Hot spots are among the most common skin conditions that can affect dogs. This issue can be caused by different factors, and understanding the underlying cause can directly affect the proper course of treatment. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hot spots on dogs, including what they are, causes and symptoms, and proper treatment and prevention.
What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?
A “hot spot” is a common term for acute moist dermatitis. This condition is marked by painful, red, inflamed skin lesions that can appear rapidly on dogs, sometimes in just hours. They begin with a small irritation that escalates to moist or oozing lesions that can make your dog vulnerable to a bacterial overgrowth.
Most hot spots are relatively minor and can heal quickly, but they can potentially cause more serious issues if left untreated, including deeper skin ulcerations and infections. The most common locations for hot spots are on a dog’s neck, hips, limbs, and at the base of the tail.
Hot spots tend to be more common with certain dog breeds that have thick, dense, or long coats or skin folds, and as well as breeds prone to skin allergies. These breeds are more susceptible to these dermatitis hot spots, because their fur or skin folds trap moisture and bacteria against the skin. This is especially common during hot and humid weather.
Here are some of the most common breeds that are susceptible to hot spots:
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Golden Retrievers & Labrador Retrievers: Retrievers have dense, water-loving coats that often hold moisture, plus they’re genetically predisposed to allergies.
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German Shepherds & Belgian Shepherds: These Shepherds have a thick double coat and are also predisposed to allergies.
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Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees & Bernese Mountain Dogs: These giant breeds have thick coats and skin folds that can trap moisture.
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Rottweilers: These hearty dogs are prone to allergic skin diseases.
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Poodles: Poodles have thick hair that requires regular grooming, plus they’re prone to ear infections.
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Cocker Spaniels: Similar to Poodles, Spaniels have thick hair that requires regular grooming and are prone to ear infections.
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English Bulldogs: This breed’s heavy skin folds trap moisture.
What Causes Hot Spots in Dogs?
As we noted above, certain breeds are predisposed to getting hot spots. But there are other factors that can also cause this condition. Most hot spots in dogs are caused by an underlying condition that either causes itchiness, excessive licking, or excessive moisture to be trapped on the skin. The most common issues include:
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Allergies: These can include flea allergies, food allergies, or seasonal allergies. Allergies can cause a dog to excessively lick or chew an area of discomfort, creating a lesion.
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Ear infections: As with allergies, ear infections can cause excessive scratching, which can create lesions.
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Excessive moisture: Moisture from swimming, bathing, or precipitation can get trapped in skin folds and fur, fostering bacteria growth.
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Excessive licking: This behavior can damage the skin barrier, as constant moisture and trauma from saliva and teeth break down the skin, creating an ideal environment for bacteria.
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Poor grooming: This allows matted and dirty fur to trap moisture, bacteria, and heat against the skin, causing irritation that drives the dog to constantly bite, scratch, or lick the area.
Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs
Hot spot lesions can come in a wide range of sizes, and are usually characterized by one or more of the following:
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Red color
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Inflammation
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Rawness
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Intermittent bleeding
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Moisture
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Pain for the dog
Because the skin is very moist and inflamed, dog hot spots usually look different than other skin conditions, such as mange or ringworm (which is usually drier in appearance).
How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs
If your dog is displaying signs of hot spots, then you should consult your veterinarian right away. If that’s not possible, there are some home treatments you can try to help your dog before you can get to an appointment:
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Trim the fur in the area around the hot spot. Make sure to use dog hair clippers and not scissors, which can accidentally cut your dog’s skin. This gets air to the affected area and prevents additional moisture from collecting and slowing down the healing process.
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Clean the skin with a mild, water-based antiseptic spray or wipe, or an antibacterial shampoo. Your local pet store should carry such products that are formulated to be safe for your dog’s skin.
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Your vet should be able to recommend a hot spot spray for dogs. These are formulated to be safe in the likely event that your dog licks and ingests the applied spray.
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A recovery cone, placed around your dog’s neck, will help prevent them from biting, licking, or scratching the hot spot and making it worse.
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Throughout every step, be sure to monitor the area for signs of healing (decreased redness, less moisture, smaller lesion size) or to see if the issue is getting worse.
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Contact your veterinarian, whether you’ve begun the above steps or not. With a thorough exam, your vet should be able to identify and treat the underlying issue. Make sure to notify them of any improvements or worsening of the condition.
Never use human medications (Neosporin, hydrocortisone, Vaseline, etc.). Topical creams and ointments generally cause dogs to lick the area even more, which only makes the issue worse. Plus, many such medications contain ingredients that are toxic when swallowed.
How to Prevent Hot Spots in the Future
There are several ways that you can help prevent hot spots for your dog. A good dog supplement, such as the Happy Paws Dog Supplement for Skin and Coat, can contain biotin, P-18 probiotics, coconut oil, and other skin-supportive ingredients. You should also groom your dog regularly and dry your dog well after swimming, bathing, or other moisture immersion activities.
Mental stimulation can also help to ease stress and prevent stress-related licking. Happy Paws Calming Supplement for Dogs is another great way to ease your pet’s stress and help prevent such licking.
When to See the Vet
If your dog develops hot spots, you should contact your vet right away. This becomes particularly important if:
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The hot spot spreads quickly.
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There’s a foul smell or excessive pus.
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Your dog is in visible discomfort or has recurrent hot spots.
Your vet can not only help you to determine the underlying cause of the issue, but also provide a course of treatment for your pet.
Hot Spot FAQs:
1. Are Hot Spots on Dogs Contagious?
In general, hot spots on dogs are not contagious to humans or other animals, since they are localized, self-inflicted bacterial infections.
2. What Is the Fastest Way to Heal a Hot Spot on a Dog?
The fastest way to heal a hot spot is to immediately trim the fur around the lesion, cleanse it with a pet-safe chlorhexidine or antiseptic solution, apply a vet-recommended spray or cream, and use a cone to prevent licking. Then, make sure to keep the area dry, clean, and exposed to air to help speed recovery.
3. Can Supplements Help Prevent Hot Spots?
Some dog supplements are formulated with ingredients that promote healthier skin and fur. These supplements may not prevent hot spots in every case, but they can give your dog’s body a better chance to avoid them.
