Wet dermatitis in dogs - or hot-spot as it is popularly known - can be quite common. Caused by different factors, the disease appears suddenly and can generate a lot of discomfort for your friend. Itching and excessive humidity are the main symptoms and, therefore, are usually the first to be noticed by owners. To help you identify the condition in your pet, we talked to the specialist veterinarianin dermatologist Raphael Rocha, from Rio de Janeiro, who told us everything you need to know about canine wet dermatitis. Take a look!

Learn what is wet canine dermatitis and the main causes of the disease

According to the veterinarian, wet dermatitis is the term used to describe contaminated wounds on the dog's skin. With variable sizes, the lesions have an inflamed and moist appearance - as the name implies - and evolve quickly on the animal's skin. Because it is a pathology associated with numerous causes, it is important that the guardian is attentive to the behavior of his friend. "ItchingIn this case, when left untreated, it can worsen, bleed and inflame the skin. In addition, it can also spread to other points, causing hair failures and secondary infections ", he explains.

As for the causes of this dog disease, Raphael reveals that they can be numerous. "Usually, diseases or changes in the skin are the result of some itching. In this case, failure to manage baths, poor sanitation, the presence of fleas and ticks, allergic or seborrheic diseases can be the motivation for the problem ".

Moist dermatitis: dogs may experience itching and other symptoms

As we have already mentioned above, intense itching is one of the main signs of wet dermatitis in dogs, but it is not the only one. Absence of hair, inflammation and excessive moisture with oozing are also symptoms of the disease. Generally, the lesions manifest themselves in three parts of the body: muzzle, lower back and thighs. In some cases, your friend's skin may also dry out and dry out.Like any other dog allergy, it causes a lot of discomfort to your puppy and, therefore, it is common for him to react by licking and even biting the area. In this case, it is important that the guardian redoubles the care to prevent the infection from spreading.

Acute dermatitis: dog should be diagnosed as soon as possible

If you notice your dog scratching constantly, you should take your pet for a consultation with the vet. Only then will it be possible to know what is happening and then start treating your friend. "The diagnosis occurs by observing the clinical signs and the appearance of the lesion. In addition, the specialist must also identify possible causes of dermatitis ", reveals the professional.

Acute moist dermatitis: treatment is key to controlling the problem

When diagnosed early, acute canine dermatitis can be treated easily. "Topical treatment and cleaning the lesion are the most indicated methods to control the disease," he says. However, in more severe cases, the specialist warns: "It may be necessary to use oral therapies to control infection, inflammation and pain." Therefore, it is important to seek the help of a veterinarianwhen you notice any abnormalities on the animal's skin and never offer a home remedy. In an attempt to help, you may even worsen your friend's condition.

Acute moist dermatitis: is it possible to prevent?

As the saying goes: the best remedy is prevention, right? When it comes to wet dermatitis, it couldn't be different. In this case, the most important thing is to prevent the cause of itching. That's because your dog's habit of scratching is largely responsible for the disease. "Giving baths and grooming appropriate for the animal's coat, controlling the presence of fleas and ticks, maintaining a good diet andobserving the appearance of possible allergic and seborrheic diseases are some attitudes that can prevent the disease ", concludes the veterinarian.