Dog Goes to Vet, Returns Looking So Different, Sister Doesn’t Recognize Him

A dog’s return home after a trip to the vet for hot spots treatment was met with uneasiness as his canine sibling didn’t recognize him.

Owner Sierra Myers told Newsweek via email that she noticed a hot spot on Jasper, the 3-year-old golden retriever, last month. He had the spots on his head and cheek a few years ago, but they were never as severe as the recent sores.

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are a common skin condition in dogs in which an area of skin is inflamed and there’s a bacterial infection. These painful and oozing sores can sometimes appear out of nowhere.

The vet brought Jasper in a few days after Myers called, but, unfortunately, his hot spots rapidly spread across his neck, head and face while they waited for their appointment. He ended up needing to be sedated and shaved around the affected area, giving him a whole new, unrecognizable look.

When Jasper returned home in the May 7 TikTok video posted by @goldenboyjasper, his sibling Marley couldn’t process what dog walked in through the door. Startled, Marley barked and slowly backed away from the unknown dog.

“She had no clue what happened to him or who he was,” Myers said. “After a lot of smelling and reassurance, Marley noticed it was her brother after about 5 mins of him being home.”

Jasper is still on the road to recovery but has significantly improved since last month. He was prescribed antibiotics that have finished, and steroids, which Myers said are in the final rounds. He also has a medicated spray to be used as needed.

“We noticed immediate relief with the shaved hair,” Myers said. “His skin started to heal and scab over. He has healed up pretty good but still has some scarring. The hair is slowly growing back!”

Although it is not certain how Jasper’s hot spots formed, it is believed it was because of allergies or an open wound that spread, which also turned into a skin infection.

Golden retrievers are one of the common dog breeds that are predisposed to hot spot development. This is due to their thicker coats. Other breeds include St. Bernards, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and Rottweilers.

The TikTok clip reached viral status, bringing in over 1.7 million views, 115,100 likes and 320 comments.

“Awww da poor baby. He’s just rockin’ a new spring style. He’s fashion-forward without even trying,” said a viewer. Myers did say Jaspar rocks bandanas along with his new hairstyle.

Someone pointed out: “He’s got the new fade for summer. I hope he heals quick!!”

Another added: “I’ll give it to the vet techs at least most of their lines are straight!!”

Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Dogs can trigger hot spots by scratching, licking or chewing on the affected area. It becomes an endless cycle of itching and scratching as the skin inflames, causing the area to become more irritated and itchier.

Any condition that causes your dog to feel itchy has the potential to devolve into a hot spot. The American Kennel Club (AKC) listed the following conditions as potential causes for a dog’s initial itchiness:

• Dog parasites
• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Food allergies
• Atopic dermatitis
• Ear or skin infections
• Anal sac disease
• Contact irritants
• Stress or boredom that leads to excessive licking
• Dirty or matted cat
• Moisture trapped in dog’s coat

Finding out the cause of your dog’s hot spot is the best way to prevent it from popping up again. For example, if from boredom, increase their mental and physical activity. Or if your dog swims, check that their fur is completely dry to avoid moisture trapping into their coat.

The AKC recommends contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible because any delay can make hot spots worse. Treatment typically includes clipping the hair around the area, cleaning it, prescribing antibiotics or steroids, using medicated dog wipes or a combination of these options.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.