Hey there, pet parents. Have you ever left your dog for the day and they were perfectly fine, only to come home to a raw, red, oozing, and painful patch of skin that seems to have appeared out of nowhere? If so, you've likely encountered a Hot Spot. These nasty skin lesions can develop incredibly quickly and are very common, especially in thick-coated breeds.
What is a Hot Spot?
A hot spot, technically known as Acute Moist Dermatitis or Pyotraumatic Dermatitis, is a localized, rapidly developing skin infection.
Here's the process:
- •Something triggers an itch: This could be anything - a flea bite, an underlying allergy, a bug bite, or moisture trapped in the coat after swimming.
- 1The dog starts to traumatize the area: The dog licks, chews, and scratches at the itchy spot.
- 2A vicious cycle begins: The trauma from the licking and scratching damages the surface of the skin, causing it to become even more itchy and inflamed. This also creates a warm, moist environment that is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria (usually Staphylococcus).
- 3The infection takes hold: The bacteria multiply, and a full-blown, painful, oozing infection develops.
This whole cycle can happen in a matter of hours. The self-trauma is what creates the hot spot.
Breeds Prone to Hot Spots
While any dog can get a hot spot, they are much more common in dogs with thick, dense coats that can trap moisture, such as:
- •Golden Retrievers
- •Labrador Retrievers
- •German Shepherds
- •Newfoundlands
- •Bernese Mountain Dogs
They are also more common in dogs with underlying allergies (atopic dermatitis).
Spotting the Signs
You can't miss a hot spot once it's established.
- •A well-defined area of red, raw, and inflamed skin.
- •The area is moist and often has a sticky, pus-like discharge.
- •The hair over the lesion is often matted down by the discharge.
- •The spot is very painful to the touch.
- •The dog is intensely focused on licking and chewing the area.
Hot spots can appear anywhere, but they are commonly found on the hip, flank, or neck.
Treatment: Breaking the Itch-Scratch Cycle
The key to treating a hot spot is to break the vicious cycle of self-trauma and to treat the underlying bacterial infection.
The "Clip and Clean"
This is the most important step.
- •Clip the Hair: Your vet will need to shave all the hair away from the hot spot and the surrounding area. This is crucial because it allows the air to get to the lesion so it can dry out, and it prevents the surrounding hair from sticking to the wound. This step can be painful, so your dog may need to be sedated.
- 1Clean the Area: The lesion is then thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution, like chlorhexidine, to remove the bacteria and debris.
Medical Treatment
- •Topical Medications: Your vet may prescribe a topical spray or cream that contains an antibiotic and a steroid to reduce inflammation and treat the infection.
- •Oral Medications: For larger or deeper hot spots, oral antibiotics and oral steroids (like prednisone) are often needed to get the infection and inflammation under control.
- •The Cone of Shame (E-Collar): It is absolutely essential that the dog is prevented from licking the area. An Elizabethan collar is a must!
With aggressive treatment, most hot spots will dry up and heal within a week or two.
Prevention: Getting to the Root of the Itch
A hot spot is a symptom of an underlying trigger. To prevent them from recurring, you need to identify and address the initial cause of the itch.
- •Flea Control: Make sure your dog is on a high-quality, year-round flea preventative. This is the #1 cause of itch in dogs.
- •Allergy Management: If your dog has underlying environmental or food allergies, working with your vet to manage the allergies is key.
- •Grooming: For thick-coated dogs, regular grooming and brushing can help prevent matting.
- •Drying After Swimming: If your dog is a swimmer, make sure to dry their coat thoroughly, especially in the summer.
If you see a hot spot starting, take your dog to the vet right away. The sooner you start treatment, the smaller the spot will be and the faster it will heal.
Sources & Further Reading:
- •VCA Animal Hospitals - Hot Spots in Dogs
- 1American Kennel Club - Treating, Curing, and Preventing Hot Spots on Dogs