What is the best thing to put on a hot spot on a dog?

Effective Treatment for Canine Hot Spots

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are a common and uncomfortable skin condition in dogs. These rapidly developing skin lesions are often red, inflamed, moist, and painful. Hot spots can appear suddenly and worsen within hours, making prompt and proper care critical for healing and relief.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots develop due to self-inflicted trauma—when a dog excessively scratches, licks, or bites an irritated area. This breaks the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to multiply and worsening the inflammation. Common triggers include:

• Allergies (flea, food, or environmental)
• Insect bites (fleas, mites, mosquitoes)
• Ear infections, especially in floppy-eared or swimming dogs
• Moisture trapped in fur post-bathing or swimming
• Poor grooming and matted fur
• Skin infections, anal gland issues
• Orthopedic issues causing licking of joints
• Stress or behavioral issues
• Dirty or contaminated skin or bedding

Identifying a Hot Spot

Key signs include:

• Red, inflamed, or raw skin
• Oozing pus or fluid with crusty fur
• Hair loss around the lesion
• Intense itching or pain
• A bad odor if infected
• Lesions commonly on head, neck, hips, or limbs

How to Treat a Hot Spot

Prompt care can reduce discomfort and prevent worsening. Here's how to treat a hot spot effectively:

1. Identify and eliminate the underlying cause. This may involve treating allergies, parasites, or infections.
2. Gently clip or shave the fur around the lesion to expose the area to air. For large or painful spots, this may need grooming or sedation.
3. Clean the area gently with warm water and a mild antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
4. Apply topical medications only under veterinary advice. Over-the-counter human products may be harmful.
5. If needed, use oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medicated shampoos as prescribed by a veterinarian.
6. Prevent further trauma with an Elizabethan collar (cone) or alternative protective device.
7. Monitor healing—less redness, drying of the lesion, and reduced itchiness are positive signs. If the area worsens, shows a foul odor, or the dog seems lethargic, seek veterinary help immediately.

When to See the Vet

Veterinary care is essential if:

• The hot spot is large, painful, or spreading quickly
• There’s pus, fever, or signs of fatigue
• The dog keeps traumatizing the area despite a cone
• You’re unsure of the cause or how to treat it safely

Preventing Future Hot Spots

Prevention is key to minimizing recurrence. Here’s how to protect your dog:

• Groom regularly—prevent mats and dry the coat thoroughly after moisture exposure
• Use flea and tick preventives consistently
• Address allergies through diet, environment, and medications if needed
• Provide mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom-related licking
• Keep living areas clean and wash bedding with hypoallergenic detergent
• Observe for early signs after exposure to water, heat, or allergens

Are Hot Spots Contagious?

Hot spots themselves are not contagious. However, if the trigger is a parasite like fleas or mites, those can spread to other pets. When in doubt, consult your vet, especially if multiple pets are showing signs.

Prognosis and Recovery

With early and proper care, most hot spots begin to improve within 3 to 7 days. Fur regrowth may take a few weeks. However, unless the underlying issue is treated, recurrence is likely. Ongoing care and vigilance are necessary to keep your dog healthy and hot spot–free.

Key Takeaways

• Hot spots are painful, rapidly developing skin lesions in dogs
• Grooming, hydration, parasite control, and stress management help prevent them
• Cleaning with chlorhexidine and using a cone are key steps in home care
• Veterinary attention is advised for large or worsening lesions
• Early treatment leads to rapid recovery and less suffering for your pet