Hot spot and swimming

[ELubas]

Hi all. My girl, Nysa, has developed a hot spot. She never had one before, we went to the vet, and he put her on antibiotcs and a topical. It is scabbing over and looking better. She is a big swimmer and I am wondering if she got this in a fresh water pond? If so, is it unsafe to let her swim? She is dog aggressive so we are limited as to where we can go and she has a torn ACL so swimming is really her best exercise, especially in the summer. Any thoughts as to causes and prevention are much appreciated-thank you

 

[whiskers]

Swimming can definitely cause them. One big help is if you can make sure to thoroughly dry her when she's done swimming.

 

[Jinnytee]

I know that hot spots are triggered by bacterial infection in areas of moist skin and fur. The bacteria is there, where the skin is broken by a small scratch or insect bite ... and then the moisture causes the bacteria to grow out of control and can lead to quite extensive skin infections if not kept in check. The trick to healing, along with keeping the area clean, and antiobiotic therapy, is keeping the area dry. So, if it was me, I would leave off the swimming, or any contact with water, until the sore was healed.

I personally think that a week away from swimming is prefereable to a nasty sore that isn't healing, and could spread.

Sorry- just re-read your post and realise that you were not actually referring to the short term !! I agree with Whiskers, let her swim, but dry her off well ... and check her over for any signs of sores.