From itch to infection
Why hot spots are one of summer’s most common canine problems
Traci Howerton ANIMAL
One day, a dog looks perfectly fine The next day, a red, angry-looking patch of skin appears, seemingly overnight Welcome to the world of hot spots. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are among the most common skin issues veterinarians see in dogs, especially during our long, hot and very humid summers. These painful, inflamed lesions can develop surprisingly quickly However, hot spots rarely come out of nowhere. There is usually an underlying cause that triggers scratching, licking or chewing, which eventually damages the skin
Foxy the dog licks the side of a small pool while playing in the water at the dog park
What exactly is a hot spot?
A hot spot develops when a dog repeatedly irritates a specific area of skin Constant licking, scratching or chewing causes inflammation and breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection.
The result is a moist, red irritated lesion that can quickly grow larger if left untreated. Hot spots are usually found around the neck, face, ears, legs or at the base of the tail, but they can appear almost anywhere on the body
My dog Romeo is allergy-prone, and every now and then, he reminds me how quickly a hot spot can develop. What starts as a little extra scratching one day can become a full-blown skin issue before the week is over
St. Bernard to honor Knicks’ center Mitchell Robinson with parade
BY ROD WALKER Sports columnist
be held in Chalmette beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will start at the former Big Lots at Chalmette Mall and end at Chalmette High School. The parade will travel eastbound along Judge Perez Drive for
PHOTO BY MARK LENNIHAN
York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson dunks the ball.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
STAFF PHOTOS BY ENAN CHEDIAK
Parade on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on June 13.
Mayor Helena Moreno rides with Redmann Law’s float.
John Duplantis watches the annual Pride Parade from the doorway of Lafitte’s on Bourbon Street.
Still time to join the fun of summer reading program
BY JANE LEGROS
Contributing writer
It’s not too late to sign up for the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. Participants have until Aug. 14 to read 800 minutes and complete four library-related activities to finish the challenge. Activities include attending a library program, visiting a new library branch, using a library eresource, submitting a book review, and more Once completed, readers will receive a completion prize: a limited-edition canvas tote bag featuring illustrations by local artist Lionel Milton.
Signing up is easy and free, and everyone who registers for the challenge gets a prize just for signing up. Visit your neighborhood Library, register online at nolalibrary.beanstack.org or use the Beanstack app.
Kids receive a free book of their choosing at registration, and adults can choose a ceramic mug, a magnetic bookmark, or a pair of sunglasses. Teens can choose a book or any of the three adult prize options
Libraries host summer reading programs to fight
HOT SPOTS
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What causes hot spots?
“the summer slide,” the tendency for students to lose the gains they made during the school year With two months packed full of events, activities, prizes, and more for children, teens, and adults of all ages, the beloved tradition is a fun way to keep reading skills sharp and make new discoveries.
Writing contest
The library is also accepting entries for the annual Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest through July 31. This year’s theme is mystery and may include anything from classic detective tales to poems about the mysteries of the universe, the secrets of the past, or enigmatic futures.
The writing contest has two categories, poetry and fiction. The top three in each category will win Amazon gift cards of $25, $50 and $100. The top 10 submissions in each category will be published in the fourth edition of “RENEWED: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology” in 2027. Visit nolalibrar.org/forwriters for details and entry instructions.
Hot spots are usually a symptom of another problem rather than the problem itself. Common triggers include:
n Environmental or seasonal allergies
n Food allergies or sensitivities
n Flea allergies
n Ear infections
n Skin parasites
n Excessive licking due to boredom or anxiety
n Matted fur or lack of grooming
n Moisture on the skin after swimming or bathing
Dogs with thick coats are especially prone to hot spots because moisture can become trapped near the skin This is one reason many veterinarians see an increase in cases during the summer months, when some dogs spend more time in the water.
Signs it is a hot spot
Hot spots often look different from other skin conditions. Unlike ringworm, dandruff or some forms of mange, which often appear dry and flaky, hot spots are typically wet, inflamed and painful The affected area may look bright red, ooze fluid or even bleed slightly Hair loss is also common around the lesion
One defining characteristic of a hot spot is how quickly it can spread A small, irritated patch can grow to several inches wide in just a few days if a dog continues to lick and scratch at it.
