Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Care
- The Petsus Veterinary Team
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever noticed a sudden red, irritated patch on your pet’s skin, you’re right to be concerned. These raw sores, commonly known as hot spots, can appear seemingly overnight. They are a frequent skin problem in dogs (especially during warm, humid weather), though cats and other pets can develop them too. In this guide, we’ll explain what hot spots are, what causes them, the symptoms to watch for, how to prevent them, and how to help your pet at home and when to see a veterinarian.
What Are Hot Spots?
A hot spot (also called acute moist dermatitis) is a localized skin infection and inflammation. It usually starts as a small itchy patch that your dog can’t stop licking or scratching. It then quickly turns into a larger sore that is red, moist, and painful. The area loses fur and may ooze fluid or pus, sometimes forming a crust as it dries. Hot spots can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re often on the head, neck, hips, or limbs. They tend to feel warm to the touch and can spread rapidly. Although hot spots begin as a surface problem, they can lead to deeper infections if not treated quickly.
Common Causes of Hot Spots in Dogs
Hot spots are usually triggered by something that makes your dog’s skin itch intensely, leading them to chew or scratch and create a sore. Common causes include:
Fleas and other parasites: Flea bites (and other parasites like ticks or mites) cause intense itching that can lead to hot spots.
Allergies: Allergies to food or to things like pollen or mold cause itchy skin, and hot spots can develop where your dog licks or scratches the most.
Infections: An ear infection or a skin infection can make one area extremely itchy (for example, an ear infection might lead to a hot spot near the ear).
Moisture or poor grooming: Moisture trapped in the coat (for example, if a dog isn’t dried well after swimming or has matted fur) irritates the skin and helps bacteria grow, making hot spots more likely.
Boredom, anxiety, or pain: Dogs sometimes lick or chew themselves out of boredom or stress. Pain or discomfort can also make a dog obsessively lick one area. Over time, that constant licking can break the skin and create a hot spot.
Symptoms of Hot Spots
Hot spots are usually easy to recognize once you see the irritated skin. Watch for these signs:
Red, raw skin: A patch of skin that is red and moist (sometimes oozing).
Hair loss or matting: Fur is missing or clumped around the area.
Oozing or crusting: You might see clear fluid, yellow pus, or dried crust on the wound. Sometimes there’s a foul odor if infection is present.
Constant itching or pain: Your dog keeps licking, biting, or scratching that spot and may flinch if you touch it.
Prevention Tips
Preventing hot spots means preventing the underlying irritations and keeping your pet’s skin healthy. Here are some top prevention tips:
Use parasite prevention: Keep your pet on consistent flea and tick prevention year-round. Stopping fleas (and other pests) will remove one of the major triggers of hot spots.
Groom regularly and keep the coat dry: Bathe and brush your dog regularly, and always dry them well after they get wet. Keep their ears clean and dry too.
Manage your dog’s allergies: If your dog has allergies, follow your vet’s guidance (such as special food or medication) to reduce itching. Controlling itchiness at the source will make hot spots much less likely.
Reduce boredom and stress: Give your dog lots of exercise and attention to prevent boredom or anxiety (which can lead to excessive licking).
At-Home Care for Hot Spots
Stop the licking: Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) to keep your dog from licking or biting the area.
Trim the fur: Clip the hair around the sore to help it stay clean and dry (if your dog tolerates it).
Clean the spot: Gently clean the area with a pet-safe antiseptic or clean water, then pat it dry. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or any ointments unless your vet says so.
Watch and wait: Keep the area dry and continue to prevent licking. If it isn’t looking better in a day or two, or is getting worse, see your veterinarian.
When to See the Veterinarian
Some hot spots need professional medical care, especially if they are severe or won’t heal. You should see the vet if:
The hot spot is large, very painful, or rapidly getting worse.
There’s heavy discharge, pus, or a foul smell coming from it.
Your dog is extremely uncomfortable, lethargic, or has a fever.
The hot spot isn’t improving after a few days, or new hot spots keep appearing.
A veterinarian can properly clean and treat the hot spot (often by shaving the area and prescribing needed medications) and help fix the underlying cause, so your dog heals faster.
Most hot spots heal fast with proper care. By staying vigilant and getting vet help when needed, you can keep your pet’s skin healthy and itch-free.