Everything You Need to Know About Hot Spots on Dogs
Editor’s Note: Updated for 2026 with current veterinary guidance, prevention tips, FAQs, and advice on when to contact your veterinarian.
Every summer, dog parents and their furry best friends look forward to spending lots of time in the great outdoors together. But, before you hit the beach, the park, or the hiking trails, it’s a good idea to learn about a common skin issue that many dogs experience, especially during the hotter months: a dog hot spot.
Although hot spots are especially common during warm, humid weather, they can develop at any time of year whenever a dog’s skin becomes irritated and they begin excessive licking, chewing, or scratching.
Chilly was prone to developing hot spots, so over the years, I learned a lot about how to deal with this itchy issue. I’m happy to say that we eventually got the causes of his hot spots under control, so now I know exactly how to bring pups relief as quickly as possible from these common ailments.
The good news? When caught early, most hot spots respond very well to treatment. Even better, understanding what causes them can help prevent them from coming back.
Here’s what every dog parent should know about preventing and treating hot spots.
What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?
So what’s a hot spot? Basically, a hot spot is an area of inflamed, infected skin that’s also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis. Hot spots can happen at any time of year, but they are more common when the air is hot and humid.
Hot spots can appear surprisingly fast. A small irritated area in the morning can become a large, painful sore within 24 to 48 hours if a dog continues licking or chewing at it. Early treatment is one of the best ways to prevent a minor irritation from becoming a serious skin infection.
Hot spots are most common on the face, neck, and thighs, but they can affect any area of the body. Chilly tended to get them on his front leg. If your dog develops a hot spot, you’ll notice patches of fur loss and red, itchy skin. It may ooze a little too. Hot spots develop quickly and can be quite uncomfortable for your dog, but with the right treatment, they usually heal quickly too.
What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?
Hot spots are caused by a bacteria that is usually present on your dog’s skin and mouth. Most of the time, his skin provides enough protection to keep the bacteria at a safe level, but certain conditions allow it to get past those defenses and cause an infection.
Initially, a skin irritant causes your dog to start licking, biting and scratching the area, which leads to skin trauma allowing bacteria to infect and exacerbate the condition.
It’s important to understand this cycle of irritation-infection because there are two issues that need to be addressed – both the hot spot and its underlying cause.
Chilly suffered from skin allergies or atopic dermatitis. Most of his hot spots were caused by his allergic itch (the irritant) and his inability to stop licking a spot on his left front leg. Sometimes he’d lick at it for days, allowing bacteria to infect it which would cause a really nasty open sore!
Chilly would also develop hot spots because of his anxiety. Think of it like a nail-biting habit—people who bite their nails usually do so as a result of feeling anxious. They can’t stop themselves any more than an anxious dog who reacts by licking or chewing.
Besides allergies or anxiety, here are a few common things that can contribute to hot spots:
- Fleas, mites, or other external parasites
- Insect stings or bites
- A wound or scrape
- Fungal infection
- Dry skin
- Pain from a previous injury
Additional factors that may increase a dog’s risk include:
- Environmental allergies (grass, pollen, mold, dust mites)
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Ear infections that cause excessive scratching
- Poor grooming or matted coats
- Swimming without thoroughly drying the coat afterward
- Underlying hormonal conditions that affect skin health
Fortunately, Chilly was treated for his allergies by our veterinarian with Cytopoint, which is a biologic medication that stops his itch for anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Since he started this treatment, he gets far fewer hot spots than he used to.
Because he had the occasional flare-up, I had the perfect fix to help him recover as quickly as possible.
Signs Your Dog Has a Hot Spot
Hot spots often appear suddenly and may include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Moist or oozing sores
- Hair loss around the affected area
- Constant licking, chewing, or scratching
- A foul odor if infection develops
- Pain when the area is touched
- Crusting or scabbing as the wound begins healing
Because hot spots can spread rapidly, it’s best to begin treatment as soon as you notice one developing.
Soothing Treatment for Hot Spots on Dogs
When Chilly develops a hot spot, it usually signals that it’s time for a veterinary appointment to treat his atopic dermatitis.
In the meantime, I treat his hot spot the following way:
- Clean the wounded area.
- Apply Vetericyn Plus® Hot Spot Spray.
- Distract him with a game of fetch or a puzzle toy so he doesn’t lick the treatment away. (Although if he does get in a lap or two, I don’t panic because Vetericyn products are non-toxic and safe if ingested.)
- Once it’s dry, spray Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel.
- Distract him again for about 10 minutes to keep him from licking.
- If I can’t distract him or if it’s time for bed, after I’ve applied Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel, I wrap the wound with gauze. Then I use this cool vet wrap on top of the gauze.
- I remove the wrap in about four hours or in the morning.
I’ve used this treatment for hot spots in dogs quite a few times, and I’m always super impressed by how quickly the wound begins to heal. I can see a difference in just one day! And as you can see, just two days later it’s almost completely healed.
To help keep any allergens and irritants from causing Chilly’s allergies to flare up, I would also make sure to bathe him regularly with Vetericyn FoamCare Shampoo. The medicated formula is just what he needed to minimize itchiness and keep him squeaky clean!
Keep an eye on the hot spot over the next 24 to 48 hours. If it continues growing, develops thick discharge, has a strong odor, or your dog seems painful or lethargic, contact your veterinarian promptly.
What Will My Veterinarian Do to Treat My Dog’s Hot Spots?