Many pet owners overlook excessive paw licking.
While paw licking may seem harmless, it is often one of the earliest signs that allergies are flaring up. If a dog is constantly chewing or licking his feet, it may only be a matter of time before skin irritation develops elsewhere on the body.
Paying attention to those subtle changes can help prevent a hot spot before it starts.
What if a hot spot is found?
The first step is to prevent further irritation. Many pet owners immediately reach for human first-aid products, but these can make matters worse.
Triple-antibiotic ointments, hydrocortisone creams, petroleum jelly and other human products should not be used unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Many topical products encourage dogs to lick the area even more, delaying healing and potentially causing additional problems.
Instead, consider these veterinarianapproved steps:
n Trim the surrounding hair Carefully clip the fur around the lesion to allow air to reach the skin and reduce trapped moisture.
n Keep the area clean. Use a mild veterinary antiseptic spray, wipe or antibacterial shampoo recommended by a veterinarian.
n Use veterinarian-approved treatments Several sprays and topical products are specifically designed for canine hot spots. I keep one prescribed by my veterinarian on hand for Romeo’s occasional flare-ups.
n Stop the licking. An Elizabethan collar, inflatable recovery collar or other protective device may be necessary to prevent a dog from continually irritating the area
Library events
In addition to the writing contest and reading challenge, summers at the New Orleans Public Library feature dozens of free events for people of all ages and interests at library locations across the city
n Art of Henna Workshop for Teens will be held at Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St., from 4-5 p.m. June 24. Children ages 11 to 18 can discover the traditional art and receive a henna design from artist Mehwish.
n A family-friendly performance by Mudlark Puppeteers, designed for children ages 6-12, of The Cabinet Key of Cassius Kabrit Puppet Show, MidCity Library 4140 Canal St., from 1-2 p.m. June 25.
n Presented by Drink & Learn, the History of Rum in Louisiana will feature recipes and samples at East New Orleans Regional, 5641 Read Blvd., from 5:306:30 p.m. June 25.
n The Crescent City Circus Magic Show, for children ages 6-12, will be at Dr Martin Luther King Jr, 1611 Fats Domino Ave. from 11 a.m. to noon June 26, and at Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., from 2-3 p.m.
PET OF THE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO
Louis is a soft, cream-colored 5-year-old boy with a lot to say. He loves affection and just wants to be close to people. He’ll follow you around, look up at you with his soft eyes, and chirp until you scoop him up or give him the attention he clearly deserves. He is sweet and gentle, and if someone stops petting him, he will politely meow. He is not shy about asking for love To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org or submit an application at animalrescueneworleans. org/adoptfoster
Prevention over treatment
One of the best ways to avoid hot spots is to address the underlying causes before they become skin problems.
Year-round flea prevention is especially important in our area, where fleas seem to thrive nearly every month. Regular grooming, prompt treatment of ear infections, and management of allergies can also dramatically reduce the likelihood of hot spots.
For dogs that swim frequently, thoroughly drying the coat after water play and baths can help prevent moisturerelated skin irritation.
While most minor hot spots improve quickly with proper care, others may require veterinary treatment, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications or allergy management. If a lesion is growing rapidly, appears infected, emits a foul odor or causes significant discomfort, it’s time to schedule a visit with a veterinarian.
Events
Saturday, June 27: Petsmart Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon-4 p.m. Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from Petsmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans.org.
ROBINSON
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approximately 1.6 miles.
Robinson, a 2017 Chalmette High graduate, played two seasons for the Owls after moving to Louisiana from Pensacola, Florida. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2018 draft. He is the longest tenured member of the Knicks.
The Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years Saturday when they beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Robinson averaged 3.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in the series He also made two key plays, guarding Spurs’ center Victor Wembanyama on a potential game-winning shot in Game 2 and securing a key rebound on a missed free throw late in the series-clinching game.
In addition to the parade, Robinson will hold his annual camp earlier in the day from 10-2 at the Val Riess Sports Complex.
“Everybody is really excited in the parish,” said Butch Stockton, Robinson’s high school coach. “It means a lot to see him win a championship.”
Robinson was a big reason the Knicks reached the Finals for the first time since 1999 He’s also a big reason why Butch Stockton’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing ahead of the championship win.
