As a dog parent, there’s nothing more concerning than seeing your furry friend in discomfort. If you’ve noticed them licking, chewing, or scratching at a patch of red, inflamed skin, it’s possible they’re dealing with a hot spot. Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are a common skin condition that can cause your dog significant pain if left untreated. Don't worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hot spots, from identifying and treating them to preventing future outbreaks. 

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots are localized areas of red, inflamed, and often moist skin that can rapidly grow in size. They’re typically painful and can appear anywhere on your dog’s body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, hips, or limbs. Hot spots are notorious for forming quickly, sometimes within a matter of hours, and often result in hair loss in the affected area.  

What makes hot spots particularly troublesome is how they can escalate quickly. A minor irritation, left unchecked, can turn into a serious skin issue due to your dog’s constant licking, chewing, and scratching, leading to larger sores and even deeper skin infections.  

What Do Hot Spots Look Like?

Hot spots on dogs are typically inflamed, red, and very moist. The skin appears raw and painful to the touch, and in severe cases, it may bleed or ooze pus. They develop rapidly, often within hours, and the affected area is usually hot and sensitive. These lesions can vary in size but are most often circular and can grow quickly, especially if the dog continues to lick, scratch, or chew at the site.

1. Appearance: Hot spots start as small, red patches of irritated skin, which quickly become larger, more inflamed areas. The fur around the hot spot might appear wet, matted, or even missing, as the irritation worsens.
2. Moisture and Infection: One of the defining characteristics is the moist nature of the sore, which can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to a secondary infection, making the hot spot appear even more swollen and painful.
3. Location: Common areas for hot spots include the head, neck, hips, and chest, but they can develop anywhere on the body where the skin is prone to irritation or moisture buildup.
4. Differentiating from Other Skin Conditions: While hot spots are moist and red, conditions like ringworm or mange present differently, often with dry, scaly skin or generalized hair loss. Hot spots are typically more localized and far more painful.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots often develop as a result of skin irritation or excessive moisture on a dog's skin. Several factors can lead to the development of hot spots, with the most common causes listed below:

1. Allergies: Flea bites, food sensitivities, and environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust) can cause severe itching, prompting the dog to scratch or lick excessively, which leads to hot spots.
2. Flea Allergic Dermatitis: Even a single flea bite can set off an allergic reaction in some dogs, resulting in relentless itching that can turn into a hot spot.
3. Food Allergies: Some dogs may have adverse reactions to ingredients in their diet, leading to chronic itching and skin inflammation.
4. Moisture: Dogs that swim frequently, get caught in the rain, or even sweat excessively can develop hot spots, as moisture trapped under the fur can lead to bacterial growth and skin irritation.
5. Poor Grooming: Dogs with thick coats or mats in their fur are prone to developing hot spots, especially if the mat traps dirt or moisture close to the skin.
6. Underlying Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or fungal infections can also lead to excessive licking and scratching, exacerbating skin damage and leading to hot spots.
7. Insect Bites or Stings: Irritation from mosquitoes, mites, or other insects can cause dogs to bite at their skin, creating the perfect environment for a hot spot to form.
8. Stress and Anxiety: Dogs who are anxious or bored may engage in compulsive licking or chewing, which can lead to hot spots. This is more common in breeds that are highly intelligent or have separation anxiety.

Breeds Prone to Hot Spots

While any dog can develop hot spots, certain breeds are more predisposed to them due to their coat type, skin sensitivities, or grooming habits.

1. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers: These breeds have thick, water-repellent coats, which can trap moisture against the skin, especially after swimming. They are also prone to allergies, which can lead to excessive scratching.
2. German Shepherds: Known for their thick, double coats, German Shepherds are susceptible to hot spots due to trapped moisture or poor ventilation of their undercoat.
3. English Bulldogs: With their numerous skin folds and wrinkles, Bulldogs often develop hot spots in areas where skin rubs together or retains moisture, such as around the face or neck.
4. Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands: These giant breeds, known for their dense coats, can develop hot spots from moisture and heat getting trapped close to their skin, especially in warmer weather.
5. Cocker Spaniels: With their long, floppy ears, Cocker Spaniels are prone to ear infections, which can lead to scratching near the head and neck and result in hot spots.

