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Q: My daughter told me my dog has hot spots. What is that?

Written on: July 9th, 2009 in Q & A's

Answer:  According to the ASPCA website, hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are red, moist, hot and irritated lesions that are typically found on a dog’s head, hip or chest area. They grow quickly because dogs tend to lick, chew and scratch the affected areas, further irritating the skin. Hot spots can become quite painful.

Anything that irritates the skin and causes a dog to scratch or lick themselves can start a hot spot, including allergic reactions, flea bites, skin infections, or constant licking and chewing prompted by stress or boredom.

The ASPCA recommends that you visit your vet for an exam as soon as you notice any abnormality in your pet’s skin, or if your pet begins to excessively scratch, lick and/or bite areas on his fur.

For more information please check the ASPCA website.

For further reading check out these titles:

Hound Health Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy, Healthy & Active (available to library patrons in Kent County, Sussex County, and through Delaware Tech)

What’s Wrong with my Dog?: A Pet Owner’s Guide to 150 Symptoms and What to Do about Them (available to library patrons in New Castle County)

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Summer Reading kids will love

Written on: July 9th, 2009 in Reviews

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff contributed to the kids summer reading debate last week with his column on the Best Kids’ Books Ever!
I was immediately tempted by his recommendation of On to Oregon!- a thrilling tale of a pioneer family whose parents die early en route and who must finish the grueling journey alone- although Mr. Kristoff must not have run his choices past a librarian, because if he had, he would have discovered that On to Oregon is now entitled Seven Alone (it’s also available as a movie, but in the spirit of summer reading, keep that a secret from the young ones). Kristoff’s other choices are all good stuff, from the wonderful Anne of Green Gables to Alex Rider and Harry Potter.
You can offer your suggestions (or those of your kids) at his blog