Skin symptoms in dogs — hot spot, rash and patting. When to see a doctor?

📞 Appointment of dermatology in Vantaa: 010 739 9130

A dog's skin is its largest organ, and various skin ailments are commonplace. At our reception in Vantaa, we see everything from acute “hot spots” to strange patties every day.

When can a skin symptom be treated by yourself and when is a veterinarian necessary?

1. Hot Spot (Moist dermatitis)

A common problem, especially in dogs with bushy fur, who like to swim (retrievers).

• Symptoms: Sudden, purulent, red and very sore spots on the skin. Spreads in hours.
• Treatment: Shave the hairs widely from the area, clean with a non-abrasive agent and prevent licking with a collarbone.
• To the doctor: If the area is large, very painful or does not dry out in a couple of days.

2. Pats and changes

Did you find a pet in the dog? Most pates (such as adipocytes and warts) are harmless, but malignant tumors (e.g., mast cell tumor) cannot be distinguished visually.

• To the doctor: If the patti grows rapidly, bleeds, is firmly attached to the tissue or bothers the dog. We take a thin needle sample from the pad, which will tell you the cell type right away.

3. Redness and rash

If the skin on the dog's stomach is filled with a red pimple or the groin is reddened.

• Reason: Often a bacterial or yeast infection that has struck allergic skin.
• To the doctor: If washing with medicinal shampoo does not help, or the skin smells bad.

Don't “follow” for too long

Skin problems tend to become chronic. The longer the dog scratches and licks, the deeper the inflammation progresses. Early treatment is always easier and cheaper.

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum — Porttisuontie 13, Vantaa