What We’re Seeing Right Now

Hot Spots, Coat Issues, and Dogs With Too Much Energy

Over the past week, we’ve seen a clear pattern across the board—more hot spots, more coat issues, and more dogs carrying energy that isn’t being properly directed. This isn’t random.

It’s seasonal, it’s predictable, and it’s something we see every year as we move into wetter conditions, changing coats, and more inconsistent routines.

What matters is catching it early—and understanding why it’s happening in the first place.

Hot Spots Don’t Start Big—They Start Hidden

One of the biggest issues we’re seeing right now is an increase in hot spots, especially in dogs coming through grooming. The problem is—most of them don’t look like a problem at first.

From the outside, the coat often looks completely normal. Underneath, the skin is already breaking down.

Hot spots typically form from a combination of:

• Trapped moisture

• Impacted or matted coat

• Lack of airflow to the skin

  
  

That environment creates the perfect setup for bacteria to grow. Once it starts, it escalates quickly.

What begins as mild irritation can turn into:

• Inflamed, open skin

• Constant licking and chewing

• Secondary infections

• Larger, spreading problem areas

  
  

By the time most owners notice it, it’s already progressed beyond the early stage.

Coat Condition Is More Than Just Appearance

We’re also seeing a trend toward longer, fuller coats. That’s completely fine—but it comes with responsibility. Longer coats require consistent brushing and maintenance.

Without it:

• Hair becomes matted and impacted

• Moisture gets trapped underneath

• Airflow to the skin is restricted

  
  

That’s where skin issues begin. In many cases, we’re not just grooming—we’re correcting conditions that have already begun to affect the skin. Sometimes, the only way to fix it is to reset the coat entirely so the skin can recover.

This isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about function and health.

Small Gear Choices Can Lead to Bigger Problems

Something that gets overlooked this time of year is what your dog is wearing every day. Moisture doesn’t just sit in the coat—it sits in collars too.

Nylon and cloth collars absorb water and stay wet. That damp material sits directly against your dog’s neck, creating the same environment as hot spots.

This is where switching to Biothane collars and leashes makes a real difference.

Biothane is:

• 100% waterproof

• Non-porous

• Easy to clean

• Resistant to odor and bacterial buildup
  

Unlike traditional materials, it doesn’t absorb moisture or trap bacteria against the skin.

Why That Matters for Skin Health

Using Biothane helps reduce the exact conditions that lead to irritation:

No Moisture Retention

It stays dry against the skin, even after rain or water play

Bacteria don’t Build Up Easily

Non-porous material means less risk of infection

Easy to Sanitize

Quick rinse or wipe-down keeps it clean and ready to use

Lower Risk of Irritation

Flexible, lightweight, and less likely to cause friction or chafing

These are small changes—but they have a direct impact on preventing skin issues.

Important Note on Prong Collars

If your dog is wearing a prong collar, this becomes even more important.

After wet weather or water activity:

• Remove the collar

• Let the neck fully dry

Leaving a prong collar on while wet—especially with pressure points—can quickly lead to irritation.

How We Handle Hot Spots in Grooming

When we find a hot spot, we don’t just treat what’s visible—we address the conditions causing it.

That means:

• Shaving out the affected area completely

• Cleaning and treating the skin properly

• Restoring airflow so healing can happen
  

We use:

• Vetericyn antimicrobial treatments

• Colloidal silver shampoo
  

These support the healing process without harsh chemicals and help the skin recover naturally.

The biggest factor here is timing. The earlier we catch it, the easier it is to resolve.

Energy Without Structure Becomes a Problem

At the same time, we’re seeing another pattern—dogs with excess energy and no consistent outlet. That energy doesn’t just go away.

It shows up as:

• Restlessness

• Destructive behavior

• Lack of focus

• Difficulty in training

  
  

Exercise alone isn’t always enough. Structure matters.

A New Tool We’re Using: Treadmill Exercise

To help address this, we’ve introduced structured treadmill sessions at HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch. This isn’t random movement.

It’s controlled, intentional exercise where we:

• Adjust speed and duration based on the dog

• Build endurance over time

• Provide consistent, repeatable output
  

For some dogs, this becomes a key piece of their routine—especially when weather, schedule, or lifestyle limits outdoor activity.

It’s not a replacement for real-world exercise. It’s a tool that helps create balance.

The Bigger Picture

What we’re seeing right now isn’t unusual. But it does highlight a pattern:

Small gaps—whether it’s grooming maintenance, daily gear, or lack of structured exercise—tend to stack up. When they do, they show up all at once.

Hot spots. Coat issues. Behavioral problems.

They’re often connected.

Where to Start

If your dog is:

• Scratching or licking more than usual

• Difficult to maintain coat-wise

• Holding onto excess energy

• Or just not quite where they should be
  

That’s where we start. Not with a quick fix—but with a plan.

Everything we do—grooming, training, and structured exercise—is built around solving the root issue, not just managing symptoms.

That’s how you keep your dog healthy, balanced, and able to actually thrive.

— Cody | HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch