If your dog is constantly scratching, licking, or chewing at one spot until the fur is gone and the skin looks raw, you might be dealing with a hot spot. Also called acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are painful, inflamed patches of skin that can appear suddenly and get worse fast if you don’t step in. In Canada, where shifting seasons bring humidity, wet coats, and changing allergens, hot spots are a common problem for many pet owners.
This guide covers the main causes, signs to watch for, and the most effective hot spot treatments for dogs. You’ll also find vet-approved solutions, at-home care tips, and prevention strategies to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Recognizing a Hot Spot
The first step in protecting your pet is knowing what to look for. Hot spots on dogs usually show these symptoms:
- Red, Inflamed Skin: The area looks irritated and often turns a bright, angry red.
- Oozing or Discharge: Hot spots are usually moist and may leak clear fluid, yellow pus, or even a little blood.
- Intense Itching: Your dog will likely scratch, lick, or chew the area nonstop, which only makes things worse.
- Hair Loss: The fur around the spot may become matted or fall out, exposing raw skin.
- Pain or Sensitivity: Even light pressure might hurt. Your dog may flinch or whimper if you touch the spot.
You’ll often see them on the neck, hips, thighs, and near the tail. Breeds with thick or long coats, like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, are more at risk since trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria.
Hot spots are sometimes confused with other skin problems, like ringworm or a basic rash on dogs from environmental irritants. The difference is that hot spots are usually moist, grow quickly, and are very itchy and painful.
What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?
Knowing what triggers them can help you prevent flare-ups in the future. Common causes include:
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Allergies (Food or Environmental)
Dogs with allergies often scratch or lick excessively, which breaks the skin and causes dermatitis. Pollen, dust, mould, or even certain proteins in food can set it off.
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Fleas, Ticks, and Insect Bites
Parasites are a big culprit. For some dogs, even one flea bite can spark a severe reaction and a fast-growing hot spot.
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Wet Coats and Poor Grooming
When fur stays damp after swimming, baths, or snowy walks, bacteria thrive. If combined with infrequent grooming, a mild rash on dogs can quickly escalate into a painful hot spot.
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Stress or Boredom
Sometimes it’s not a physical issue at all. Dogs may lick or chew out of anxiety or boredom, damaging their own skin and triggering dermatitis.
In Canada, summer humidity increases moisture-related hot spots, while winter’s salt and snow can irritate the skin and lead to excessive licking.
When to See a Vet
Mild irritation can sometimes be handled at home, but it’s time to see a vet if:
- The sore is spreading fast
- There’s heavy oozing, swelling, or pain
- Your dog seems tired or runs a fever
- It hasn’t improved after 24-48 hours of home care
Leaving dermatitis on dogs untreated can lead to:
- Severe Infection: Hot spots create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can spread deeper into the skin.
- More Pain: Without treatment, the discomfort will intensify, making your dog miserable.
- Permanent Scarring: Serious or untreated hot spots can leave lasting marks.
- Systemic Illness: In rare cases, a severe infection can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
At York Veterinary Hospital, we check the root cause, create a personalized dermatitis treatment plan, and get your dog relief quickly. During the visit, expect:
- A full skin check and possible tests (like skin scrapings or cultures)
- Clipping and cleaning of the affected area
- Prescription hot spot treatments based on the severity
- Tips on preventing future outbreaks
Vet-Recommended Treatments
Acting fast makes a huge difference. Standard hot spot treatment for dogs usually includes:
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Cleaning and Drying
The fur around the area is shaved or clipped, then gently cleaned with an antiseptic solution and dried thoroughly to stop bacteria in their tracks.
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Medicated Sprays or Creams
Vets often use topical treatments containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to calm irritation, fight infection, and help the skin heal.
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Oral Medications
In more severe cases, oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatories may be needed to control the infection and swelling.
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E-Collars (Cones)
To keep your dog from licking or scratching, a cone or soft E-collar may be recommended. It’s simple but speeds up healing by letting the skin recover undisturbed.
Home Care Tips After the Vet Visit
After the vet visit, your role is just as important as the vet’s when it comes to healing. To help the hot spot clear up:
- Keep It Clean and Dry: Clean twice a day with a mild antiseptic and gently pat it dry.
- Follow Medication Instructions: Give all meds exactly as prescribed, and don’t stop early, even if it looks healed.
- Watch for Changes: Improvement should show within days. If it looks worse or doesn’t get better, call your vet.
- Manage Allergies: If allergies are the cause, your vet may suggest dietary changes or testing to pinpoint the trigger.
- Dry Thoroughly after Baths or Swims: Prevent moisture build-up that can lead to new hot spots.
Preventing Future Hot Spots
The best treatment is prevention. Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of hot spots:
- Regular Grooming: Brush your dog often to remove dead hair and let the skin breathe. Long-haired breeds benefit from routine professional grooming.
- Parasite Prevention: Keep your dog on flea and tick preventives year-round. It’s one of the best defenses against dermatitis.
- Manage Allergies: Work with your vet to identify triggers. Options include antihistamines, special diets, or even allergy shots.
- Keep Coats Dry: Dry your dog thoroughly after swimming, baths, or snowy walks, especially if they have a dense coat.
- Reduce Stress: Provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise to avoid stress-induced licking. Puzzle toys and daily walks work wonders.
Hot spots on dogs can be painful and stressful, but with quick action and proper care, they’re usually easy to manage. As a pet owner, your attention to early signs, along with good communication with your vet, makes all the difference.
By understanding what causes hot spots, recognizing the symptoms, and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable. If you notice a hot spot or are worried about any rash on dogs, don’t wait; reach out to York Veterinary Hospital. We’re here to help your pet heal and get back to wagging their tail happily again.