Some of the phone calls are interview requests from media members. Others are just folks from Chalmette wanting to talk about Robinson.
“It’s the biggest thing going on in Chalmette right now,” Stockton said ahead of the final-series run. “Just excitement for Chalmette and St. Bernard Parish. Everybody is excited for Mitchell, and everyone is pulling for the Knicks right now because they are seeing one of their own.”
It’s been more than 20 years since a player from a high school in the New Orleans area appeared in an NBA Finals. You have to go all the way back to 2003 when St. Augustine grad Kerry Kittles played for the then-New Jersey Nets against the Spurs to find a local star in the NBA Finals. So it’s understandable why this is such a big deal.
“It don’t get no better than to be on the highest stage in basketball,” Stockton said “This is like playing in the Super Bowl in football.”
Three of Robinson’s teammates (Jose Alvarado, Josh Hart and Trey Jemison) once played for the New Orleans Pelicans. Alvarado, a fan favorite in New Orleans, was traded to the Knicks in February But the folks in Chalmette were rooting for the Knicks for one reason and one reason only Chalmette is Robinson’s neighborhood. Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Mitchell Robinson stands beside coach
Butch Stockton at the 2017 McDonald’s All American basketball event.
president.
PHOTO
PHOTO Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 Metairie Real Estate agents recently joined together for Red Day: A Day of Giving Back, assisting Raintree Children & Family Services with landscaping and gardening on the grounds surrounding the home where Raintree serves at-risk children and youth. Pictured in the first row, from left, are Sharlotte Castillo, Erica Williams, Van Truong Rachel Larsen, Anna Pepper Wendy Hinyub and Beth Fisher; second row, Andrea Wiley, Janel Bailey, Jackie Sperier and Jeff Hinyub; third row, Cassie Cure, Cindy Celestin, Joyce Guidroz and Nate DiGiovanni with Eustis Mortgage; and fourth row, Ermelinda Arrieta Payne, Liz Edgecomb and Jessica Jambon.
Keller Williams Realty provides service on Red Day
Krewe Jeanne d’Arc will host a Medieval Games Day from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 18 at the Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie.
Members of the krewe will offer a variety of games for all ages and for small or large groups, from modern board games about the Hundred Years War to card and dice games played in Medieval times. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own games and to wear costumes.
Spelling Bee
The Annual Spelling for Adults occurs at 7 p.m. June 25 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Adults 18 years of age and
older may participate in the Spelling Bee. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required
Participants should simply come to the event on the day it is held
The purpose of the Adult Spelling Bee is to promote good spelling and spelling habits, expand vocabulary, and encourage accurate word usage and pronunciation. The Jefferson Parish Library’s Adult Spelling Bee is a contest in which individual competitors are eliminated when they fail to spell a given word correctly
A Psalm a Day
Jena Kleinpeter will discuss her new book, “A
Psalm a Day Keeps the Devil Away,” at 6 p.m. June 30 at the Gretna Library, 102 Willow Drive, Gretna. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
“A Psalm a Day Keeps the Devil Away” is a 365-day devotional. Kleinpeter believes it is important for people to begin their day with a word from the Psalms.
Kleinpeter has been a nurse for more than 50 years, with 36 of those years in neonatology She’s lived in Italy, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. She says that throughout her life, she has attempted
to embrace other cultures, countries and languages. She speaks Italian and Spanish and is proficient in sign language.
