Introduction
A hot spot is a common skin condition that affects dogs and other pets, including cats. Hot spots in dogs are red patches on the skin that can appear suddenly almost anywhere on the body. They might be raised, irritated and look inflamed; a hot spot can be sore and painful for a dog.
Hot spots can be caused by a number of different underlying issues and won’t just clear up without a course of treatment – so shouldn’t be ignored.
Our guide has all the basics you need to know about hot spots on dogs. Read on to find out:
Hot spots can be caused by a number of different underlying issues and won’t just clear up without a course of treatment – so shouldn’t be ignored.
Our guide has all the basics you need to know about hot spots on dogs. Read on to find out:
- What hot spots are and how dogs get them
- Symptoms of hot spots
- Treatment options for hot spots
- Other common skin conditions
If your dog was diagnosed with hot spots, would treatment be covered by your existing pet insurance? Use our quick online comparison tool to see how your current plan measures up against leading providers.
What are Hot Spots?
Hot spots is the everyday term for a condition called canine acute moist dermatitis, which is a form of pyoderma, a bacterial infection. A hot spot is an accurate description as these are usually red, moist, irritated patches of skin. A hot spot on a dog can start off quite small but grow in size quickly — even doubling in size — and soon become painful, itchy and sore, sometimes then beginning to ooze or develop puss. They may even bleed a little, and might be smelly, too.
Hot spots on dogs can appear all over the body, though most commonly on the head, neck, limbs and hips.
If your dog was diagnosed with hot spots, would treatment be covered by your existing pet insurance? Use our quick online comparison tool to see how your current plan measures up against leading providers.
Hot Spots on Dogs Average Cost
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Average Cost
$300
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Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs
A hot spot is usually easy to detect on a dog, but it’s not the only skin condition that affects canines. It can be mistaken for something else, like ringworm or acral lick dermatitis, which is a skin disease caused by licking.
You shouldn’t diagnose hot spots or any other condition in your dog yourself – leave that to your vet to establish after a consultation. But if you’re wondering, ‘what does a hot spot look like on a dog?’, common symptoms include one or more of the following:
You shouldn’t diagnose hot spots or any other condition in your dog yourself – leave that to your vet to establish after a consultation. But if you’re wondering, ‘what does a hot spot look like on a dog?’, common symptoms include one or more of the following:
- An itchy, painful patch of skin
- Continual chewing or licking at site
- Abnormal aggression (associated with painfulness of site)
- Possible depression (associated with painfulness of site)
- Inflammation, redness, and swelling in a localized patch of skin
- Crusted scabs or oozing sores
- Dry scaly skin
- Hair loss
- Moist, matted fur
- Foul odor from lesion
How do dogs get hot spots?
What causes hot spots on dogs? Well, hot spots are the result of a bacterial infection but ultimately triggered by a dog licking and scratching at an area of their body. You can easily see the problem here – dogs love to lick and scratch themselves, but in doing so there’s always the risk of opening up a wound, however minor.
But, if a dog is scratching itself to that extent, you can be sure that something is causing that level of irritation. Common causes include:
But, if a dog is scratching itself to that extent, you can be sure that something is causing that level of irritation. Common causes include:
- Flea allergies
- Cuts or abrasions
- Ear infection
- Anal gland infection
- Foreign objects – splinter or thorns
- Food allergies
- Matted fur
- Insect bites
- Chewing or licking due to stress or boredom
Hot spots seem to be more common in long-haired dog breeds and are more prevalent during summer months in times of high temperature and humidity. Excess moisture and thicker coats can be a recipe for developing hot spots, so breeds that love to swim or are active in wet weather and exposed to wet conditions are particularly at risk.
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Saint Bernards are among those breeds.
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Saint Bernards are among those breeds.
How do hot spots get worse?
The process of hot spots on dogs developing begins with an imbalance of normal bacteria on the skin. That’s usually brought about by some kind of irritation, which, as we covered above, can be from a variety of sources.
A dog biting and chewing the irritated area introduces bacteria from the mouth and nose to disrupted hair follicles at the site or irritation. Moisture and heat from matted hair, summer warmth and humidity or open scrapes and cuts can exacerbate further bacterial growth.
The bacterial growth causes the body’s immune response to react – which results in more itching, heat, redness, inflammation and pain. If left untreated, the hot spot can become infected, potentially leading to more serious issues
A dog biting and chewing the irritated area introduces bacteria from the mouth and nose to disrupted hair follicles at the site or irritation. Moisture and heat from matted hair, summer warmth and humidity or open scrapes and cuts can exacerbate further bacterial growth.
The bacterial growth causes the body’s immune response to react – which results in more itching, heat, redness, inflammation and pain. If left untreated, the hot spot can become infected, potentially leading to more serious issues
Diagnosis of hot spots in dogs
If your dog is showing one or more of those typical hot spot symptoms, it’s time to book an appointment at the vets for confirmation of the condition. Remember – hot spots in dogs can get worse within a few hours, so don’t be tempted to wait it out and hope it improves without treatment.
