A Hot Spot in dogs – what exactly is it? You might have heard this term in conversations with other dog owners and wondered what lies behind it. In this article, you’ll learn what a Hot Spot in dogs is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

What is a Hot Spot in Dogs?

A Hot Spot is an inflammation of the skin that occurs in a localized and superficial manner. The term comes from the fact that the inflamed skin area can be very hot, red, and often intensely itchy. It forms a usually circular eczema from which an unpleasant-smelling secretion may ooze. The medical term for this skin inflammation is “pyotraumatic dermatitis” or “acute moist dermatitis.” However, veterinarians typically refer to it as a Hot Spot when dealing with patients. Legs, back, and neck are commonly affected, as well as the ears and nose of the dog.

How Does a Hot Spot Develop?

A Hot Spot is not an independent disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition or another cause that triggers itching, leading the dog to scratch, bite, or lick itself. It can result from parasite infestation, allergies, skin injuries, or poor grooming. Food intolerances and ear infections can also lead to a Hot Spot. Dogs under significant stress may cause a Hot Spot by licking or scratching to relieve stress. Scratching or biting worsens the skin irritation, eventually causing inflammation and fluid discharge. The development of a Hot Spot is favored by humid and warm weather.

Common causes include:

Possible Symptoms of a Hot Spot in Dogs

The intensity of scratching, licking, or biting can vary from one dog to another, resulting in differing symptoms.

Possible symptoms include:

Depending on the pain caused by the Hot Spot, your dog may exhibit unusual behavior. For example, it might be tired and lethargic. Continuous itching can also lead to restlessness. If you notice such symptoms in your pet, consult a veterinarian.

Let’s now look at the stages of a Hot Spot, divided into the stages of development.

Early Stage Hot Spot

In the early stage of a Hot Spot, the dog’s skin is superficially irritated. It itches, has a slight ooze, is already somewhat hairless and red, but not yet infected by bacteria. The edge of the Hot Spot sharply demarcates from the surrounding healthy skin. The inflamed area is not thickened but rather flat. A superficial Hot Spot can form within a few hours.

Advanced Stage Hot Spot

An advanced Hot Spot occurs when the affected skin area becomes infected with fungi or bacteria. This can lead to a hair follicle inflammation, also known as folliculitis. This inflammation spreads to the surrounding tissue, causing discomfort and pain for the animal. Visually, the advanced Hot Spot resembles the early stage, but the inflamed area may ooze more or even suppurate. Additionally, the skin is usually somewhat thickened, and the edge may unevenly demarcate from the surrounding tissue.

In the advanced stage of a Hot Spot, antibiotic treatment is often unavoidable. Otherwise, the inflammation may continue to spread.

Healing Stage Hot Spot

After about two to three weeks of intensive care, the Hot Spot gradually recedes. It is crucial that the dog does not come into contact with the wound. Often, this is only possible if the dog wears a collar. After three weeks, the first fur starts to grow back, a positive sign. The dog no longer needs a collar, as the itching has subsided. After another three to four weeks, the area is fully covered with fur again.

Breeds Prone to Hot Spots

While Hot Spots can occur in all dog breeds, certain breeds are more prone to them. Dogs with very thick, dense fur and those with many skin folds are more susceptible.

Some of the more commonly affected breeds include:

Ultimately, any dog that intensively licks a specific spot, irritating it, can develop a Hot Spot. The age of the dog does not play a role in the development of a Hot Spot; it can occur equally in young and old animals.

How to Treat a Hot Spot in Dogs

If you notice a Hot Spot on your dog, it should be promptly treated as it won’t disappear on its own. The top priority is to prevent the dog from licking and scratching to allow the irritated skin to recover. Some dogs become true acrobats when it comes to reaching an itchy spot with their tongue or paws. If your dog cannot be deterred from licking and scratching, it may need to wear a collar or special protective clothing temporarily. Nowadays, there are comfortable alternatives to the hard plastic collars, and most dogs cope well with them. If your dog scratches the inflamed area, putting socks on its feet may help cover the claws.

Your decision depends on various factors:

In the next step, the itching needs to be treated to provide relief for the dog. We all know from personal experience that constant itching is extremely distressing, and one would almost literally want to jump out of the skin. Your pet feels no differently. Therefore, do not take itching lightly. It may be necessary to administer medication to the dog to alleviate the itching.

It is also essential to remove some fur around the wound. This allows air to reach the skin. However, your dog may resist this, as the touch may be uncomfortable or painful for them.

To properly care for the wound and prevent further infection, consult your veterinarian even at the early stage of a Hot Spot. Only they can precisely determine if it is indeed a Hot Spot and take appropriate measures, such as using antibiotics and cortisone ointments. An untreated Hot Spot can quickly worsen, prolonging the healing process – a burden for your pet and for you.

What You Should Never Do with a Hot Spot

An incorrectly treated Hot Spot can quickly escalate into a more significant problem, leading to painful consequences for your pet. Please refrain from attempting any DIY solutions and consult a veterinarian. If the Hot Spot is infected by bacteria or fungi, your dog may need an antibiotic or antifungal medication. In addition to treating the Hot Spot itself, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying cause. A layperson quickly reaches their limits in this regard. It might be a tick bite or a skin abrasion that prompted the dog to lick, but allergies or infestations with parasites are also possible triggers. If the root cause is not resolved, a Hot Spot can recur at any time.

For the Hot Spot to heal, the wound must be allowed to breathe. Therefore, avoid applying anything that would close the skin, such as ointments like Bepanthen or zinc creams, creams, honey, or baby powder. These products prevent the oozing skin from drying, increasing the risk of bacterial infection.

Measures for an Early Stage Hot Spot

If your dog has had a Hot Spot before, and you are familiar with the process, you can take the following steps in the early stages:

These measures apply only if the Hot Spot is still superficial and not infected by bacteria/fungi. If the condition of the wound worsens and/or you are uncertain about the cause of the Hot Spot, consult your veterinarian.

How to Prevent Hot Spots

Equally important as treating Hot Spots is understanding how to prevent them. Good care for your dog is key. This does not mean your dog should be bathed constantly with shampoos; instead, regularly examine its fur for parasites and check for wounds or abrasions. Long fur should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and skin irritation. Use a soft brush for grooming to avoid accidentally injuring the skin, as inflammation can arise from that as well.

Preventing Hot Spots also involves protecting your dog from parasite infestation. Consult your veterinarian for advice, as there are various preventive options such as spot-on treatments.

Additionally, ensure your dog receives high-quality food to prevent allergies and strengthen the immune system.

Ultimately, even with the best precautions, your dog may develop a Hot Spot due to an injury or an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, complete protection is not guaranteed.

Conclusion – Treating Hot Spots in Dogs is Essential

A Hot Spot is not a standalone condition but a symptom. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand and address the root causes during treatment. An early Hot Spot can quickly progress to an advanced stage, causing painful consequences for your dog. Do not hesitate to seek veterinary attention to initiate appropriate treatment and identify the trigger.

If you have pet insurance, you need not worry about the costs. It covers diagnosis, treatment, and necessary medications.

Note: Our article aims to provide general information and initial guidance on Hot Spots in dogs. It is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication for your pet and should not replace veterinary advice.