How To Treat Hot Spots on Dogs

Prompt treatment is essential to stop the spread of infection and relieve your dog’s discomfort. Here’s how to care for your dog’s hot spot at home:

1. Trim the Fur: Use dog clippers to carefully trim the fur around the hot spot. This allows air to reach the wound and prevents further moisture from worsening the condition.
2. Clean the Area: Use a gentle, dog-safe antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine or a water-based antibacterial spray, to clean the hot spot. Avoid harsh chemicals or human medications, as they may irritate the skin further.
3. Apply a Topical Treatment: Use a veterinary-recommended hot spot spray or cream. These products usually contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce itching, promote healing, and prevent infection.
4. Stop the Licking: Place an Elizabethan collar (also known as a “cone”) on your dog to prevent further licking or biting of the hot spot. This will give the sore time to heal without interference.
5. Monitor the Hot Spot: Over the next few days, watch for signs of improvement, such as reduced redness, shrinking size, and less moisture. If the hot spot worsens or fails to heal, consult your vet.
6. Visit the Vet for Severe Cases: If the hot spot is large, extremely painful, or showing signs of infection (such as a foul smell or discharge), take your dog to the vet for professional treatment, which may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or medicated shampoos.

Preventing Hot Spots on Dogs

Preventing hot spots is key to ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy. Here are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Regular Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat clean, dry, and free of mats. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and reduces shedding, while grooming keeps moisture and dirt from getting trapped against the skin.
2. Address Allergies: If your dog suffers from environmental or food allergies, work with your vet to identify triggers and manage symptoms, whether through allergy testing, diet changes, or medication.
3. Flea and Tick Prevention: Use a reliable flea and tick preventive to protect your dog from bites, which can lead to itching and subsequent hot spots. This is especially important in warmer months when these pests are more active.
4. Keep Your Dog Dry: After baths, swimming, or exposure to rain, make sure your dog is thoroughly dried, particularly if they have a thick coat. Pay extra attention to areas like the belly, armpits, and ears, which tend to trap moisture.
5. Provide Mental Stimulation: Bored or anxious dogs may develop habits like excessive licking or chewing, which can lead to hot spots. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to reduce anxiety and stress.

When To See a Vet

While minor hot spots can sometimes be managed at home, certain situations require veterinary attention. Take your dog to the vet if:

1. The Hot Spot Spreads Rapidly: If the hot spot grows larger or starts spreading to other areas, this indicates the infection is getting worse and needs medical intervention.
2. There Is Discharge: Any pus, foul odor, or unusual discharge from the hot spot suggests a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics or additional treatment.
3. The Dog is in Severe Pain: If your dog is constantly whining, crying, or showing signs of distress due to the hot spot, they may need stronger medication to control the pain.
4. The Area is Not Healing: After several days of at-home care, if the hot spot is not showing improvement (less redness, reduced moisture), it’s time to visit the vet for a more comprehensive treatment plan.
5. Underlying Conditions Persist: If your dog has recurrent hot spots, it's crucial to identify the root cause, whether it's an allergy, infection, or behavioral issue. A vet can help determine and treat the underlying problem to prevent future hot spots.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for a hot spot to heal?
With proper treatment, most hot spots begin to heal within 3-7 days. Severe or infected hot spots may take longer and require veterinary intervention.

2. Can stress cause hot spots in dogs?
Yes, stress and anxiety can lead to excessive licking and chewing, which can cause hot spots to form.

3. Is it safe to trim the fur around a hot spot?
Yes, trimming the fur helps keep the area dry and allows air to circulate, speeding up the healing process.

4. Are some dog breeds more prone to hot spots?
Yes, breeds with thicker coats, like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, are more likely to develop hot spots due to trapped moisture.

Takeaways

Hot spots can be a painful and distressing condition for your dog, but with prompt recognition and appropriate care, they can be effectively treated and prevented. By understanding what hot spots look like, their causes, and the breeds most susceptible, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your dog's skin health. Regular grooming, maintaining a clean and dry coat, and addressing allergies are essential steps in prevention. 

Remember, while minor hot spots can often be treated at home, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you notice signs of infection or if the condition worsens. Your dog's comfort and well-being are paramount, and with the right approach, you can help them avoid the discomfort of hot spots and enjoy a happy, healthy life.