The vet will usually conduct a physical exam to try to determine what’s causing your dog’s irritation and making him or her scratch or bite the affected area. It’s important that you tell your vet when the symptoms began. Once the vet has established what’s triggering the irritation, treatment can start.
The vet will usually conduct a physical exam to try to determine what’s causing your dog’s irritation and making him or her scratch or bite the affected area. It’s important that you tell your vet when the symptoms began. Once the vet has established what’s triggering the irritation, treatment can start.
Effective Treatments for Dog Hot Spots
Hot spot treatment for dogs can include:
Cleaning the hot spot area
The hot spot, or lesion, must be cleaned thoroughly. Any matted fur should be shaved off and away from the affected area. Because this can be quite painful, it is a good idea to bring the pet to the veterinarian where nurses can clean and shave the area, and some level of sedation may be necessary. A topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine can then be used to clean the lesion.
Treating bacterial infection
Topical and/or oral antibiotics will often be administered. Antibiotic treatment may last four weeks or longer, especially if the infection is deep.
Treating initial irritation
Some cases of hot spots are idiopathic (the cause is unidentifiable). More commonly, allergies to fleas, pollen or food are identified with a history and examination. Monthly flea treatments or hypoallergenic diets can address allergies; our partner website, Dog Food Advisor, has selected a range of best dog food for skin allergies.
Regular grooming or keeping fur cut short can prevent matting, a common cause of skin irritation. Anxiety-induced chewing and licking can be lessened by introducing toys or chews and exercise and play.
Regular grooming or keeping fur cut short can prevent matting, a common cause of skin irritation. Anxiety-induced chewing and licking can be lessened by introducing toys or chews and exercise and play.
Medications for pain and inflammation
Antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce itchiness and irritation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. A short acting corticosteroid may be administered one time to make the patient more comfortable and promote healing (however never at the same time as an NSAID).
Gentamicin/Betamethasone sprays are often prescribed to spray on the lesion daily.
Gentamicin/Betamethasone sprays are often prescribed to spray on the lesion daily.
Dietary supplements
Essential fatty acids may be suggested for pets prone to skin conditions. You can read more about the importance of giving your dog enough nutrients here.
The cost of treating hot spots in dogs will vary depending on what’s prescribed to help manage the issue. Some dietary supplements can quickly become quite costly. Is the cost covered on your pet insurance? Quickly check your cover against top-rated plans.
The cost of treating hot spots in dogs will vary depending on what’s prescribed to help manage the issue. Some dietary supplements can quickly become quite costly. Is the cost covered on your pet insurance? Quickly check your cover against top-rated plans.
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How soon will hot spot treatment take to work?
Recovery of hot spots in dogs may take a bit of time; some cases are more severe than others. Follow up appointments with the vet might be needed – definitely so if the treatment doesn’t seem to be working or the hot spot is getting worse. Many cases are resolved quickly if the initial irritant is identified and the course of treatment is administered correctly and completed.
Your dog might be given something called an Elizabethan collar, which is widely used to prevent an animal biting, chewing, licking and further aggravating a wound. Hot spot home remedy tips include carefully trimming the hair around the site of the affected area, to keep the coat short and allow air to get it. This can speed up the healing process.
You can also maintain a regular course of flea treatment, to eliminate the possibility of infestation, and try to promote a stress-free environment at home. If your dog’s hot spots have been caused, even partly, by anxiety, reducing noise can help to keep things nice and calm. If your dog has been showing signs of boredom – which might have led them to chewing and licking themselves – keep them entertained with toys and provide lots of exercise.
Bear in mind that healing may take 1-2 weeks to take effect; fur may take 3-4 weeks to grow back fully.
Your dog might be given something called an Elizabethan collar, which is widely used to prevent an animal biting, chewing, licking and further aggravating a wound. Hot spot home remedy tips include carefully trimming the hair around the site of the affected area, to keep the coat short and allow air to get it. This can speed up the healing process.
You can also maintain a regular course of flea treatment, to eliminate the possibility of infestation, and try to promote a stress-free environment at home. If your dog’s hot spots have been caused, even partly, by anxiety, reducing noise can help to keep things nice and calm. If your dog has been showing signs of boredom – which might have led them to chewing and licking themselves – keep them entertained with toys and provide lots of exercise.
Bear in mind that healing may take 1-2 weeks to take effect; fur may take 3-4 weeks to grow back fully.
Preventing Hot Spots in Dogs
If your dog’s needed treatment for hot spots, you won’t really want to go through all that again – you’ll be hoping it doesn’t become a recurring problem. So, what can you do to reduce the chances of your dog getting hot spots again?
While there’s no guarantee, there are steps you can take to try to prevent hot spots from making a comeback.
Good hygiene is key. Because hot spots love longer hair, matted hair and wet hair, take great care in grooming your dog. Brush his or her coat regularly, making sure to comb through any snags or clumped bits. Does your dog love to swim? Dry them down thoroughly when they’re out of the water; don’t just leave their hair to dry naturally and gradually as hot spots can manifest on the skin in moist conditions.
Get into the habit of checking your dog’s skin frequently, to look for any signs of early hot spots, and be prepared to act quickly if anything reappears.
