How to Effectively Treat Hot Spots on Dogs
Hot spots on dogs, medically referred to as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are inflamed, painful skin lesions that can appear and worsen rapidly. Understanding what to do and how to properly treat a hot spot is essential to ensure your dog is comfortable and heals quickly.What Are Hot Spots?
Hot spots are localized areas of skin inflammation that appear suddenly and grow quickly. They are often red, oozing, and moist, with a distinct border separating them from healthy skin. Dogs typically cause these lesions themselves by persistently licking, scratching, or chewing at an irritated area.
What Causes Hot Spots?
Several underlying conditions can predispose a dog to develop hot spots, including:
- Allergies – Food, environmental, or flea-related allergies
- Insect Bites – Fleas, mites, mosquitoes, or lice
- Infections – Ear infections or skin infections (bacterial or yeast)
- Poor Grooming – Matted fur and trapped moisture
- Stress and Boredom – Behavioral issues leading to excessive licking
- Orthopedic Problems – Arthritis causing pressure-point licking
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs include:
- Red, raw, moist skin lesions
- Hair loss around the affected area
- Oozing fluid or pus with crusted fur
- Unpleasant odor indicating infection
- Obsessive licking, chewing, or scratching
Lesions often appear on the dog’s head, neck, hips, or limbs but can develop anywhere.
What Is the Best Thing to Put On a Hot Spot?
To properly treat a hot spot, follow these essential steps:
- Identify and Treat the Cause: Determine the underlying issue, such as allergies or infection.
- Clip the Fur: Trim the hair around the lesion to allow air flow and accurate cleaning. Professional help may be required due to pain or location.
- Clean the Lesion: Gently rinse with warm water and a mild antiseptic like chlorhexidine. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply Topical Medication: Only use veterinary-prescribed products. Human creams can worsen the issue.
- Prevent Self-Trauma: Use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) or similar device to prevent licking or chewing.
- Consult a Veterinarian: For severe, spreading, or painful spots, seek immediate veterinary care.
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s hot spot is large, worsens despite home care, or is near sensitive structures like the eyes or throat, prompt medical attention is required. Signs of systemic infection such as fever, lethargy, or appetite loss also warrant a vet visit.
Can You Treat It at Home?
Mild lesions may be manageable at home with proper cleaning and monitoring. However, always consult your vet before initiating treatment, and never apply medications not approved for dogs.
Preventing Hot Spots
Prevention strategies include:
- Regular grooming and drying the coat thoroughly after baths or swimming
- Controlling parasites with flea and tick preventives
- Managing allergies or chronic skin conditions
- Keeping your dog’s bedding clean and allergen-free
- Providing mental stimulation and exercise to combat boredom
- Addressing behavioral or orthopedic issues appropriately
Is It Contagious?
The hot spot itself is not usually contagious. However, underlying causes like fleas or mites may affect other pets. In rare cases of fungal or parasitic origin, spread is possible.
Prognosis
With prompt and appropriate care, most dogs recover from hot spots within 3–7 days. Hair usually regrows within a few weeks. Recurrence is common if the underlying cause isn’t addressed, so ongoing management is crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Keep the lesion dry and clean using mild antiseptics like chlorhexidine
- Prevent further self-harm with an E-collar
- Use only vet-approved topical treatments
- Consult your vet if the condition worsens or doesn’t improve within days
- Focus on prevention through regular grooming, parasite control, and addressing underlying health issues
