Preventing Hot Spots
Why Towel Drying After a Beach Day is Essential for Your Dog’s Health
Taking your dog to the beach is a great way to bond and provide mental and physical stimulation. However, a beach day isn’t complete until you’ve thoroughly dried your pup. This simple step helps remove sand, sea debris, and bugs, but for some dogs, like my Bu, it’s especially important for preventing hot spots.
What Are Hot Spots?
Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are areas of irritated skin that can quickly escalate into painful, inflamed sores. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, hot spots often result from excessive licking or scratching, which damages the skin and creates an open wound prone to infection.
What to Watch For:
Persistent itching or licking in one spot
Red, inflamed areas of skin
Lesions that may ooze or contain pus
Why Towel Drying Matters
When drying Bu after her beach adventures, I pay extra attention to areas beneath her thick undercoat, like her armpits, legs, and hips. Moisture trapped in these spots can lead to irritation and allergic reactions, creating the perfect environment for a hot spot to form. Drying her thoroughly not only prevents this but also helps remove sand, debris, and any unwelcome critters.
Key Areas to Focus On:
Head and neck: These areas often get splashed, and moisture here can easily be missed.
Legs and paws: Sand and water accumulate here, potentially irritating the skin.
Hips and underarms: These are prime locations for trapped water in dogs with thicker coats.
How to Prevent Hot Spots
Dry your dog thoroughly after any activity involving water. Whether it’s the beach, a swim, or even a walk in the rain, moisture left on their skin can be a breeding ground for irritation.
Use a clean towel. Keep one specifically for your dog to avoid spreading bacteria or allergens.
Check frequently overlooked areas. For Bu, her armpits are a common spot for trapped water. Know your dog’s coat type and where moisture tends to hide.
Treating Hot Spots
If you notice signs of a hot spot, contact your veterinarian for proper treatment. Until your appointment, try to keep your dog from scratching or licking the area to prevent further irritation. Using a protective collar or covering the spot with a clean bandage may help. Avoid applying ointments without veterinary guidance.
Bonus: Towel Drying Removes More Than Moisture
Aside from preventing hot spots, towel drying is also an excellent opportunity to inspect your dog for other issues:
Sand fleas: These pesky critters can latch onto your dog’s skin and cause itching or irritation.
Sea debris: Kelp, small shells, and other materials can get tangled in fur.
Skin checks: Spotting bumps, redness, or cuts early can help you address them before they become bigger problems.
For more on keeping your dog safe from sand fleas, check out our [Sand Flea Guide].
Final Thoughts
A quick post-beach towel dry can save your dog a lot of discomfort and prevent unnecessary vet visits. For Bu and other pups, it’s not just about staying clean—it’s about staying healthy. Next time you head to the beach, don’t forget your dog’s towel. It might just be the most important item you bring!