While there’s no guarantee, there are steps you can take to try to prevent hot spots from making a comeback.
Good hygiene is key. Because hot spots love longer hair, matted hair and wet hair, take great care in grooming your dog. Brush his or her coat regularly, making sure to comb through any snags or clumped bits. Does your dog love to swim? Dry them down thoroughly when they’re out of the water; don’t just leave their hair to dry naturally and gradually as hot spots can manifest on the skin in moist conditions.
Get into the habit of checking your dog’s skin frequently, to look for any signs of early hot spots, and be prepared to act quickly if anything reappears.
Hot Spots on Dogs Average Cost
From 12 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
Top
Hot Spots on Dogs Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltipoo
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog has a hot spot under his belly by left leg. He keeps licking it. Can I apply vaseline to that area or is there another product I should use
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Since I cannot see that area or what is looks like, I can't say what ointment might help. Hot spots are typically bacterial infections, and often need antibiotics. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 16, 2020
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Siberian Husky
Three Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching,
First I found like a rash on the side of his leg and started using hidrocortizone And it’s better now , but today I found like a hot spot on the tail red it is ok to treated wit the same medication while I get the vet appointment? I’m just worried about it
Sept. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Thick coated breeds like huskies are very prone to hotspots, and the best thing to do for the lesions is to keep them dry. Washing the area twice a day with a gentle chlorhexidine solution like hibiclens and rinsing well may help until you can have him seen by your veterinarian. The cortisone ointment might help keep him from itching it, but probably won't help it heal otherwise. I hope that you were able to have him seen soon and everything goes well for him.
Sept. 11, 2020
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Pomeranian
Two Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy, Dandruff, Shedding, Very Oily Clear Yellowish Puss Coating On Skin In A Spot Where Shes Itchy N Shedding
is this hot spot related n cud this be getting objected? Wound wash stung her n i applied neosporin ointment
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
From your pictures, that is becoming a nasty infection. She probably needs antibiotics, and it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian so they an examine her and see what is causing the problem. They will be able to help get her medications so that her skin is healthy again.
I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 5, 2020
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American Eskimo Dog
Nine Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
My dog has a hot spot that is healing. His vet gave him 2 injections last week - one of them was a steroid. He has been wearing the e-collar since 7/16. He is very persistent when licking an itch, so I am looking for guidance as to when it is safe to take the e-collar off. I don’t want to take it off too soon and be forced to put it back on. I don’t know how to tell whether the hot spot is sufficiently healed.
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. This is a valid concern, definitely. The e-collar is just there to protect it so that he doesn't licking when it is itchy and making it worse. If the medications are starting to kick in, and things are better, he will not bother with the hot spot, and you can take off the e-collar. If it has been a few days since treatment, you should be able to take it off. What you may need to do is take it off, and watch him closely. If he starts to lick excessively, it may need to go back on. If he licks a little bit because he hasn't seen the area in a few days, that is quite normal and may not mean that he needs to have it back on. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 31, 2020
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Rottweiler
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hot Spot
I believe my dog has a hot spot on face. He gets anxious whenever we try to clean it. Do I need to get him an e collar?
July 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
The same question by pet parent has already been answered - recommend going to veterinarian.
July 12, 2020
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Mix
Sallee
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching, Caked Patches Of Skin
I moved to a different house in 2011 and my 4 dogs started itching and loosing their hair. The places they were biting and scratching became red and bleed, then they would loose their hair in those areas.This continued for almost 2 years and vet visits regularly. Three dogs got better, my smallest one continued to have the symptoms which resulted in total hair loss of her entire body from her neck to tail, She looked like an elephant skin dog. It was pitiful. The vet continued to give her steriod shots one a month. She continued to smell horrible, and her body was hot all the time with panting. The vet said she had mange and maybe gotten bite by fleas which got under her skin. Then after another 3 years of her not getting better she referred me to a large Vet school.Went there 3 times they gave her a shot of cytopoint put her on cytopoint and antibiotics. The said she had a horrible yeast infection and did NOT have mange and never had mange.She improved a little bit and some of her hair was growing back in places but she still had the smell and hot body. So I took her to another vet and she given Apoquel and Cytopoint to take every day and a Hydrolyzed dog food which was so expensive. She was getting some better but still not completely. Took her there every 2 weeks for a few months, then went to once a month. I couldn't afford to take her back as often as she needed and couldn't get a refill on the medication although we were trying to treat her for itching and not a real diagnosis. She cries like a child and I know she is uncomfortable and miserable.She takes a tyhroid medication 2 times a day. I am at wit's end and want to know if anyone can help???
Jack Russell Terrier
Cookie
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
Licking
Itching
Dazed
Sad
Loss Of Fur
Dry Patches
Upset
Not quite sure if it is hot spots or not, our dog doesn't really get infections. So im quite confused but it does fit the description. She hadn't been responding to pain or touching the area before, but after a few hours she now won't let us touch the area. It is also growing within hours, im concerned because I don't want her to be in pain and don't really understand what caused this. She looks upset which is further upsetting me.
Hot Spots on Dogs Average Cost
From 12 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
