Have you ever noticed a red, oozing patch of skin suddenly appear on your dog? If so, you might have encountered one of the most common skin problems in veterinary medicine—hot spots in dogs.
These sore, irritated areas can develop quickly and become very painful for your pet. Fortunately, with prompt treatment and the right care, they usually heal well. In this post, we’ll cover what hot spots are, what causes them, how to recognise them, and how they’re treated.
What Are Hot Spots in Dogs?
Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are inflamed, infected areas of skin that often start off small but can grow rapidly. They’re caused when your dog scratches, licks, or chews an area excessively—usually in response to an itch or irritation.
The result is a moist, red, painful sore that often becomes infected with bacteria.
What Causes Hot Spots in Dogs?
Hot spots in dogs are usually secondary to something else that causes itching or discomfort. Common underlying triggers include:
- Fleas – even a single bite can cause intense itchiness in allergic dogs
- Allergies – including food allergies, pollen, grass, and dust mites
- Ear infections – especially in dogs who scratch behind their ears
- Poor grooming or matted fur – especially in long-haired breeds
- Moisture trapped in the coat – e.g. after swimming or bathing
- Stress or boredom – leading to obsessive licking or chewing
- Insect bites or wounds
Breeds with thick coats (like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds) are especially prone to developing hot spots, particularly during warm or humid weather.
How to Recognise Hot Spots
Hot spots in dogs usually appear as:
- A red, raw, and moist area of skin
- A hairless patch (dogs often lick or chew off the hair)
- Oozing or crusting from the surface
- A bad smell due to bacterial infection
- Your dog may be scratching, biting, or rubbing the area constantly
Common locations include the cheeks, neck, hips, and thighs—but they can occur anywhere on the body.
Hot spots often develop very quickly, sometimes within hours, and they can be incredibly painful, which is why veterinary treatment is essential.
Treatment
- Veterinary Examination
The first step is to identify the hot spot and check for any underlying cause such as fleas, ear infections, or allergies. - Clipping and Cleaning
Your vet will clip away the surrounding hair to expose the area and allow it to dry. The lesion is then gently cleaned and disinfected. In most cases your pet will need to be sedated to allow the clipping and cleaning, because these hot spots are very painful. - Medications
- Topical treatments – antibiotic or anti-inflammatory sprays or creams
- Oral medications – antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories (cortisone) may be prescribed in more severe cases
- Anti-itch treatment – such as Apoquel or Cytopoint may be needed if allergies are suspected
- Preventing Licking
An Elizabethan collar (cone) or pet t-shirt is often necessary to stop your dog from licking the area while it heals. - Addressing the Underlying Cause
Whether it’s fleas, allergies, poor grooming, or anxiety—addressing the root cause is key to preventing future hot spots.
Can You Prevent Hot Spots?
Yes! Preventing hot spots in dogs starts with good general care:
- Keep up with flea prevention all year round
- Dry your dog thoroughly after baths or swimming
- Groom regularly, especially for long-coated breeds
- Address underlying allergies or skin conditions early
- Ensure your dog has mental stimulation and exercise
- Use parasite control products from your vet to avoid skin flare-ups
In Summary
Hot spots in dogs are painful and frustrating for both pets and their owners—but they’re treatable. If you notice a red, moist sore on your dog’s skin, don’t wait—get in touch with us right away. Early treatment leads to faster healing and less discomfort.
If your dog is prone to skin problems, our team can help with tailored prevention plans, dietary advice, or allergy testing.
