As dog parents, we know that our dogs can’t always tell us what’s wrong, so it often falls on us to pick up on the small signs that something isn’t right. One of the most common yet often alarming skin issues that dogs face is a condition called hot spots. These are not just harmless patches of irritated skin but they can develop rapidly, cause intense discomfort, and if left untreated, turn into painful infections that impact your dog’s overall well-being. So, if you’ve ever noticed your pup suddenly fixating on one area, licking or scratching until the skin looks raw and moist, you’ve probably witnessed a hot spot forming.
Well, in this blog, we’ll cover exactly that and walk through everything you need to know about hot spots in dogs like what causes them in the first place, the symptoms you should never ignore, and most importantly, how you can use gentle herbal remedies and some natural care techniques to soothe your dog at home.
What Exactly Are Hot Spots in Dogs?
Hot spots in dogs are sore, red patches of skin that suddenly appear and quickly get worse if not treated. They are also called acute moist dermatitis by vets. These spots look wet, irritated, and sometimes even have pus or a bad smell. At first, they may just look like a small red bump or a bit of itching, but what makes hot spots especially tricky is how quickly they escalate. A spot that starts out the size of a coin can spread in a matter of hours, leaving behind a sore patch of skin that oozes, smells, and makes your dog restless.
The name 'hot spot' itself comes from the fact that the skin feels warm to the touch due to the inflammation underneath ansd the main reason they spread so fast is because dogs keep licking, biting, or scratching the area. Your dog does this because the spot feels itchy or uncomfortable, but the more they touch it, the worse it gets. Their saliva keeps the skin moist, and bacteria multiply in that damp area. So what started as a small irritation can quickly turn into an infection. Many pet parents notice that a patch that looked fine in the morning can turn into a big sore by the end of the day.
Hot spots usually show up in places where moisture gets trapped, like around the ears, neck, belly, or thighs. Dogs with thick or long fur like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors tend to get them more often. But even short-haired dogs can develop hot spots, especially in hot and humid weather.
It’s also important to know that hot spots are not just random skin problems. They are often signs of something else going on in your dog’s body, such as allergies, fleas, insect bites, infections, or even stress. That’s why treating the sore is only part of the solution as you also need to figure out what caused it in the first place. But while they may look alarming, the good news is that hot spots are treatable, and with the right care, your dog can heal comfortably without long-term issues.
What Are the Causes of Hot Spots in Dogs?
Hot spots don’t just appear out of nowhere. Hence, understanding the causes is very important because if you only treat the sore but don’t remove the trigger, the hot spots may keep coming back.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the biggest triggers for hot spots in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to many different things. Some dogs are sensitive to ingredients in their food like chicken, beef, wheat, or dairy, while others react to environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, or dust mites. Even a flea bite can cause an extreme reaction in some dogs, known as flea allergy dermatitis.
Naturally, dogs will lick and scratch themselves to find relief. But this scratching damages the skin, and once the protective barrier is broken, bacteria quickly enter, leading to hot spots.
Moisture and Humidity
Moisture is another factor. Dogs with thick coats, especially in humid weather, are more likely to suffer from this. As moisture trapped under the fur creates the perfect warm and damp environment for bacteria to grow. This is why hot spots are so common in the summer months or in regions with high humidity. Breeds with dense double coats, like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds, are at higher risk. Even a simple habit like lying on wet ground for too long can trigger a hot spot if the skin stays moist.
Insect Bites
Insects such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and mites can cause small bites that make your dog itch. For some dogs, even one bite can set off a chain reaction. When your dog scratches or chews at the bite site, the irritation spreads, and soon a small bump becomes a raw, open sore. Flea infestations are particularly dangerous because constant biting and scratching at flea bites often lead to multiple hot spots across the body. This is why flea and tick prevention is so important for healthy skin.
Skin Infections or Wounds
Sometimes hot spots develop from something as simple as a small scratch, cut, or pre-existing skin infection. Instead of healing naturally, they lick them, trying to heal them, but in reality, this makes the wound worse. Over time, bacteria build up, turning what could have been a minor wound into a painful hot spot.
