Why Your Dog Has Hot Spots (and How to Heal Them Fast) | Pupford

If you’ve ever noticed a red, raw, and sometimes oozing patch of skin on your dog that seems to appear almost overnight, you might have discovered a hot spot. These irritating skin sores are common but can be painful for your pup and stressful for you as a pup parent.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hot spots: what they are, what causes them, which dogs are most at risk, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from coming back.

Table of Contents:

1. What Are Hot Spots?
2. What Causes Hot Spots in Dogs?
3. Dog Breeds Prone to Hot Spots
4. How to Treat Hot Spots
5. How to Prevent Hot Spots
6. When To See A Vet

What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are inflamed, infected areas of skin that become red, swollen, and moist. They are usually very itchy and painful, causing dogs to lick, chew, and scratch at the area, which only makes things worse.

Hot spots can range in size from a small, coin-sized sore to large patches that cover significant areas of your dog’s body. They often have the following characteristics:

• Redness and inflammation – the skin appears irritated and warm to the touch.
  
• Oozing or crusting – you might see a sticky discharge that can dry into a scab.
  
• Hair loss – fur around the affected area may fall out or be chewed off.
  
• Odor – due to bacterial infection, hot spots can develop a strong smell.
  

Because of how quickly they can progress, it’s not unusual for a small itchy patch to turn into a large, infected sore within 24–48 hours.

What Causes Hot Spots in Dogs?

Hot spots are almost always secondary problems, meaning something else triggered the initial itch or irritation, and the dog’s licking or scratching turned it into a full-blown sore. The most common causes include:

1. Allergies

• Environmental allergies (pollen, grass, dust mites)
  
• Food allergies (chicken, beef, grains, etc.)
  
• Flea allergy dermatitis – dogs allergic to flea saliva can develop hot spots from a single flea bite.

Allergic dogs are often itchy in multiple areas, but excessive licking can focus on one spot and create a hot spot.

🐶Related Reading: Why is My Dog So Itchy? + Itch Relief Remedies | Pupford

2. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are notorious for causing localized irritation. When your dog bites or scratches to relieve the itch, they break the skin, opening the door for infection.

💡Learn more about flea and tick prevention for your dog!

3. Skin Irritation

Anything that irritates the skin can lead to a hot spot:

• Moisture trapped under a collar or harness
  
• Dirt or debris stuck in the coat
  
• Poor grooming, especially in long-haired breeds

4. Ear or Anal Gland Infections

Hot spots on the face, head, or neck may indicate an underlying ear infection that’s causing your dog to scratch excessively. Hot spots on the rear can sometimes be linked to impacted or infected anal glands, which make dogs lick near the tail or hindquarters.

5. Behavioral Causes: Compulsive Licking & Stress

Some dogs develop hot spots from boredom, stress, or anxiety. This can look like compulsive licking of one area, similar to a human habit like nail-biting. Over time, the constant licking breaks down the skin barrier and causes infection.

🦴Learn more about compulsive licking and displacement behaviors!

Dogs prone to anxiety or with high energy needs (like working breeds) may be more likely to lick excessively when they’re under-stimulated.

Dog Breeds Prone to Hot Spots

Any dog can get a hot spot, but some breeds are more predisposed because of their coat type, skin folds, or predisposition to allergies. These include:

• Golden Retrievers & Labrador Retrievers – dense double coats trap moisture and make hot spots more likely.
  
• German Shepherds – prone to skin allergies and flea sensitivity.
  
• St. Bernards & Newfoundlands – thick coats + drooling can lead to facial hot spots.
  
• Bulldogs, Pugs, Shar-Peis – skin folds provide the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive.

How to Treat Hot Spots

If you suspect your dog has a hot spot, it’s important to act quickly to stop the itch-scratch cycle and allow the skin to heal.

Step 1: Clip & Clean the Area

Gently trim the fur around the hot spot to allow air to reach the wound and make it easier to clean. This step is often done by your vet, as hot spots can be painful and some dogs may react negatively.

Once clipped, clean the area with a vet-approved antiseptic solution or a mild chlorhexidine-based cleanser to remove debris and bacteria.

Step 2: Relieve the Itch & Inflammation

Your veterinarian may prescribe:

• Topical treatments like antimicrobial sprays, soothing creams
  
• Oral antibiotics if the infection is severe
  
• Anti-itch medication or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and break the licking cycle

At home, you can use a vet-approved spray or wipe to soothe the area, but avoid harsh disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.

Step 3: Prevent Further Licking

An Elizabethan collar (cone), inflatable collar, or bodysuit may be needed to prevent your dog from licking or chewing at the spot until it heals.

How to Prevent Hot Spots

Preventing hot spots is all about minimizing the underlying causes and giving your dog a skin-healthy routine.

1. Maintain Good Flea & Tick Control

Since fleas are one of the most common triggers, a consistent parasite prevention routine is key. Talk to your vet about the best year-round flea and tick control for your dog.

2. Keep Your Dog Well-Groomed

• Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair and debris.
  
• Dry your dog thoroughly after swimming or baths to avoid moisture getting trapped against the skin.
  
• Check under collars, harnesses, and around the ears for signs of irritation.

🐶Sign up for our At Home Grooming Course!

3. Address Allergies

If your dog has recurring hot spots, allergies may be the root cause. Your vet may recommend:

• An elimination diet to rule out food allergies
  
• Antihistamines or prescription allergy medications
  
• Special shampoos to soothe itchy skin

🐕Related Reading: A Guide to 7 Proteins in Dog Food: Choosing the Best for Your Dog | Pu – Pupford

4. Provide Mental & Physical Enrichment

For dogs that lick out of boredom or anxiety, increasing exercise and mental stimulation can help. Puzzle toys, regular walks, training sessions, and enrichment games all keep your pup’s mind busy and reduce stress behaviors.

5. Regular Health Checkups

Since ear infections and anal gland issues can cause hot spots in specific areas, routine vet checkups help catch these problems before they lead to secondary skin infections.

When to See a Vet

While mild hot spots can sometimes be managed at home, you should contact your veterinarian if:

• The hot spot is spreading rapidly
  
• Your dog is in significant pain or distress
  
• There is heavy discharge, foul odor, or bleeding
  
• Your dog is lethargic, feverish, or refusing to eat
  

Prompt treatment can prevent the hot spot from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Recap: Hot Spots in Dogs

Hot spots may look alarming, but with quick action and proper care, most heal within a week or two. The key is to address the underlying cause, whether it’s fleas, allergies, moisture, or anxiety, so your pup can stay comfortable and avoid recurrence.

By staying proactive with grooming, health checks, and enrichment, you can reduce your dog’s risk of developing these irritating sores and keep their skin healthy year-round.