Archaeology Society
Charles “Chip” McGimsey, Ph.D., will present “Mounting Evidence – Research on the LSU Campus Mounds” at 7 p.m. July 7 at the East Bank Regional Library This event is part of the Louisiana Archaeology Society’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The LSU Campus Mounds are two Native American mounds from the Archaic Period on the campus of Louisiana
State University in Baton Rouge. Construction on the 20-foot-tall mounds began more than 11,000 years ago and may have continued until 5,000 years ago They predate the Great Pyramids of Egypt. McGimsey, raised in northwest Arkansas, began his career in archaeology there. In the late 1970s, he moved to Illinois and worked statewide for 17 years. In 1995 he became Southwest Regional Archaeologist at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, surveying sites across southwestern Louisiana and beyond for 12 years. He was appointed state archaeologist in 2007 and served until retiring in 2025.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE: Tickets are on sale for the annual festival of evening concerts and daytime experiences, July 3-5, at locations around the city. Tickets are available for individual events and packages. General admission to daytime events at the Ernest N Morial New Orleans Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., is free www. essence.com/essencefestival2026/
WORTH THE DRIVE
GSQA 2026 BIENNIAL QUILT SHOW: The Gulf States Quilting Association will hold a quilt show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., June 26-27 at the Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd Slidell. The juried show will feature more than 200 quilts, with prizes for winning entries. There will be a Merchant Mall with vendors and door prizes and a Quilters Boutique featuring handmade items, scissors and knife sharpening. Admission is $12 per day for adults and $15 for a two-day pass. Children under 12 are $5. https://gulfstatesquilting.org/page-18090.
SLIDELL HERITAGE FESTIVAL: The Rotary Club of Slidell and the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore, in conjunction with the City of Slidell, will host the annual festival starting at 5 p.m. on June 27 at Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. The festival will include food, live music and kids’ activities. Admission starts at $15, with children 12 and under free Proceeds benefit the local community and its charities. www.slidellheritagefest.org
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NBA CHAMPION PARADE: St. Bernard Parish will honor Mitchell Robinson, a member of the New York Knicks, the 2026 national champions and a Chalmette native, with a parade starting at 6:30 p.m. on June 25. The parade will begin at the Chalmette Mall, 8700 W Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette and end at Chalmette High School, 1100 E. Judge Perez Drive Paradegoers are encouraged to wear maroon and white ANNIVERSARY OF THE UPSTAIRS LOUNGE FIRE MEMORIAL: Crescent City Leathermen will lay a wreath at the UpStairs Lounge fire site at 7 p.m. on June 24, at 604 Iberville
of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO), will be held 1-5 p.m. June 27-28. This year’s homes feature a mix of newly built and renovated homes. Attendees can also connect with builders, designers, lenders and real estate professionals
sno-ball, 3-5 p.m. on June 25. Members of the Longue Vue gardens team will discuss what’s in bloom this season. Registration is required. https://longuevue.com/event/whats-inbloom-sno-ball-social-3/.
“COME A LONG WAY, BABY!”: The St. Charles Women’s Club celebrates America 250 with a historical fashion show, live performances, stories honoring influential women throughout history and a display of St. Charles Parish Public Schools students’ art and writing. The event starts at 7 p.m. on June 25 at the Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts Center, 275 Judge E. Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Tickets are $20. https://lafonartscenter.org/tickets/. 2026 ABCLA FISHING RODEO: Associated Builders and Contractors, New Orleans Bayou chapter, will host a fishing rodeo June 25-27 at the Hurricane Hole Marina, 1851 Highway 1 in Grand Isle. Check-in starts at 5 p.m. on Thursday, with a welcome party at 6 p.m. Registration is $300. https://members.abcbayou.com/ calendar.
HORSES IN HEAT: Humans Horse Races presents the annual underpants party on June 26 at the Saturn Bar, 3067 St. Claude Ave. in New Orleans Doors open at 9 p.m. This is a 21+ event featuring music by Tatum, Hollagraham and Zupparty. Tickets are $12.47. www thesaturnbar.com.
SCP AMERICA 250 GOLF CART PARADE: St. Charles Parish will celebrate America 250 with a golf cart parade starting at 2 p.m. on June 28, culminating in a post-parade event at the West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road in Luling. Residents are encouraged to decorate their carts and ride from Paul Maillard Road to the park, where live music and local food trucks will be on hand. www.stcharlesparish. gov/residents/special-sections/america250.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SENIORS AWARE AND STANDING STRONG
(SASS): Registration is open for Silence Broken, Inc.’s series of events supporting adults who have lived through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The event runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 25 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans. The topic is “How do ACEs affect our relationships?” The day includes information, movement and art activities, lunch and special giveaways. Registration is by email or phone, Admin@SilenceBrokenNow.org or (504) 261-5834.
