Hot Spots, also called acute moist dermatitis, are irritated patches of skin that result from an initial irritation but develop into something much worse by a bacterial infection. The most common places where hot spots form on your dog's neck, hips, head or limbs. The red, moist patches can become very painful and cause oozing, scabbing, matted fur, and loss of fur at the affected area. While hot spots are usually localized to a specific area, treatment must focus on the underlying cause.

A hot spot can develop when your pup has irritated skin that becomes imbalanced or infected from repeated scratching or gnawing. Any one of the following culprits can be the initial cause of the skin irritation:

• Food Allergies
• Abrasions or Cuts
• Insect Bites
• Flea Allergies
• Splinters or Thorns
• Matted Fur
• Ear Infection
• Anal Gland Infection
• Obsessive Chewing or Licking (from boredom or stress)

The warmth and humidity during the summer months can exacerbate open cuts or scrapes on long-haired dogs, especially those with matted fur. Bacteria is commonly introduced by biting, scratching and chewing the site of irritation. Bacterial growth can then cause your dog's immune system to respond with inflammation, redness, itching, heat and pain.

Symptoms of a hot spot may include one or more of the following:

• Localized Inflammation and Redness of the Affected Area
• Painful, Itchy Patch of Skin
• Constant Licking, Scratching or Chewing
• Oozing Sores or Crusty Scabs
• Hair Loss With Dry Scaly Skin
• Moist Matted Fur
• Foul Odor Coming From Hot Spot Lesion(s)
• Unusual Aggression Associated With Pain
• Lethargy or Depression Associated With Pain

Symptoms of a hot spot may include one or more of the following:

• Localized Inflammation and Redness of the Affected Area
• Painful, Itchy Patch of Skin
• Constant Licking, Scratching or Chewing
• Oozing Sores or Crusty Scabs
• Hair Loss With Dry Scaly Skin
• Moist Matted Fur
• Foul Odor Coming From Hot Spot Lesion(s)
• Unusual Aggression Associated With Pain
• Lethargy or Depression Associated With Pain

While pet owners recognize the positive effects from feeding their dog or cat a raw pet food diet. The benefits for digestive issues have been the most significant. A balanced raw diet should include mostly high protein meat and other healthy ingredients like fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. With the inclusion of functional foods like flaxseed, coconut oil and cod liver oil for vital for omega 3 fatty acids, Steve's Real Food combines the critical ingredients necessary to create an energy packed meal for your pet that is vital for optimal digestion and overall health. Our pet diets are made from free-range, antibiotic and hormone free beef and vegetarian fed poultry.

RawPetFood.com is an easy and affordable solution to both treat and prevent future hot spots. We deliver high-quality, organic frozen dog food directly to your front door! We are proud to offer pet-lovers with the best selection of holistic, dietary options from many different companies to help their beloved dogs heal from painful superficial canine pyoderma. Steve's Real Food is pleased to offer pet diets starting at $5.60 per pound with free shipping.