Hot Spots on Dogs: What They Are and How to Treat Them Fast

Introduction

You’re petting your dog and suddenly feel a wet, scabby patch under the fur, which is red, sticky, and sore. That’s a classic sign of a hot spot. Hot spots on dogs are painful, fast-spreading skin infections caused by irritation, moisture, or self-trauma from licking and scratching. These common sores can heal well, given they are treated promptly to prevent worsening. Read on to learn how to recognize a hot spot, what causes them, and how to treat a hot spot quickly and safely.

Fast Facts on Hot Spots on Dogs

• Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are a painful infection affecting the surface layers of the skin.
• They can appear quickly and worsen within hours.
• Common causes include allergies (food or environmental triggers), moisture, fleas, or skin irritation.
• Treatment includes early cleaning and veterinary care; fast recovery is key to preventing worsening of the affected area.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots are localized areas of inflamed, infected skin, typically moist, red, and very itchy or painful. The medical term is acute moist dermatitis, meaning a sudden development (acute) of moist, skin (derm-), inflammation (-itis). These nasty areas look as they sound; typically round, wet, oozing lesions with hair loss affecting the region. Dogs can cause these lesions themselves or worsen them by licking, scratching, or chewing at the painful spot. Hot spots on dogs can crop up anywhere, but the most common sites include the neck, hips, tail base and thighs. 

What Causes Hot Spots?

Common causes of dog hot spots are:

1. Allergies

Dogs can have allergies to flea bites, food and environmental triggers, such as dust mites, pollen and grasses. Food sensitivities can manifest in skin disease or tummy upset, with different proteins causing flares; a popular culprit is chicken! Allergies cause the skin to become itchy, with licking and scratching introducing a skin infection. Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) is the most common trigger for hot spots in dogs, meaning that they have a hypersensitivity (overreaction) to flea saliva.

2. Moisture and Heat

Think rain, swimming and humidity - all these factors can trap moisture, especially in breeds with lovely thick coats such as Golden Retrievers or Labradors. This damp, warm skin environment provides the perfect habitat for bacteria to thrive.

3. Skin Irritation or Poor Grooming

Matted coats, or those with trapped debris, can cause irritation to the underlying skin, making it vulnerable to bacterial overgrowth.

4. Insect Bites or Wounds

Minor cuts, bites, or stings, which may appear innocent, can cause dog hot spots. They start as a little niggle, then become progressively more uncomfortable as dogs lick or scratch at the area excessively, introducing infection.

5. Stress or Boredom

Some dogs will lick or chew themselves as a behavioural response to frustration or anxiety (self-soothing), thereby causing a patch of acute moist dermatitis.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Curious to know how to tell if a dog has a hotspot? Look out for:

• Red, moist, or weeping skin
• Hair loss or shaved-looking patches
• Foul odor or sticky discharge
• Constant licking, biting, or scratching at one spot
• Sudden sensitivity or crying when touched
• Scabs or crusted skin as the lesion begins to dry

How Vets Diagnose Hot Spots on Dogs

Diagnosis of hot spots tends to be straightforward, starting with a veterinarian’s physical examination of your dog. Your veterinarian may use clippers to carefully shave the affected area to assess the full extent of the infection. To facilitate this, offer your dog a small treat to distract them from the buzzing clippers. Your vet may take some samples, such as a swab or skin scrape, to rule out parasites and determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth. If your dog is unfortunate enough to suffer from recurrent acute moist dermatitis episodes, environmental allergy testing and diet trials may be recommended. Speak to your vet about how to conduct these, as specific conditions are required.

How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs (Fast and Safely)

At Home (Immediate Care Before the Vet Visit)

Once you’ve contacted your veterinarian to schedule a consultation, carry out home care to provide some relief during the interim. Start by trimming the fur around the lesion to let air reach the skin (of course, only if your dog tolerates it safely). Clean the area gently using cotton wool soaked with water and a mild antiseptic solution for dogs. Chlorhexidine 4%, diluted in lukewarm water in a 1:10 ratio, tends to be effective. Do note that this can be a little stingy; be sure to soak the area gently. Prevent licking by using an Elizabethan cone or protective collar; there are plastic or inflatable options that can be used, as long as your dog can’t reach the region. Do not use human creams or antibiotics,as some can be toxic to dogs.

Veterinary Treatment

Finally, you’ve made it to the veterinary clinic. Your veterinarian will perform a professional cleaning and clipping of the affected area to allow better absorption of topical treatments, such as prescribed dog antibiotic/steroid ointments. If a dog’s hot spot is particularly large or deep, they may also prescribe oral antibiotics to target the deeper infection. Anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medication (such as  corticosteroids) can provide your dog with fast-acting relief to stop the itch-scratch cycle. Sadly, the more your dog chews and interferes with the wound, the slower it will heal. Additional dog pain relief can also help to relieve this. Importantly, your veterinarian will address the underlying cause (such as allergy or fleas) to prevent recurrence. If your dog has fleas, your vet will prescribe a treatment for these, but be sure to treat your home with a veterinary-recommended flea spray, hot wash any bedding and hoover regularly. Environmental treatment for fleas should focus on carpets and soft furnishings. Fleas can be stubborn to eliminate, but it is key to prevent reinfestation.

Preventing Future Hot Spots

Indeed, prevention is better than cure for hot spots on dogs. Be proactive by taking precautionary measures.

Start to tame that mane! Brush your dog’s coat regularly to prevent mats and improve air circulation to the skin. Keep them clean and dry, especially after going for a dip in the sea or heading out in the rain.

Use effective, veterinary-prescribed flea and tick prevention year-round (yes, dogs can get fleas in Winter too)! Work with your veterinarian to manage any allergies, considering medications, diet adjustments and environmental modifications. Many people find walking during the lower pollen counts of the day helps, along with HEPA air purifiers in your pup’s favourite hangout spots. Keep your dog’s attention away from scratching with exercise and enrichment, such as food puzzles with hypoallergenic treats or paste. Check your dog over regularly for the early signs of a hot spot, catching any pinkness or skin irritation early, to prevent infection.

FAQs

Conclusion

Hot spots on dogs are common, but should never be ignored. There are numerous nerve endings in the dermis, and so skin infections are painful. Remember that prompt treatment of acute moist dermatitis leads to faster healing and less pain. Do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian, who can support your pet and address any concerns or underlying triggers.

Bio

Dr Grace Mee BVSc MRCVS

Grace graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. She works as a small animal vet in London and has published research in the Veterinary Record. She enjoys consulting and operating on dogs, cats and exotic pets. Beyond clinical practice, she applies her expertise as a veterinary writer and mentors aspiring veterinary students.

Feature image: istockphoto