Those Nasty Hotspots Trivia Quiz

Answer: All of these

Hotspots have many names, but are basically the same thing. However, do not let this lead you to think that the same thing causes them all.

Answer: Dog starts to neglect eating for some days.

In personal experience, my dog has never stopped eating because of a hotspot. Although not eating may weaken the dog and also increase the time it takes to recuperate, it is not usually a clinical sign of acute moist dermatitis. Licking, biting, and scratching all prolong and aggravate a hotspot. Scratching in particular can be harmful because dirt in the dog's claws may allow further complications.

Answer: prolong

Even though the dog's saliva has some antiseptic properties, the bad thing about licking (or biting) a hotspot is that it keeps it moist. This gives bacteria a perfect environment to live and reproduce, thus prolonging or even spreading a hotspot.

Answer: Baths or any exercise that involves getting wet.

Baths are probably what you would want to avoid when a dog has a hotspot. Because hotspots proliferate with warm moist areas, it would advisable to not bathe your dog when it has a hotspot. If the owner doesn't dry thoroughly, the hotspot may spread. Grooming shouldn't be avoided completely, but it would be wise to keep a constant check on the dog's skin to see if the hotspot may have spread.

Avoid grooming over the hotspot, seeing how sensitive it is to touch.

Answer: Shock Collar

Even though a jersey shirt may seem to have been a likely choice for what not to use, the shock collar would have been the best choice, especially because in a situation like this it would probably be useless. A jersey may actually help in cases where the scratching and biting isn't too bad, not only does it provide protection (to an extent) for the wound, but the holes in the shirt allow fresh air to dry out hotspots.

The E-Collar is an excellent and common choice. The Bite-Not collar is a restraining collar that is mentioned in the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, and would probably do a good job of preventing further trauma.

Answer: Aloe

Aloe is a very effective plant that can heal hotspots up really quickly. I've used it on my dog and within a couple days (not even a week) he was good. It not only soothes the itchiness, but also has certain properties that help combat the infection. 100% aloe gel is available for purchase too; that can be used if you don't have an aloe plant. All the rest of the plants mentioned are actually harmful to dogs, they are only 3 plants mentioned from a long list from the Dog Owner's Home Vet Handbook.

Answer: True

Even though many owners are reluctant to clip the fur when the dog gets a hotspot, it can be a great help. This allows air to dry out the hotspot and prevents fur from matting and trapping in moisture. If the hotspot gets bad enough, you'll be forced to cut the fur anyways, so might as well get it done sooner than later.

Answer: All of these.

Depending on the dog, any of these can cause a hotspot. The more susceptible a dog is to getting a hotspot, the more likely it is to acquire one from these circumstances. Any irritant on the dog's skin that may cause constant biting (such as insect bites or allergens) can also develop into a hotspot.

Answer: Boredom

According to veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, hotspots can start out by boredom. This is why it is important to provide mental stimulus for a dog; after all that is one of many responsibilities of a dog owner. Even though Demodex canis (the mite responsible for D-Mange) can cause serious itching, the mite itself cannot cause a hotspot. Demodex canis is part of the normal fauna of a dog's skin, and if it does cause complications it isn't called a hotspot, it's called demodectic mange.

Answer: They can find the underlying cause and give medication to help.

Because hotspots can be caused by a myriad of things, it may be hard for an owner to tell what it is that is causing the hotspot. It may be a fungal or viral infection, in which case would need veterinary intervention. The vet may be also able to tell the owner what it causing the problem therefore allowing the owner to eliminate the underlying cause. Being lethal and or spreading to the family is highly improbable.