Hot Spots

If you find your Westie is acting distressed and is biting the base of his tail, there could be a few reasons for this, blocked anal glands or worms, but often overlooked are what's been called "Hot Spots"

What the dog actually has is a pyotraumatic dermatitis, Hot spots are common skin infections and are caused when the bacteria on the dogs skin overwhelms the dog’s normal resistance. Hot spots can flare up in a very short period between 5 hours and a few days, early signs are when the dog has moist hair standing up in one location.

Most people don't notice hot spots until they show as a red circle and hair has been lost. They can be swollen and have a smelly pus, are typically found near the base of the tail, legs or paws. Hot spots are painful and itchy and will make the dog want to bite the area to a point of self mutilation.

Hot spots show up more in hot weather, but if you don't keep your dogs fur not free, there is a chance that when the under coat is shed it gets trapped near the skin. Fleas can also cause hot spots when they bite, this would be a breeding ground for the bacteria.

Treatment, Trim the hair around the infection and wash with a disinfectant shampoo, but you may need the help of a vet for a antibiotics treatment. Regular grooming will help keep hot spots away...