FUNDRAISERS & GALAS WYES SEASON OF GOOD TASTES: The winepairing dinner series returns for its 33rd year running from May through July. Each of the nine dinners is crafted by the host chef, with every course designed to complement the wines served that evening. Dinner prices range from $135 to $200 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. and benefit WYES. Reservations are available online. www.wyes.org/tv/wyes-originals/ season-of-good-tastes.
METAIRIE HUMANE DOG SHELTER: Metairie Humane Dog Shelter will sponsor a fundraising dinner to celebrate its Ambassador Honor’s fourth birthday, 4-8 p.m. on June 27, at
St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie. Dinners are $16 and include a hamburger, mac and cheese, baked beans, a birthday cupcake and a drink. Additional desserts will be available for a separate donation. Raffle basket tickets are six for a $5 donation. Items on the shelter’s online wish list can be donated for extra raffle tickets. Reservations can be made, but walk-ins are welcome. (504) 458-0531.
GIVE A HOOT TRIVIA NIGHT: The Family Violence Program of St. Bernard will host its ninth annual event at 5 p.m. on June 27 at Docville Farm, 5124 E Street, E. St. Bernard Highway in Violet. Teams can enter to win a cash prize, and spectators can have dinner and watch the fun. Tickets start at $35. The event will include door prizes, silent auctions, costume contests and best team table decorations. https://fvpsb.org/.
TOUPS FAMILY MEAL FUNDRAISER: Toups’ Family Meal, the nonprofit founded by Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups to bridge the gap in food insecurity in New Orleans, will hold a fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. on June 28 at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. Music starts at 6 p.m. with performances by Mid Drift and Big Freedia. Tickets start at $43.27. https://toupsfamilymeal.com/.
THEATER & CONCERTS
SEA SHANTY SING-ALONG: The Scurvy Baratarians, a crew of musical stowaways, will host a sing-along, 6-8 p.m. on June 26 at Oak Street Brewery, 8203 Oak St., New Orleans. Pirate garb is strongly encouraged. Children and dogs are welcome. Lyrics will be provided. https://scurvyband.com/.
“MACBETH”: The famous “Scottish play” will be presented June 25-July 12 as part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. Performances will be held at the Lupin Theatre on the campus of Tulane University, 69 Newcomb Circle, New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances, with matinees at 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. https://neworleansshakespeare.org/. TIPITINA’S FREE FRIDAYS: Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans, will continue its free summer concert series for ages 21 and older on June 26 with Stooges Brass Band + Very Cherry. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m. for all series concerts. https://tipitinas.com/freefridays/.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
FOODIE FEAST: Visit Jefferson Parish, in partnership with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association, will host the 19th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, 6:30-9:30 p.m. on June 26, at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. Kenner. The 21+ event features tastings from local restaurants across the parish, drink tickets, and access to a cash bar. Tickets are $65 via Eventbrite. www.visitjeffersonparish.com/restaurants/lasco/. BOOKS & LITERARY EVENT
jonathan-parshall-1942-crux-war.
“THE MISSED CONNECTION”: Author Tia Williams will discuss her book with New Orleans author Farrah Rochon at 6 p.m. on June 25 at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans. Tickets start at $6.24 via Eventbrite. / www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“WHERE’D YOU GO, KITTY?” : Author Samantha Boudreaux will read from her book during story time at 11 a.m. on June 27 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania, New Orleans. The event is free and open to the public. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com/events-1/ saturday-storytime-with-author-ashlynblanchard-1.
THE COTERIE: Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St., New Orleans, will host the monthly “slightly snooty literary salon for the semiserious,” 4:30-7 p.m. on June 28. The evening will be co-hosted by a sort of expert who may share a few suggested pre-readings, such as a very short book, article or video. RSVPs are via GroupMe. https://bluecypressbooks.com/ event/2026-06-28/coterie.
MEETINGS NETWORKING LUNCHEON: The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking lunch on June 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Today’s
“1942: CRUX OF WAR”: Author Jonathan Parshall will be in conversation with Rob Citino to discuss his book as part of the General Raymond E. Mason Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II. The event will be held on June 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion of the National WWII Museum,
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER A woman named Royalty hangs out at the Essence Festival of Culture at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on July 4, 2025.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Taking selfies on the way to the Essence Festival of Culture at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in 2025
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Thousands of people walk inside the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center during Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans in 2025.
