Hot spots

Hot Spots in Dogs: Harvey’s Acute Skin Infection

Dogs usually develop hot spots as a result of skin trauma whether from scratching an itchy spot or running through bushes and brambles. As the skin integrity gets compromised, it allows local bacteria to overwhelm the area. Bacterial infections can get quite bad fast. Harvey’s story Harvey is an energetic Pug. He is full of life and loves to play…

by Jana Rade

Acute Moist Dermatitis in Dogs: Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog—Hot Spots

Wait a minute. Hot spots—acute moist dermatitis—if it has a name, it is already a diagnosis, isn’t it? Well, yes and no. The medical term for hot spots is either pyotraumatic or acute moist dermatitis. Did you notice how often names of medical conditions are nothing more than a description of a problem? What does it mean when the name…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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