What is a Hot Spot in Dogs?

Hot spots are a skin condition common among dogs but can set off all kinds of protective, paw-parent alarm bells. 

Everyone knows that a dog is more than just a cute cuddle companion. It’s a beloved extension of your family whose health is just as important to you as your own. So, when an unrecognizable skin issue seems to pop up out of the blue, you’ll want to be armed with knowledge.

Good news: You’ve come to the right place. 

Below you’ll find information about what a dog hot spot is, how to recognize and treat it, and the steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t happen again. 

So, what is a hot spot in dogs?

Hot Spots Defined 

Hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis, are skin problems that can occur as a result of excessive irritation to a specific area of your dog’s body. They commonly develop on the head, limbs, or neck of your animal, and they’re extremely painful and itchy. 

Unlike an insect bite, which fades over time, hot spots can quickly worsen if left untreated.

How to Recognize a Hot Spot

Since occasional red spots and itchiness are common among canines, it can be easy to overlook a hot spot in the early stage. Small, irritated patches can go undetected by most dog owners, especially in long-haired breeds. 

Do you think your dog may be suffering from acute moist dermatitis? Hot spots are localized lesions characterized by:

• Redness and swelling 
• Hair loss 
• Scabs
• Open sores
• Bleeding or discharge
• Unpleasant odor near the wound site
• Damp, matted hair
• Pain
• Itchiness

Do any of these seem to describe your pet? 

If so, it may be a good time to contact your local veterinarian to have a closer examination. If you’re unsure, it’s best to keep an eye on your pup and try to prevent any further skin irritation by discouraging them from scratching or licking the area. 

Although they’re not a life-threatening emergency, hot spots are painful, itchy, uncomfortable, and problematic. The pain and itch of hot spots can be both relieved and worsened by continuous scratching. Dogs attempt to self-soothe through excessive licking or scratching, which only leads to more discomfort. 

Hot spots left untreated may become susceptible to bacterial infections. Although they’re often localized to one area of the body, in more severe cases, hot spots can spread across large areas of an affected animal. 

Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and perform regular checks to avoid these issues and catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat.

Identifying the cause of a hot spot is one of the best ways to prevent it from recurring in your pet. Not exactly sure what causes hot spots on dogs? Generally, this type of skin irritation shows up in high temperatures and heavy moisture. Certain breeds may also be more susceptible to hot spots, particularly those with long, thick fur.

Dog types that are commonly affected by hot spots include¹:

• Golden retrievers
• German shepherds
• Saint Bernards
• Collies

Other factors, such as allergies or insect bites, may also cause hot spots. Here are some of the most common causes of hot spots in dogs:

• Allergies - fleas, foods, seasonal, environmental
• Lingering moisture after a swim or bath
• Excessive licking as a result of boredom or stress
• Ear infections
• Inflamed anal gland
• Parasites such as sarcoptic mange²

Consult with your veterinarian in order to pinpoint the most likely cause of irritation and, once diagnosed, move forward with a proper hot spot treatment and prevention plan from there.

In some cases, vets will perform a skin cytology to determine if the skin lesion turned into an infected hot spot on your dog. Depending on the findings and the severity of your dog’s case, some treatments will follow different trajectories than others. 

Dogs suffering from mild to moderate cases of hot spots will typically undergo treatment plans including the following:

• Clipping the fur surrounding the irritated area – Whether you can carefully perform this at home with clippers specifically designed for pet hair or if you’d prefer to entrust your vet with this task, clearing the hot spot of any irritants, like fur, is essential to the healing process. 

• Wearing a recovery collar– If your dog has hot spots and can’t seem to stop licking or scratching them, the vet may suggest wearing a recovery collar (i.e., an Elizabethan collar) to prevent further harm.

• Cleaning the affected area – Using our antibacterial shampoo or a gentle, veterinarian-recommended cleaner are just a couple of options available to keep the site clean of any dirt, debris, or grime that could cause symptoms to worsen.

• Applying a topical spray or gel – An antimicrobial hot-spot spray that is safe for use around your dog's eyes, nose, ears, and mouth may be applied three to four times daily until the symptoms show signs of improvement. Additionally, an antimicrobial hydrogel can be added for additional soothing and protection.

In more serious cases, vets may prescribe steroids or antibiotics to be taken for three to four weeks. In most cases, owners can expect to see improvement in their pets’ condition within three to seven days of the start of regular treatment. 

Now that your favorite canine companion’s hot spot has been resolved, let’s make sure it doesn’t creep back any time soon. 

Follow these preventative measures to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and hot-spot-free: 

• Practice regular grooming – Keep your fur baby clean by scheduling regular grooming sessions with your local groomer or by rolling your sleeves up and taking care of it at home. Consider a medicated shampoo to bolster your pet’s natural immune system to help fight off any future skin issues. 
• Stay dry – Damp dogs can be a breeding ground for all sorts of unwanted skin problems, including hot spots. After each at-home bath, or if your dog is an active swimmer, be sure to dry them off completely to combat moisture-loving skin issues and bacteria. 
• Ensure regular exercise – Some dogs will find themselves itching and licking excessively just to pass the time. Carve out more time in your schedule for you and your dog to exercise and play. Staying active is important for your dog’s overall health, not just for fighting off hot spots. If you need to, consider hiring a dog walker to come a few times a week so your pup can be even more active.
• Identify and treat allergies – Does your dog have any food or environmental allergies? If you’re not sure, consider getting them tested to weed this out as a possible cause of hot spots. Getting them access to the proper diet or allergy medications they need could be an effective strategy in preventing future flare-ups. 

Rest assured, hot spots are a common problem among dogs and, most of the time, are easily treatable. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue doing your part as a pet owner to make sure it doesn’t become a recurring issue. 

Vetericyn cares and created a select line of pet products specially crafted to treat and prevent an array of skin problems across species. Not only do they soothe aggravating itches, but they are also safe if ingested. Noticing similar symptoms in your cat? At Vetericyn, we are here to help you understand what causes hot spots in cats and the best cat hot spot treatments. 

Keep your dog’s hot spots at bay and your mind at ease with Vetericyn. Visit Amazon, Petco, Chewy to shop your favorite Vetericyn products today! 

Sources: 

1. Clinician’s Brief. Acute Moist Dermatitis. https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/acute-moist-dermatitis

2. PetMD. Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_sarcoptic_mange

3. American Kennel Club. Treating and Preventing Hot Spots on Dogs. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-and-preventing-hot-spots-on-dogs/

4. Hoffmann H. Hot spots on dogs: Causes, treatment, and home remedies. PetMD. Updated 2025. Accessed October 21, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/hot-spots-dogs