Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes and Home Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Hot spots appear fast and can double in size in a day. They hurt, and dogs tend to make them worse.

What they are

A hot spot is a localized skin infection and inflammation that develops when a dog traumatizes an itchy area. Moisture and bacteria thrive under matted fur, producing a raw, oozing patch.

Signs

• Red, wet or crusty patch
• Hair loss
• Oozing or pus
• Bad smell
• Pain when touched
• Constant licking or chewing

Common sites include the hips, neck, cheeks and base of the tail.

Causes

• Fleas. See flea allergy dermatitis in dogs
• Allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Anal gland discomfort. See anal gland problems in dogs
• Wet coats after swimming or baths
• Matted fur
• Boredom or anxiety leading to licking
• Pain such as joint problems

Why dogs get them

Heavy-coated and water-loving breeds, such as Labradors, golden retrievers and Saint Bernards, are prone. Warm, humid weather increases risk.

What your vet may do

• Clip hair around the area
• Clean with antiseptic solutions
• Prescribe topical or oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication
• Provide a cone
• Investigate the underlying cause

Deep infections need more treatment. See pyoderma in dogs.

First aid before the vet

1. Stop the licking with a cone or soft collar. See dog cone alternatives.
2. Gently clip hair if your dog allows, using blunt scissors or clippers.
3. Clean with lukewarm water and a vet-approved antiseptic.
4. Dry the area.
5. Call your vet, since painful or large lesions need medication.

Do not apply human creams, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or ointments without advice.

Healing

Most hot spots improve within days of proper treatment, but the skin may take a couple of weeks to recover. Keep the area clean and protected.

Prevention

• Keep up with flea prevention.
• Dry your dog thoroughly after swimming and bathing. See how to dry a dog after a bath.
• Brush regularly to prevent mats. See how to brush a dog properly.
• Manage allergies.
• Provide exercise and enrichment.

When to see a vet quickly

Go if the lesion is large, spreading fast, very painful, smells foul, comes with fever or lethargy or affects the face.

Common mistakes

• Leaving the lesion uncovered and licked.
• Using human products.
• Ignoring the cause.
• Waiting too long.

Troubleshooting

• The spot keeps returning: investigate allergies and fleas.
• It looks better but smells: infection may persist.
• My dog removes the cone: ask about other protective options.

A simple plan

1. Protect and clean.
2. See your vet.
3. Treat the cause.
4. Prevent recurrence.

Real-life examples

A Labrador develops a hot spot after a swim, and prompt cleaning and drying avoids a repeat. A golden retriever with flea allergy gets recurring spots until fleas are controlled. A terrier licks his hip because of pain, and treating arthritis helps. The cause drives the cure.

Keeping skin healthy

Regular grooming and parasite prevention keep skin in good shape.

When hot spots point to pain

Some dogs lick one spot over a sore joint, a painful hip or an infected anal gland. If a hot spot appears repeatedly in the same place, ask your vet to look for an underlying source of discomfort. Treating pain often ends the licking.

Grooming for prevention

Long-coated dogs benefit from regular trimming of thick areas and prompt drying after swimming. Remove mats gently, or ask a groomer for help. A clean, dry coat leaves less room for bacteria.

The takeaway

Hot spots need cleaning, protection and treatment of the cause. Call your vet for anything large or painful.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.