Dear Bored: Before you dismiss the notion that this is not a “hot spot,” perhaps you should revisit it, especially with your vet. The term “hot spot” is the name given to Acute Moist Pyoderma. Usually the spot develops because something is irritating the dog’s skin causing itching and/or inflammation. Some of the more common reasons are fleas, allergies, or in our neck of the Connecticut woods, tick bites. Even if it is boredom that causes the dog to lick you still need to treat it in the same way.

Over the years my dogs have had a hot spot or two and I have found a few remedies that work well for a heavy double-coated breed like the Norwegian Elkhound. These might work well for your shepherd which has a similar coat. First, I clean the spot with an antiseptic solution like Betadine and then trim away neighboring moist hair. The idea is to keep the area clean and dry so an infection does not set in.

One of my favorite hot spot remedies from my vet is a medicated powder called NeoPreDef which I can sprinkle on the area to help with healing. And because it is a powder, it helps in the drying department.

Elizabethan Collars

It seems your dog doesn’t like the big bulky Elizabethan collars. Can you blame him? Try putting a big lampshade around your neck and continue with your daily activities. It’s no fun for you or your dog. However, it is one of the best ways to prevent him from licking the spot until it heals. I would suggest you place him in a crate with the collar on when you are not at home since it will really restrict his movement and ability to try and destroy the collar.

Another alternative would be to cover the spot with a dry gauze pad and wrap it up in a Vetwrap sticky bandage to keep his wet tongue away. This isn’t the best solution, however, since it will allow the area to become moist which you are trying to avoid. If you choose this option, change the bandage often and leave it off when you are home and able to supervise any licking attempts.

Indoor Activities

Once the hot spot is under control, you can begin to address your dog’s winter boredom. You have recognized that your dog isn’t getting the same amount of exercise and is trying to release his energies elsewhere – such as licking. Since long walks are out of the picture for the season try inventing new mentally stimulating games for him inside the house.

One of my favorites is called “Find the Kibble.” Take a handful of his evening meal and hide little pieces of kibble all over the house. Put them in corners, on shelves, around furniture or perched anywhere the dog has normal access. Then train him with a new word like “find” or “look” or “search” and take him to one piece of hidden kibble. When he finds it, reward with a big happy “Good Dog” and repeat the process until he is searching for kibble on his own. And believe me with his nose he’ll catch on really quickly.

And even though his outdoor exercise is limited, instead of long walks, try shorts bursts of running back and forth with him, toss a ball or Frisbee, to get him in an active mode. Remember to put all his new activities into a regular routine that he can look forward to at the same time each day. If you keep him busy and always looking forward to something he won’t have time to get bored.

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Director of Club Communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.