Complete Guide to Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatment

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.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

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.

Signs and Symptoms of Hot Spots

Detecting hot spots early is crucial. Watch for signs such as:

• Red, irritated, and moist patches on the skin often with hair loss around the area
• Patch sizes ranging from 2cm to 8cm or more
• Frequent licking, gnawing, or scratching at the affected spots by your dog
• Multiple lesions might be present, especially in long-haired breeds
• Unpleasant odour or pus discharge in advanced cases
• Distress behaviours like restlessness or irritability due to discomfort

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.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hot spots generally start from an underlying irritation that causes your dog to lick or chew the skin excessively. Common causes include:

• Allergies (flea allergy, food allergy, environmental allergens)
• Flea infestations or other parasites
• Excess moisture trapped in dense or long coats, especially after swimming or rainy weather
• Poor grooming and hygiene allowing mats and bacteria to accumulate
• Behavioural issues such as separation anxiety causing excessive licking or chewing
• Injuries or pressure sores often due to arthritis or muscle loss
• Breed predisposition: breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers are more prone

Diagnosing Hot Spots

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 and Care

Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, healing the lesions, and addressing the underlying cause. Standard steps may include:

1. Clipping the hair around the hot spots to expose the skin and allow better air circulation. This might require sedation for anxious dogs.
2. Cleaning the affected area gently with antiseptic solutions like chlorhexidine to remove infection-causing bacteria.
3. Topical medications such as antibiotic and steroid creams prescribed by your vet to reduce inflammation and infection.
4. Oral antibiotics for cases where infection is serious.
5. Preventing self-trauma by using an Elizabethan collar or similar device to stop your dog from licking or chewing the spot.
6. Managing underlying causes, for example, flea control, allergy management, or behaviour modification.

It’s very important to complete any prescribed medication course, even if the hot spot appears to improve, to fully clear infection and inflammation.

Preventing Hot Spots

Although not entirely preventable, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk of hot spots:

• Regular Grooming: Especially for long-haired or dense-coated dogs, grooming helps prevent mats and removes excess undercoat that traps moisture.
• Flea and Worming Programme: Consult your vet to maintain an effective year-round parasite prevention plan.
• Skin Checks: Regularly examine your dog’s coat and skin for early signs of irritation, parasites, or infection.
• Manage Allergies: Work with your vet to identify and manage any allergies your dog might have.
• Behavioural Support: Address anxieties or compulsive behaviours causing excessive licking through training or professional advice.

When to See the Vet

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.