Hot Spots on Dogs

Hot spots are well-defined, raw, red, moist lesions that can ooze or crust and are warm and painful to the touch. The fur around them is often damp or matted, and they can grow noticeably larger within hours as the dog continues to worry at the area. They appear most often on the head, neck, hips, and the base of the tail.

Hot spots start with something itchy or irritating; then self-trauma makes it worse. Common triggers include:

• Flea or other parasite bites
• Food or environmental allergies
• Trapped moisture (after swimming or baths)
• Ear infections or anal gland problems
• Matted fur
• Boredom or anxiety-driven licking

They are more common in thick-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, St. Bernards) and in warm, humid weather.

A typical treatment plan: gently clip the fur around the lesion so it can dry and breathe, clean it with a vet-approved antiseptic, and apply prescribed topical or oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to control infection and itch. An e-collar (cone) stops licking so the skin can heal.

Critically, the vet also identifies and treats the underlying cause — fleas, allergy, ear infection — because hot spots keep coming back without that step. Avoid applying human creams or ointments unless your vet directs you.

• Keep up year-round flea and tick prevention.
• Groom and dry your dog thoroughly, especially after swimming or baths.
• Manage known allergies with your vet's help.
• Treat ear infections promptly.
• Give bored or anxious dogs more exercise and mental enrichment.