Spring and summer often bring challenges for dog owners, especially with skin issues like hot spots. This guide will help you understand what hot spots are, their causes, signs to look for, how vets diagnose them, effective treatments, and tips to prevent recurrence. You’ll learn to spot the symptoms early and provide responsible care that soothes your dog’s discomfort.
Hot spots, medically called acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are red, inflamed, moist, and rapidly developing patches on a dog's skin. These lesions can appear suddenly and enlarge quickly because the dog licks, chews, or scratches irritated areas. The saliva and moisture from licking keep the skin damp, leading to bacterial infections and painful sores.
These lesions can be found anywhere on the dog's body but commonly occur on the face, neck, limbs, hips, ears, tail base, and other pressure areas where the dog frequently lies down.
Detecting hot spots early is crucial. Watch for signs such as:
Breeds with floppy ears such as Spaniels may have hot spots under their ears, while areas like the base of the tail can indicate related issues like anal gland problems.
Hot spots generally start from an underlying irritation that causes your dog to lick or chew the skin excessively. Common causes include:
Your veterinary surgeon will take a detailed history, examine the lesions carefully, and may check for underlying issues like fleas or allergies. Diagnosis is primarily clinical but may involve skin scrapings or allergy tests if necessary. Early and accurate diagnosis ensures the right treatment plan.
Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, healing the lesions, and addressing the underlying cause. Standard steps may include:
It’s very important to complete any prescribed medication course, even if the hot spot appears to improve, to fully clear infection and inflammation.
Although not entirely preventable, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk of hot spots:
If your dog shows signs of hot spots, seek veterinary advice promptly. Rapid treatment limits pain and prevents infection spread. Remember, early intervention often leads to faster healing and less stress for your dog.
With attentive care, you can help your dog get relief from hot spots and enjoy the seasons comfortably again.