Understanding Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Care
If you've ever noticed a sudden, raw patch of skin on your dog that's red, moist, and seems to bother them endlessly, you're likely dealing with a hot spot. Also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, hot spots are a common canine skin issue that can develop in just hours and quickly spiral if not addressed.
What Exactly Are Hot Spots?
Hot spots are localized areas of inflamed, red, and often painful skin. They stand out because they're moist or oozing—sometimes with pus—and the surrounding fur may be matted or missing. These lesions are usually well defined and separated from healthy skin. The discomfort drives dogs to lick, chew, or scratch the spot even more, which just makes things worse.
Why Do Hot Spots Develop?
The root cause is almost always self-inflicted trauma. Something irritates your dog's skin—maybe an allergy or a bug bite—and they respond by scratching or chewing at it. This damages the skin's natural barrier and lets bacteria multiply rapidly. Once a hot spot forms, it becomes a cycle: the more your dog fusses with it, the more irritated and infected it gets.
- Allergies: Flea bites, food sensitivities, or environmental triggers can all set off itching.
- Parasites: Fleas, lice, mites—even mosquitoes—can start the itch-scratch cycle.
- Poor Grooming: Matted fur or trapped moisture after baths/swims create perfect conditions for infection.
- Ear Infections: Especially in floppy-eared breeds or frequent swimmers.
- Stress & Boredom: Behavioral issues sometimes lead to obsessive licking.
Certain breeds—especially those with thick or double coats like Golden Retrievers or St. Bernards—are more prone. Warm weather and activities that leave fur damp (like swimming) also raise risk.
How to Recognize a Hot Spot
The signs are hard to miss if you know what to look for:
- Redness and swelling
- Painful raw patches that ooze fluid or pus
- Matted fur and hair loss over the lesion
- A strong odor if there's infection
You’ll most often find these spots on your dog’s head, neck, hips, limbs, or rump—but they can pop up anywhere. Some hot spots stay small; others grow alarmingly fast. Lesions near eyes or ears need extra attention due to their sensitive location.
Treating Hot Spots: What Works?
- Treat the Cause: If allergies or parasites triggered the problem, address them first (think flea control or allergy meds).
- Clip/Shave Fur: Exposing the area helps it dry out. Severe cases might require professional grooming—or sedation if your dog’s in pain.
- Clean Gently: Use warm water and mild antiseptics like chlorhexidine. Skip harsh stuff like alcohol—it stings!
- Avoid Human Creams: Only use topical meds prescribed by your vet; human products can make things worse.
Your vet might prescribe antibiotics (oral or topical), anti-inflammatories for pain/itching, medicated shampoos/wipes—or recommend an Elizabethan collar to stop further self-trauma. Watch for signs of healing: less redness and moisture mean you’re on track; worsening odor or spreading wounds mean it’s time for another vet visit.
Caring at Home vs. Seeing a Vet
Mild hot spots sometimes respond to careful home care—if you know what triggered them and can keep your dog from making things worse. But if lesions get bigger fast, don’t heal in a few days, look especially painful/deep, or come with fever/lethargy? Call your vet right away.
Preventing Future Hot Spots
- Bathe/groom regularly; dry thoroughly after swims/baths
- Treat for fleas/ticks year-round
- Tend to allergies promptly
- Keep bedding clean (use hypoallergenic detergent)
If your dog licks from boredom/stress rather than itchiness alone, boost their mental stimulation with toys and exercise. Address underlying behavioral issues as needed—sometimes anxiety is at fault as much as any physical trigger.
Aren't Hot Spots Contagious?
The hot spot itself isn’t contagious between pets (or people), but some causes—like fleas—can spread easily among animals in close contact. If multiple pets are affected or you suspect something contagious (like mange), check with your vet about next steps for everyone’s safety.
The Outlook: Healing & Recurrence
The good news? With prompt treatment most hot spots heal within 3–7 days; fur grows back over a few weeks. The bad news is recurrence is common if you don’t tackle what caused the problem in the first place. Ongoing management matters—a little prevention goes a long way toward keeping your dog comfortable year-round.