My treatment worked just fine for Chilly, but like all treatments, what works for my dog might not work for yours. It’s important you go to your veterinarian if your dog is dealing with recurring hot spots that just won’t go away, even with home remedies.
Your veterinarian may outfit your pooch with an Elizabethan collar or bandaging to prevent further nibbling and scratching at the irritated skin. Next, they’ll work to identify and treat the underlying cause that made the skin susceptible to infection in the first place, such as allergies, parasites, or behavioral issues. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is crucial for preventing future or recurring hot spots.
Depending on the severity of the hot spot, your veterinarian may also perform skin cytology (looking at skin cells under a microscope) to determine whether bacteria or yeast are involved. This helps ensure your dog receives the most appropriate treatment.
If there’s any matted fur surrounding the hot spot, it will be trimmed down until the wound is exposed to the air, which will help it heal quickly. Your veterinarian will then clean the area with a chlorhexidine solution, followed by a soothing topical agent.
Quite often, a hot spot creates the perfect environment for a secondary bacterial infection to take hold. In those cases, your vet may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
In some cases, newer prescription medications that control itching—such as Apoquel® or Cytopoint®—may be recommended if allergies are contributing to recurring hot spots. Your veterinarian can help determine which option is best for your dog.
How Can You Prevent Hot Spots on Dogs?
To prevent hot spots on dogs, you’ll need to identify and address the underlying cause of your dog’s itching. This could involve parasite prevention, managing allergies, treating other skin conditions, or even dealing with anxiety, as I did with Chilly.
You can also do the following:
- If you haven’t already, see your veterinarian about addressing parasite prevention and/or allergies
- Maintain good hygiene and regular grooming.
- Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair and improve air circulation through the coat, especially if they have a thick or double coat.
- Dry your dog’s coat thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
- Pay special attention to the ears, armpits, groin, and between skin folds, where moisture tends to become trapped.
- Increase daily exercise and mental stimulation to reduce stress or boredom.
- Use puzzle toys or slow-feed bowls for mental engagement.
- Supplement your dog’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish oil. This provides anti-inflammatory properties against plenty of skin infections and promotes a healthy skin barrier.
- Feed a complete, balanced diet that supports healthy skin and coat health. Dogs with chronic skin problems may benefit from prescription diets or veterinarian-approved supplements.
- Apply pet-safe aloe vera to soothe and decrease itching on your dog’s body.
What Dog Breeds Are Prone to Getting Hot Spots?
Dogs with allergies, fleas, parasites, and skin or ear infections are prone to getting hot spots. But dog breeds with thicker coats and those genetically predisposed are often more prone to developing hot spots. Breeds such as Golden retrievers, English bulldogs, and German shepherds are commonly affected due to their skin conditions, including hot spots.
Breeds like St. Bernards, Labradors, Rottweilers, and Tibetan mastiffs are also prone to hot spots, mainly because of their dense fur that can retain moisture and heat, which creates a prime environment for hot spots to develop.
While any breed can develop a hot spot, dogs with long, dense coats or underlying allergies tend to experience them more often.
Are Canine Hot Spots Contagious for Other Dogs, Pets, or Humans?
A dog’s hot spot is not contagious to other dogs, pets, or humans. It may spread quickly on the affected dog due to bacteria, but it won’t transfer to others in the household. However, if the hot spot is caused by fungal or parasitic infections, then it may spread to your other pets. In such cases, take precautions to protect all pets and family members by managing the condition with veterinary guidance and maintaining good hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Spots on Dogs
Can a Dog’s Hot Spot Heal on Its Own?
Some very small hot spots may improve if the dog completely stops licking the area. However, because dogs rarely leave irritated skin alone, most hot spots continue to worsen without treatment. Early intervention usually results in faster healing and less discomfort.
Should I Cover My Dog’s Hot Spot?
Most veterinarians recommend allowing hot spots to remain open to the air whenever possible. If your dog won’t stop licking the area, your veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar, inflatable recovery collar, or light bandaging in certain situations.
Can I Put Hydrogen Peroxide or Alcohol on a Hot Spot?
No. Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Instead, use a veterinarian-recommended wound cleanser or antimicrobial product specifically designed for pets.
How Long Does It Take a Hot Spot to Heal?
Most uncomplicated hot spots begin improving within 24 to 72 hours of appropriate treatment and typically heal within one to two weeks, depending on their size and underlying cause.
When Should I Call My Veterinarian?
Contact your veterinarian if:
- The hot spot is larger than a few inches
- It continues growing rapidly
- There is pus or a foul odor
- Your dog seems painful or lethargic
- Your dog develops repeated hot spots
- The area isn’t improving within 48 hours
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Treating Hot Spots
Avoid these common mistakes that can slow healing:
- Using human creams or ointments without veterinary guidance
- Allowing your dog to continue licking the wound
- Skipping treatment because the sore “looks better”
- Ignoring the underlying cause of the itching
- Using harsh disinfectants like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Waiting too long to contact your veterinarian if the wound worsens
The Final Woof
Once you know what to look for and how to treat hot spots if they happen, you’re ready to enjoy lots of summer fun with your tail-wagging friend at your side.
My golden retriever has a large hot spot under on his neck. Our vet is treating it and it is slowly starting to heal. But he has not slept in 4 days. I think when he rests his head the swollen area bothers him. What can we do? . It is very distressing to watch him. He is exhausted and can just about stand. But still won’t sleep. When he does eventually rest his head ,he jearks his head and shakes it.