Hot Spots on Dogs: Learn How to Recognize and Treat Them
Key takeaways:
Hot spots, a common skin condition in dogs, cause itchiness and can quickly grow into infected lesions the more pups scratch.
Hot spots are caused by skin irritants, such as parasites, bacteria, allergies, and moisture trapped under a thick coat.
After determining the cause of a hot spot, your veterinarian will prescribe oral or topical medicines for your dog to treat the hot spot and prevent it from recurring.
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As the weather gets warmer, no doubt your dog will be spending a lot of time outside rolling around in the dirt, chasing insects, and getting into just about anything they can. So you probably won’t be surprised to see a red bump or two on your dog’s skin every now and then.
But beware — that bump may not be as harmless as it appears. It may be a hot spot, one of the most common skin conditions in dogs. And you may need your veterinarian’s help treating it before it gets out of control.
What are hot spots on dogs?
Known by veterinarians as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis, hot spots typically appear as small patches of inflamed skin, or red bumps that may resemble insect bites. They’re sometimes caused by bacterial infections, and they can grow and spread quickly. Some hot spots contain pus.
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Hot spots are most commonly seen on the head, legs and hips, but they can pop up anywhere on a dog’s body. Because they’re itchy, they typically set off scratching, which only makes them worse.
Symptoms of hot spots to look for
If your dog is scratching, licking, or biting the same spot over and over, they may have a hot spot. Check the area they’re obsessing over to see if the skin is red, hot, and moist.
You may notice crusted or matted fur from pus and other fluids, a foul smell, or even some loss of fur surrounding the hot spot.
What does a hot spot on a dog look like?
Hot spots are typically bright-red, well-defined lesions. They may be hidden underneath the fur, particularly when they are small. What may appear to be a benign lesion at first glance, however, can quickly worsen into a large, oozing lesion that’s painful for your dog.
Common causes of dog hot spots
There can be a number of reasons that your dog develops hot spots. Here are a few common causes.
Thick coats: Breeds with particularly thick coats are predisposed to hot spots, including golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds.
Hot weather: Veterinarians often see an uptick in hot spot cases over the summer, because warm, humid weather can trap moisture under dogs’ fur, increasing the risk.
Swimming: Your dog’s lifestyle may also play a role. Dogs that swim on a regular basis face a higher risk of hot spots due to their exposure to moisture.
Stress or boredom: Dogs that are easily stressed, anxious, or bored may scratch themselves in response, making them prone to hot spots.
Often lying on the same side: Olders dogs or pups with back problems are also at risk if they tend to rest lying on the same side most of the time. That can cause abrasions to form on that side, which the dog may lick, touching off a hot spot.
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Because hot spots can be triggered by scratching or licking, any other condition that causes itchiness can be a culprit, including:
Parasites, such as fleas and ticks
Skin infections
Anal gland irritations or infections
Environmental irritants
Hot spot treatment for dogs
Treatment for your dog’s hot spots will depend on the cause. The first step is to see the vet.
If you notice your dog’s hot spot worsening, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam and ask you questions to help identify the underlying cause of the hot spot. They may also perform diagnostic tests, such as a skin scrape, to identify parasites or bacteria that may be causing itchiness.
If the culprit is a bacterial infection, your vet can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics. If allergies or atopic dermatitis are to blame, they can prescribe medications that are tailored to dogs.
Veterinarians can also prescribe topical or oral steroids to control inflammation. And they can give you a cone to place around your dog’s neck to prevent them from scratching or licking the hot spot while it’s healing.
At-home remedies
If your dog has a hot spot, start by clipping the fur around it so it can dry. Some other remedies you can try at home include:
Chlorhexidine, a gentle antiseptic available for dogs as a wipe or liquid for bathing
Over-the-counter antihistamines diphenhydramine or cetirizine (consult your vet for the proper dosing)
Coconut oil or aloe vera, but ask your veterinarian first, because these can delay a hot spot from healing
Will hot spots go away on their own?
If you catch your dog’s hot spot early, you may be able to treat it yourself with a combination of at-home remedies and a cone or other barrier to prevent your dog from making the hot spot worse. But if you don’t see quick results, consult your veterinarian for next steps.
Preventing hot spots in dogs
Preventing scratching is the best way to fend off hot spots in dogs. Some good tactics include:
Ward off fleas, ticks and other parasites with topical or oral preventive medicines
Maintain good hygiene with regular baths and grooming
Increase your dog’s exercise and playtime to reduce stress and boredom
Consider giving your dog fish oil supplements to promote a strong skin barrier
The bottom line
A hot spot may look harmless, but it can quickly grow into a painful, itchy hassle for your dog. Your veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of the hot spot and prescribe medications to treat it and prevent the problem from recurring. You may not be able to treat a hot spot at home. But you can take steps to prevent them in the future with a few simple strategies to maintain your dog’s healthy coat and skin.
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References
Collins, B. (n.d.). Atopic dermatitis (atopy). Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Hot spots.
Grant, D. (2015). Pyotraumatic dermatitis (acute moist dermatitis, hot spot). Veterinary Practice.
Lundgren, B. (2016). Hot spots in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Racine, E. (2024). Hot spot treatments and prevention on dogs. American Kennel Club.
