French bulldog hot spots are very painful and uncomfortable skin condition that often occurs during warmer months. A hot spot is an inflammation of the skin that appears to be red, hairless, swollen, and itchy. Since dog owners often mix hot spots with insect bites, this blog post will help you recognize and treat them early.
What Does a Hot Spot On Frenchie Look Like?
Otherwise known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots on Frenchies spread very fast and worsen rapidly. That’s why it’s extremely important to catch them early to get the best results.
French bulldog hot spots are red, hot, hairless, and a sort of ’’shiny’’. They look like wounds followed by pus or fluid, and are often triggered by bacteria. Besides, they are also very itchy, so your pet will deal with excruciating pains if you leave them untreated.
Hot spots can occur everywhere. However, the most common places are behind the French bulldog’s ears, on its neck, belly, limbs, and hips.
Main Causes of Hot Spots On Frenchies
Itchiness that is often caused by insect bites, and environmental and food allergens can lead to hot spots. When a dog licks and scratches the infected spot, such self-trauma leads to even worse itchiness and finally results in a hot spot.
French bulldog hot spots are very susceptible to bacterial infections, so early treatment is required.
Other causes of hot spots in Frenchies are:
- Anal sac disease
- Poor coat hygiene
- Atopic dermatitis
- Ear or skin infections
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Separation anxiety or some other stressful experience that is followed by excessive licking
- Environmental allergens such as house cleaning chemicals, laundry detergent, etc.
Why Do French bulldog Hot Spots Appear More Often in Hot Weather?
Warm weather brings a higher humidity level, and many problems to our Frenchies. Since they are naturally prone to hyperthermia, their owners should find the best ways to keep them safe during warmer months.
Warm weather brings many potential dangers to your pet such as incest bites, seasonal pollen, and other allergy triggers that accelerate the development of hot spots.
Owners whose Frenchies love to get wet and swim during summer should pay special attention to their skin condition because wet coat and skin will be more susceptible to hot spots due to the excess moisture.
French Bulldog Hot Spots Treatment
The rule is to visit the vet as soon as you notice any change in your dog’s skin. Hot spots require antibiotic and topical therapy treatments in order to give the best results.
Depending on the underlying cause, your vet will have to determine what type of therapy will suit your pet best. A skin scrape test is often needed since it can reveal whether your dog developed bacterial or parasite skin infection.
To treat hot spots in home conditions, we recommend you clean the wound with a mild, water-based antiseptic spray or wipe. Wearing an E-cone will also be of great help since it prevents your dog from further licking and injuring the spot.
The healing process can sometimes be very exhausting both for a dog and its owner. That’s why it’s important to stick to the prescribed therapy. Note that treatment of severe French bulldog hot spots may last up to several months.
Besides antibiotic creams, your vet will probably prescribe you a topical shampoo to release itchiness. The hair around the spot should be trimmed to allow the affected area to get some air and prevent excess moisture.
When the wound starts to heal, it’s important to prevent your dog from further scratching and developing new injuries.
How to Prevent Hot Spots in Frenchies?
Unfortunately, Frenchies are naturally prone to allergies. They also have folds on their bodies which represent perfect places for bacteria to grow. Therefore, keeping your Frenchie’s coat groomed and clean is the first step to do.
Other tips include feeding your pooch a healthy and well-balanced diet to boost his immunity and daily checking for insect bites and unusual skin changes. When hot spots are caught early, there are high chances to heal them quickly. If your dog loves to lick his body parts due to boredom or anxiety, we recommend you distract his attention with interactive French bulldog toys.