Hot spots in dogs can appear suddenly and spread surprisingly quickly, making them one of the most common skin conditions that occur on dogs. While they may begin as a small area of irritation, they can very quickly develop into a painful skin infection if left untreated.
The good news is that with early treatment and by addressing the underlying cause, most hot spots in dogs heal very well. Here’s everything every dog owner should know.
🔍 What Are Hot Spots in Dogs?
Hot spots in dogs, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are a bacterial skin infection that develops on the surface of the skin. They often start as a small patch of irritation and may go unnoticed until they become much larger.
As the hot spot develops, your dog will typically lose fur around the affected area. In the early stages, the skin is usually red, warm and damp, and the irritated patch is often circular in shape. Most dogs will constantly lick, chew or scratch the area due to the discomfort and irritation. Unfortunately, this repeated licking and scratching can cause the bacteria and inflammation to spread very quickly.
As the infection progresses, the hot spot may begin to ooze, develop an unpleasant odour and become increasingly painful.
💦 What Causes Hot Spots in Dogs?
The two most common causes of hot spots in dogs are moisture and skin irritation. In many cases, one or both of these factors contribute to the problem.
Moisture trapped against a dog’s skin, particularly beneath a thick coat, creates the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Dogs that love swimming or are frequently exposed to wet weather can be more prone to developing hot spots if they are not dried thoroughly.
Additional factors that can trap moisture against the skin include:
🐾 Thick, knotted or matted coats
🐾 Tight-fitting collars that reduce airflow
🐾 Wearing coats or jackets before the coat is completely dry
🐾 Fur that is left damp/wet and not dried correctly
Skin irritation is another common cause of hot spots in dogs. Anything that causes a dog to repeatedly scratch, lick or chew at their skin can result in a hot spot. Common causes include allergies, flea bites, parasites, insect bites and other skin conditions.
When this happens, it is important to treat both the hot spot and the underlying cause to help prevent it from returning.
Common areas for hot spots to appear
🩺 How Are Hot Spots in Dogs Treated?
If you suspect your dog has a hot spot, it’s important to arrange a visit to your vet as soon as possible.
Your vet will usually clip the fur around the affected area to improve airflow and allow the skin to heal. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may include cleaning the area, topical medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication or pain relief.
Providing your veterinarian with as much information as possible about what may have caused the hot spot can also help identify the underlying issue and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
❤️ Can Hot Spots in Dogs Be Prevented?
While hot spots in dogs cannot always be prevented, there are several simple steps you can take to reduce the risk.
✔ Thoroughly dry your dog after swimming, bathing or wet weather walks.
✔ Keep your dog’s coat well groomed and free from mats.
✔ Address skin allergies and irritations as soon as possible.
✔ Regularly check your dog’s skin, especially beneath thick coats.
If you notice your dog repeatedly licking, scratching or chewing at one area of their body, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can prevent a small irritation from becoming a much more serious skin infection.
If you're concerned your dog may have a hot spot, or you've noticed any unusual changes to their skin, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early treatment gives your dog the best chance of a quick and comfortable recovery. Download our Hot Spot Information brochure here!
