Feelin’ hot, hot, HOTSPOTS?!

It’s summer time, and your dog may be feeling hot! But if it’s hotspots we’re talking, then there’s more to be concerned about. In fact, hotspots have nothing to do with heat, but rather, they are skin irritations that cause incessant licking or scratching by the dog. Our vet friends call it “acute moist dermatitis,” but there’s nothing cute about it. They look something like the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, and they can get out of hand quickly... pretty darn uncomfortable if you ask us!

Hotspots are often caused by allergic reactions, overdue grooming, mites or fleas, other skin or ear problems, even licking or chewing brought on by stress. Bottom line: hotspots are a serious bummer for your pooch.

Matted, dirty coats tend to bring on hotspots, so the best and easiest way to assure your pup doesn’t get hotspots is to keep his fur clean and combed out. Here are a few easy-peasy tips in keeping hotspots off your dog:

·         Keep up with a flea control program.

·         Maintain a scheduled monthly care appointment for skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth. Our Scenthound Essential Care Pack covers all of that.

·         Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise, play and interaction to prevent boredom and stress!

You may also want to consider having your dog’s hair a bit shorter in the summer months, as dogs with long, thick coats are more prone to hot spots (we’re looking at you, Pomeranian). Our awesome techs at Scenthound Plus Scenters can help with your grooming needs too, in addition to our Essential Care Pack. We can also recommend products to keep your dog’s locks at their best. After all, we’re here to help keep your bestie happy and healthy!

The Glands! The Glands!

Okay, may seem kinda gross and awkward (let's just name that right off), but let's talk about your dog's anal glands. Chances are you're aware of them without even being aware of them!  How's that? Well, if you see your dog licking or biting the region around his rectum and the base of his tail; if he scoots his butt along the floor; if he seems in pain when having a bowel movement, his anal glands may be in need of attention.

The anal glands aren't actually glands -- they're sacs of a foul-smelling, slightly oily substance whose purpose no one is quite sure of. But we do know that in about 12% of dogs, impacted or infected anal sacs can be a chronic issue.

The anal glands are one of the 8 points we monitor when you bring your pup in for maintenance and care. We'll let you know how they're looking and can even empty them for you (a job you really probably don't want to do yourself). If the glands get too yucky, you'll have to head to your vet. So stay on top of it -- we'll help. That's why we call ourselves partners in your dog's health and wellness!

(If you really want all the nasty details on anal sacs, click here. Put your sandwich down first...)

Why It's A Good Idea to De-Shed

As WebMD Pets puts it, "Even if you don't mind finding a little fur on your favorite pants, grooming your cat or dog can offer both of you real benefits, including preventing painful knots and tangles, minimizing pet dander in the home, helping you catch signs of pet illness or parasites, and boosting the pet-person bond. All you need is a bit of time and the right tools."

And they're right: even if you don't mind being a human lint-catcher when you sit on the couch, shed fur that stays among "live" fur can cause a host of problems -- painful mats that pull up on the skin and pinch; hot spots; hiding places for parasites; and yeast infections on the skin. 

There are great tools out there for removing the dead hair; plus, brushing is good for skin and coat anyway, and most dogs enjoy the one-on-one attention from you. Come see us and we'll guide you on how best to de-shed your particular pup -- or we'll do it for you!