Poor Grooming and Matted Fur
Dogs with long or thick coats need regular grooming. When brushing is skipped, tangles and mats form in the fur. These mats pull at the skin and trap dirt and moisture underneath, making the skin beneath them very sensitive and prone to infection. Hot spots often form under these mats because the skin cannot breathe properly. In some cases, pet parents don’t even notice the hot spot until the mat is trimmed away, by which time the sore has grown.
Stress
Not all hot spots are caused by physical triggers, sometimes the cause is emotional. Dogs sometimes lick or chew their skin when they are anxious, stressed, or simply bored. This behavior is similar to how some people bite their nails. Over time, constant licking of one spot leads to skin damage and eventually a hot spot.
Ear or Anal Gland Problems
Sometimes hot spots form because of hidden health issues that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, dogs with chronic ear infections often scratch around their ears and head, leading to sores in that area. Similarly, problems with anal glands, such as infection or impaction, make dogs lick or chew near their tail, which can cause hot spots to appear there.
What Are Some Main Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs?
Red, Inflamed Skin
The very first sign of a hot spot is redness. The skin in that area looks irritated, warm to the touch, and more sensitive than usual. Unlike a simple rash, hot spots have a sharp, inflamed and raw appearance and can grow larger in a short time. Some dogs may flinch if you touch the spot because it’s already painful.
Moist, Oozing Patches
As the condition worsens, the skin becomes moist and may start to ooze pus or fluid. This is why hot spots are also called moist dermatitis. The sore may look wet and sticky, and the surrounding fur often becomes matted from the discharge. Sometimes, the moisture has a foul smell, which is a clear sign of bacterial infection.
Hair Loss Around the Area
Hot spots often cause hair to fall out around the sore. At first, the fur looks thinner because of constant licking or scratching, but as the infection spreads, larger bald patches appear. This makes the spot more noticeable, even under thick coats.
Constant Licking, Chewing, or Scratching
One of the clearest signs that your dog has a hot spot is their behavior. Dogs with hot spots can’t leave the sore alone. They lick, chew, and scratch at it obsessively because it feels itchy and irritating. Unfortunately, this behavior makes the wound worse and speeds up the spread of infection.
Some Herbal and Natural Remedies for Hot Spots in Dogs
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is one of the best-known skin healers as it has cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that reduce swelling and itching. You can apply a thin layer directly to the hot spot twice a day.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil not only moisturizes dry skin but also contains lauric acid, which kills bacteria and fungi. You can warm a teaspoon in your hands and gently rub it onto the affected area once or twice daily.
Calendula (Marigold) Rinse or Spray
Calendula is widely used for skin repair. Brew 2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers in a cup of boiling water, cool it completely, and use it as a rinse or spray. Apply it to the hot spot two to three times daily. Calendula speeds up wound healing and prevents infection naturally.
Chamomile Tea Compress
Chamomile has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. You can brew a strong cup of chamomile tea, let it cool completely, and soak a clean cloth in it. Press this gently against the hot spot for 3-5 minutes, two to three times a day. This relieves pain and reduces itching.
Oatmeal Baths
For dogs with multiple hot spots or very itchy skin, an oatmeal bath can be soothing. Blend plain oats into a fine powder and add 1-2 cups to a lukewarm bath. Let your dog soak for 10-15 minutes. Oatmeal reduces irritation and creates a protective barrier on the skin.
Herbal Powders (Neem or Turmeric)
Neem has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, while turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. Mix either powder with a few drops of coconut oil to form a paste, and apply a thin layer on the hot spot. These herbs reduce swelling and help wounds close faster.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Hot spots in dogs are uncomfortable and can develop quickly, but with early detection, proper care, and preventive measures, they are manageable. Taking simple measures like maintaining clean, well-groomed fur, thoroughly drying after baths or swimming, controlling fleas and ticks, and providing a healthy diet all help protect and prevent Hot spots on your dog’s skin. Additionally, reducing stress through exercise and mental stimulation, monitoring for allergies, and regular vet checkups further prevent recurring hot spots, ensuring your dog stays healthy and free from such painful skin irritations.