Dog Hot Spots and Alopecia

Hot Spots are a result of sensitivity to fleas and allergic reactions to foods such as corn and wheat. A grain-free, meat-based diet can alleviate this painful condition.

Hot Spots (traumatic moist dermatitis) is a bacterial infection and can rapidly spread over the skin, if not treated by a qualified veterinarian. It occurs because the dog is constantly licking, biting and scratching the inflamed area.

Alopecia is the partial or the complete lack of hairs in areas where they are normally present. There are two categories – congenital (hereditary), and acquired. Here we will be discussing acquired alopecia. In this type of alopecia the dog is born with a normal hair coat and the problem can develop due to a disease, which destroys the hair follicle or hair shaft. The disease interferes with the growth of the hair and causes the dog discomfort, leading to self-trauma and loss of hair. Diseases that can directly inhibit or slow hair follicle growth include nutritional deficiencies (particularly protein deficiencies), hypothyroidism, etc. There are many other causes as well, but we are concerned with the nutritional aspect. Scientific evidence points to the conclusion that if the dog is fed on a biologically appropriate diet the immune system should be functioning at an optimal level, thereby reducing the risk of causative diseases.

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