It's a perfect cozy moment: your dog is snuggled soundly in your lap while you gently stroke their fur. As you run your hand down their neck and give some nice ear scratches, you notice a small area of warmth and moisture that feels different from the rest of their coat. As you part the fur to investigate, you see a patch of red, angry, and raw skin that looks painful. Later that day, you realize the area has begun to get bigger. What you’re seeing is known as a hot spot.
What is a hot spot on a dog? How do you treat hot spots? Fortunately, these lesions are often caused by minor irritations and can typically be treated at home. However, more troublesome hot spots require antibiotics. By understanding the underlying triggers and practical treatment options, you can quickly bring your dog comfort and help prevent future hot spots.
Understanding Hot Spots on Dogs
The medical term is “pyotraumatic dermatitis” or “acute moist dermatitis,” but you’ll commonly hear it called a hotspot. Any dog can get a hot spot, but they’re especially common in young canines. When a small hot spot first appears, the dog experiences mild itching. This relatively minor itching leads them to scratch or even chew the spot. Doing so causes the skin to become more damaged, which can, in turn, introduce bacteria. Ultimately, the hot spot grows and becomes itchier and more painful as it becomes inflamed.
A hot spot on a dog can appear virtually anywhere, but they most commonly appear below the ears or on the legs or hips. No matter where your pet’s hot spot is located, it’s important to treat it early on to prevent further issues.
What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?
Realizing what has triggered your dog’s initial hot spot is key to getting the problem under control. There is a wide range of causes that can be the catalyst for your pup’s itching, which ultimately creates a hot spot.
Insect bites
Parasites like fleas and ticks can make your dog itch excessively. The itchiness can be even more severe if your pet has an allergy or sensitivity to those insects.
Environmental triggers
Dogs can be allergic to many of the same things as humans, such as grass or pollen. They can even be allergic to certain foods. Exposure to these triggers can cause your dog to begin scratching their skin so much that a hot spot develops. Hot and humid weather can contribute to the issue, too.
Behavioral causes
Sometimes, the root of your dog’s hot spot problem is found in their behavior. Dog anxiety is a frequent cause of hot spots. If your dog has separation anxiety, for example, they may display repetitive behaviors like licking the same spot on their skin, leading to a hot spot forming.
Recognizing Hot Spots
Hot spots can be easily confused with other health problems. For instance, ringworm in dogs can manifest similarly at first glance, but ringworm tends to be circular in appearance and is always a fungal infection, while hot spots have irregular borders. Mange can also sometimes look like a hot spot, but it is caused by mites and usually results in several patches of fur loss.
To quickly identify a hot spot on your dog, look for these tell-tale signs:
Appearance of the Spot
Sudden, rapid growth
Red, raw, and angry skin
Thick, raised patch
A distinct patch of hair loss
Texture and Discharge
Moist and oozing fluid
A crusty layer
Foul or unpleasant odor
How Your Dog is Acting
Intense, non-stop itching
In pain when you touch the spot
Possible fever
How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs at Home
Luckily, a dog’s hot spot treatment is often simple and effective once the fundamental cause is addressed. How do you treat hot spots on dogs at home? If you notice your dog scratching, make sure to inspect their coat to see if you can identify the cause (a tick bite, for example). Use electric clippers—not scissors—to remove the fur in the hot spot and approximately an inch around it. Then, use a dog-safe antiseptic to clean the lesion. Be gentle, as hot spots can be painful. Afterward, you can bathe your dog with a medicated or mild shampoo.
When to See the Vet
Hot spot treatment for dogs must sometimes be administered by a vet. If your dog’s hot spot doesn’t seem to be going away or it appears to be infected, the vet may need to administer topical antibiotics. Some hot spots can turn into major infections that need to be treated with oral antibiotics as well. Additionally, very young or senior dogs may be more at risk for infection because of their naturally weaker immune systems.
Cost to Treat Dog Hot Spots
Hot spots often lead to bills ranging from $300 to over $1000 for severe cases requiring veterinary sedation, antibiotics, and follow-up visits. For chronic issues, comprehensive allergy testing can cost up to $2,000. If vet fees from medical visits are a concern, it’s never too late to consider investing in dog health insurance. Having a good policy in place allows you to say yes to whatever care your pup needs, without worrying about the cost.
For dogs prone to recurring skin issues, adding an optional dog wellness plan allows you to be prepared for anything. These plans help you budget for routine, proactive expenses crucial for prevention that standard insurance often excludes. This includes items like annual checkups, flea and tick prevention medications, prescription medicated shampoos, and preventative allergy supplements. This proactive coverage helps stop the itch-scratch cycle before it even starts.
It’s important to sign up for a policy while your pup is young, before any health issues come up, to avoid preexisting conditions and waiting periods. Get your customized quote in under 30 seconds when you fill out this simple form.
Hot Spot Prevention Strategies
Anything you can do to help prevent hot spots in the first place helps. Certain dogs are more at risk for developing hot spots over time, so if you have one of the dog breeds that are considered high risk, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Saint Bernards, it's important to focus on catching issues before they become serious. Prevention can go a long way in protecting your pet.
Parasite Control: Ensure you keep your dog up to date on their flea and tick prevention medications.
Regular Skin Hygiene: Use antibacterial shampoo to keep your dog’s skin clean and free from infection.
Regular Brushing: Brush their coat often to prevent matting, which traps heat and moisture against the skin.
Keep the Coat Dry: Thoroughly dry your dog immediately after bathing or swimming, especially if they have a long or thick coat.
Identify Triggers: Take note of what may have led to the hot spot in the first place (e.g., a sudden allergy flare or environmental change).
Manage Underlying Allergies: Work with your veterinarian to identify and treat chronic issues like seasonal allergies or food sensitivities, which often start the initial itch cycle.
Address Boredom and Stress: If your dog licks obsessively out of boredom or anxiety, provide them with more exercise, puzzle toys, or mental enrichment.
When Hot Spots Become a Recurring Problem
While it’s not unusual for a dog to develop a hot spot at some point, frequent hot spots can be a sign that there’s a bigger problem at hand. You may need to consult the vet to get to the bottom of the issue. The underlying cause is typically either an undiagnosed allergy (food, flea, or environmental) or a behavioral issue. Consider whether your dog is experiencing anxiety related to a recent household change, such as a new member of the family or a relocation.
Pinpointing the underlying problem can help prevent your dog from developing hot spots in the future. You may need to make lifestyle changes, such as having someone stay with your dog during the workday, if their anxiety is causing hot spots.
What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?
Hot spots on dogs are areas of skin that become inflamed and painful due to excessive scratching or chewing. When you feel that first suspicious patch, it can certainly be unsettling. The good news is that you are now ready to take immediate, effective action.
Remember, your veterinarian is always there to help if the spot seems severe or won't clear up. By interrupting the painful itch cycle and ensuring they get the right attention, you ensure your dog is quickly healed and can enjoy your peaceful snuggle sessions, comfortable in their own skin once more.