What Are Hot Spots In Dogs?

If you've ever noticed a red, inflamed patch of skin on your dog that seems to appear out of nowhere, you might be dealing with a hot spot. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots in dogs are painful, itchy sores that can spread rapidly if left untreated. These inflamed areas are typically warm to the touch, moist, and often accompanied by hair loss or scabbing.

It is important to recognize hot spots as soon as your dog has one and to treat them accordingly to prevent the issue from escalating into a more serious skin infection.

What Causes Hot Spots in Dogs?

Hot spots develop when a dog’s skin becomes irritated and a dog responds by licking, chewing, or scratching the area excessively. This self-trauma damages the skin barrier and introduces bacteria, which can create a perfect condition for an infection to occur.

The common triggers for hot spots in dogs include flea bites, allergies (both food and environmental), insect bites, underlying skin conditions, or even moisture trapped under a dog’s collar or thick coat. Dogs with thick fur or those who swim frequently are at a higher risk, as damp fur can promote bacterial growth.

Stress and boredom can also contribute to developing a hot spot. Some dogs lick or chew their skin as a coping mechanism when they’re anxious or left alone for extended periods. Whatever the underlying cause, hot spots can become very painful, leading to a cycle of continued irritation if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs

Hot spots are hard to miss. They usually appear suddenly and can grow rapidly. You may first notice your dog obsessively licking or biting at one specific spot. Soon after, the area may become red and inflamed, moist or oozing, warm to the touch, covered in pus, crust or scabs or missing fur. Or a combination of these symptoms.

The most common locations for hot spots are the head, hips, chest, and limbs, but they can appear anywhere on the body. The irritation can be so intense that some dogs may cry out when the area is touched.

How to Treat Hot Spots in Dogs

Treating hot spots in dogs involves a combination of soothing the skin, eliminating the infection, and addressing the root cause.

Below are some tips on how to manage hot spots effectively:

1. Clip and Clean the Area

The first step is to gently trim the fur around the hot spot to allow air to reach the wound and to make cleaning easier. Once the area is clipped, clean it using a mild antiseptic solution, like chlorhexidine, or an over-the-counter wound wash recommended by your vet. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can sting and delay healing.

2. Dry Your Dog’s Skin

Because moisture exacerbates hot spots, it’s important to keep the area dry. After cleaning, gently pat the dry area with a soft towel. A drying powder or medicated spray may be helpful if recommended by your veterinarian.

3. Prevent Further Irritation

An Elizabethan collar (or e-collar) can stop your dog from licking or scratching the wound while it heals. Some dog parents use soft recovery collars as a more comfortable alternative. If your dog has a known allergy or flea problem, treating the underlying cause is key to preventing recurrence.

4. Use Medications as Directed

Your veterinarian may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to treat the infection and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. In some cases, antihistamines or medicated shampoos may be part of the treatment plan, especially if allergies are a contributing factor.

5. Identify and Address the Root Cause

To prevent future flare-ups, it's important to determine what caused the hot spot in the first place. Common culprits include fleas, food allergies, seasonal allergies, or skin sensitivities. If your dog is regularly exposed to water or gets hot easily, regular grooming and drying can help reduce the risk.

When to See the Vet For Hot Spots

While mild hot spots can sometimes be treated at home if caught early, any worsening or spreading of the sore should be seen by a veterinarian. If your dog seems lethargic, is in significant pain, or if the hot spot doesn’t start to heal within a few days, medical treatment is necessary. In severe cases, untreated hot spots can lead to deeper skin infections or even abscesses that require more intensive care.

Preventing Hot Spots in Dogs

The best way to avoid hot spots is through prevention.

Below are a few tips to keep your dog’s skin healthy:

• Use flea prevention consistently year-round

• Groom room regularly, especially in long-haired breeds

• Dry your dog thoroughly after baths or swimming

• Give your dog a daily vitamin supplement that contains Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids will speed healing, promote healthy skin and fur, and prevent further break outs.

• Address allergies with your vet’s help

• Provide mental stimulation and exercise to reduce anxiety-related licking

For dogs prone to chronic hot spots, your vet might suggest dietary changes, allergy testing, or medicated shampoos to keep their skin in better condition.

Hot spots in dogs can be distressing for both you and your pup, but with prompt treatment and a little detective work to find the cause, most dogs can recover quickly. If you spot a hot spot on your dog, remember that early intervention, cleanliness, and veterinary support are your best allies in helping your dog heal and stay comfortable.