THREE-year-old Max is not feeling well, as she is suffering from a condition many often mistakenly identify as mange. This is hot spots — extremely painful sores known to veterinarians as pyotraumatic dermatitis.

Hot spots are extremely painful sores caused when normal skin bacteria grows and overwhelms resistance on a dog’s skin. It then begins to itch and irritate the animal. Usually hot spots appear in the form of circular patches which eventually go bald. They can be swollen and smelly as they may exude pus.

Hot spots can be caused from allergies, tangled or matted hair, trapped dead hair or even behavioural issues.

If you are a dog owner and your pet is diagnosed with hot spots, you have to act quickly, since it is a condition that will spread rapidly. If left untreated it may increase to 20 times its size in just a day. This can cause a usually mild-mannered dog to nip or growl when touched.

Dogs with heavy coats are more susceptible to hot spots. Also those dogs with a history of ear infection, allergies, irritated anal sacs, flea infestation and even grooming problems such as matted or tangled hair, are susceptible.

Hot spots frequent areas such as the legs, feet, flanks and rump. These areas are easily reached when licking or biting. However, hot spots can also appear on the neck, ears and chest of the dog if it is continually scratching.

How to prevent hot spots

Once the veterinarian has applied treatment, you need to consider the underlying cause of the infection to prevent it from reoccurring. If your animal is a Shih-Tzu like Max, or another breed with long hair that tangles easily, make sure that it is groomed often to prevent the fur from matting.

If your dog has allergies, then you need to go on a mission to rid your home of the things that may trigger a reaction in your pet. Treat your home and yard regularly for fleas. Dust, plant pollen and chemicals around your home may also be the culprits making your dog sick, so be on the lookout for these.

(Photos: Janice Johnson)

All I want for Christmas…

Louie, a French bulldog, gets a close-up look at Santa while Boston terrier Gidget sits on his lap awaiting a picture during the Santa Paws event on December 6 in El Paso, Texas. Santa Paws benefits pet non-profit partners of PetSmart. (Photo: AP)

Meet Truffles

My name is Kadidi Carrington and my pet’s name is Truffles. I got Truffles when he was only four weeks old and he has been a part of our family for almost five years now. Truffles is a poodle with lots of personality. He is extremely playful. We love Truffles because he is really man’s best friend, providing support, love and happiness to our family.

Truffles is, I think, one of the most spoiled ‘little people with fur’ I know. He has many outfits and toys.