Hot Spots in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

By the Vetified Team · Reviewed in consultation with licensed veterinary professionals · March 2026

Hot spots — known clinically as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis — are one of the most common and distressing skin conditions in dogs. These raw, inflamed lesions can appear seemingly overnight and spread rapidly if left untreated. Understanding what causes hot spots and how to treat them effectively can save your dog significant discomfort and help prevent recurrence.

What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots are localized areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infection. They typically present as red, moist, irritated patches that are warm to the touch — hence the name. The medical term, pyotraumatic dermatitis, literally means "skin inflammation caused by self-trauma with pus."

These lesions develop when a dog repeatedly scratches, licks, or chews at an area of skin. The initial irritation breaks the skin barrier, allowing bacteria (most commonly Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) to colonize the damaged tissue. The resulting infection causes more itching, which leads to more self-trauma — creating a vicious cycle that can cause a small irritation to become a large, painful wound within hours.

Hot spots are most frequently found on the head, hips, and chest, though they can occur anywhere on the body. Breeds with thick or dense coats — such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Saint Bernards — are particularly predisposed.

Common Causes & Triggers

Hot spots are almost always secondary to an underlying cause of irritation. Identifying and addressing the root trigger is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

Allergies

Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis), food allergies, and contact allergies are among the most common underlying causes. Allergic reactions cause generalized itching, and the areas where dogs scratch most intensely often develop into hot spots. Seasonal patterns — with hot spots appearing primarily in spring and summer — often point to environmental allergens like pollen or grass.

Parasites

Flea bites are a leading trigger, particularly flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), where dogs develop a hypersensitivity to flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can trigger an intense immune response in sensitized dogs. Mites, ticks, and other external parasites can also cause enough irritation to initiate hot spot formation.

Moisture & Poor Grooming

Dogs that swim frequently, are bathed without thorough drying, or live in humid environments are at higher risk. Moisture trapped in a thick coat creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Matted fur compounds the problem by holding moisture against the skin and limiting airflow.

Ear Infections

Ear infections (otitis) commonly lead to hot spots on the cheeks and neck area. Dogs with painful or itchy ears will scratch persistently at the side of their head, creating the skin trauma that hot spots require to form.

Pain & Stress

Underlying joint pain (such as hip dysplasia or arthritis) can cause a dog to lick or chew at the skin over a painful area. Behavioral factors including boredom, anxiety, and stress can also trigger excessive licking that evolves into hot spots.

How to Identify Hot Spots

Hot spots have a characteristic appearance that is usually easy to recognize:

• Moist, red, inflamed skin — The area looks raw and may ooze serum or pus
• Hair loss — Fur is often matted, stuck to the wound, or missing entirely from the affected area
• Rapid onset — A hot spot can go from a small irritated patch to a large wound in just a few hours
• Well-defined borders — Unlike some other skin conditions, hot spots typically have fairly clear margins
• Pain and sensitivity — Dogs may cry out or pull away when the area is touched
• Bad odor — The combination of moisture, bacteria, and dead tissue often produces a distinctive unpleasant smell
• Constant scratching or licking — The dog will persistently try to reach and scratch the affected area

Treatment Options

Effective hot spot treatment involves three key steps: cleaning the area, eliminating the infection, and addressing the underlying cause.

Step 1: Clip and Clean

The first step is to carefully clip the hair around and over the hot spot. This allows air to reach the wound, removes matted fur harboring bacteria, and makes topical treatment more effective. After clipping, gently clean the area with a mild antiseptic solution. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can damage healthy tissue and delay healing.

Step 2: Topical Antimicrobial Treatment

Chlorhexidine-based sprays are considered a first-line topical treatment for hot spots. Chlorhexidine provides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, is gentle on compromised skin, and has residual antimicrobial effects that continue working between applications. Apply the spray 2–3 times daily to the affected area.

For hot spots with significant yeast involvement or in areas prone to secondary yeast infection, an antifungal-containing spray may also be beneficial.

Step 3: Itch Control

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is critical. Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-itch spray or oral medications such as apoquel (oclacitinib) or short-course corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. An Elizabethan collar (cone) may be necessary to prevent the dog from reaching the hot spot while it heals.

Step 4: Address the Underlying Cause

This is the most important step for long-term management. If fleas are the trigger, ensure rigorous year-round flea prevention. If allergies are suspected, work with your veterinarian to identify specific allergens. Ear infections should be diagnosed and treated. Without addressing the root cause, hot spots will likely recur.

Prevention Strategies

• Maintain flea prevention year-round — This eliminates one of the most common triggers
• Regular grooming — Keep coats clean, brushed, and free of mats, especially in thick-coated breeds
• Dry thoroughly after swimming or bathing — Use a blow dryer on a cool setting for dense coats
• Manage allergies proactively — Work with your vet on an allergy management plan before peak seasons
• Treat ear infections promptly — Don't wait for scratching to become a habit
• Provide mental stimulation — Reduce boredom and stress-related licking with puzzle toys, exercise, and enrichment
• Monitor for early signs — Catching a hot spot early (when it's still small) makes treatment much simpler

When to See a Veterinarian

While small, superficial hot spots can sometimes be managed at home with proper cleaning and topical antimicrobial treatment, you should consult a veterinarian if:

• The hot spot is larger than a few inches or spreading rapidly
• Your dog is in significant pain or won't let you clean the area
• The wound appears deep or is producing a lot of pus
• Hot spots recur frequently (this suggests an unaddressed underlying condition)
• Home treatment hasn't shown improvement within 2–3 days
• Your dog has a fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite alongside the skin lesion

A veterinarian can perform skin cytology to identify the specific bacteria involved, prescribe systemic antibiotics for severe infections, and help investigate underlying causes through allergy testing or other diagnostics.

Sources & References

• Holm BR, et al. "A prospective study of the clinical findings, treatment and histopathology of 44 cases of pyotraumatic dermatitis." Veterinary Dermatology, 2004.
• Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th ed. Elsevier, 2013.
• Rosychuk RAW. "Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots)." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2017.
• Koch SN, Torres SMF, Plumb DC. Canine and Feline Dermatology Drug Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.