute infection. They commonly appear on the ear flaps of dogs with heavy coats, but any spot on the body can prove vulnerable. Mites and fleas love to congregate where heavy masses of hair sit against the skin and cause irritation, though allergic reactions and other surface irritations can also lead to the condition. Poor or non-existent dog grooming practices can also increase the likelihood of hot spots. As the dog licks, bites or chews at the irritation, the hot spot gets progressively worse.

Hunt Valley Veterinary Dermatology Services

If your dog clearly has a hot spot or skin rash, bring him to our animal hospital. We can determine the precise cause of your dog’s skin problem and prescribe a proper course of treatment, which may include medicated shampoos, steroid creams and oral antibiotics. Rely on us as your source for Hunt Valley veterinary dermatology, and free your pet of that irritation so he can enjoy life again.

Has your pet ever developed a large bald patch? What caused it?

Hunt Valley Home Pet Proofing Tips

Whether you’re a long-time pet owner or just welcomed a new pet into your life, keeping your home safe is essential. Like children, pets are curious about everything. Puppies and kittens in particular are constantly exploring and discovering new things about their world. While many pet owners know the basics, like keeping dogs away from chocolate, you may be surprised to learn that there are potential dangers lurking in every room of the house.

At Hunt Valley Animal Hospital, our veterinarians and veterinary care team are committed to keeping your pet healthy and active throughout his or her life. Unfortunately, many of our urgent care cases could have been prevented if simple pet proofing rules had been followed. While our veterinary care team is proud to offer the latest veterinary diagnostic imaging and high-tech emergency pet care, we would rather keep your pets safe by preventing emergencies in the first place!

Pet proof your home by following three simple tips from our veterinarians:

#1: View the world from your pet’s perspective: Yes, getting down on all fours may be a little awkward, but it’s a great way to see your living room or kitchen the same way that your pet does! Check for loose cords and electrical wires or easy-to-open cabinets. To prevent strangulation or electrocution, install outlet covers, window cord safety locks, and cord shorteners.

 #2: Set boundaries. If you have a big house, there’s no reason that your pet should be freely wandering bedrooms, bathrooms or the home office. Set boundaries by closing and locking doors. For smaller pets, consider installing a toddler safety gate. However, be careful not to install pressure-mounted gates at the top of the stairs; a larger dog could easy knock this over and fall down the stairs. Hosting a party or large family gathering? Consider dog and cat boarding for the day -- your pet will have fun in a safe environment and you won't be worried about keeping your pet out of rooms and away from guests.

#3: Keep kitchen and bathroom counters clear. Does your pet like to counter surf? Leaving out toothpaste, dish soap or even knick knacks could lead to a pet health emergency. Be sure to keep medication inside a drawer in a sealed container and keep counters clear.

Have a great pet proofing tip that you would like to share?

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