I. What is a Hot Spot?

A hot spot is a single area of skin that has an infection on the surface. These localized areas of infection are more likely to happen in dogs that have thick hair coats, dogs that swim a lot, and in moist or humid environments. Sometimes flea bites or other insect bites can also be involved. A hot spot starts to develop when more than the usual amount of moisture stays close to the skin. This changes the local environment of the skin and allows bacteria to grow. The bacteria release toxins, which cause inflammation in the skin. This makes the skin itchy in that one spot. A dog will chew and scratch on that spot to relieve the itching, but this makes the situation worse. The chewing damages the skin more and makes the skin infection worse. This makes the area even itchier. This becomes a vicious cycle. A large hot spot can seem to develop over only twenty or thirty minutes and can get bigger quickly. A flea or insect bite can also start the itching process.

II. What to Look for at Home – Symptoms

Hot spots are usually easy to identify. They consist of a well-defined area of skin that is very red and inflamed, hairless, and may be oozing or scabbed over. Hot spots are most frequently found on the rear legs and around the neck but can be found in any location that a dog can reach with its teeth or rear claws. A dog is usually unable to leave this area alone and will seem to chew, lick, and scratch at it constantly. It may be so itchy and inflamed that it will be painful to the dog if touched.

III. Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a hot spot is very easy and is usually made just with a visual inspection or physical examination.

A hot spot below the ear

If a dog seems to get many hot spots, some diagnostic tests may be needed to find out why. These include:

• Skin scrapings to rule out mange


• Fungal cultures to rule out ringworm


• Blood or skin tests to identify seasonal or inhalant allergies


• Blood or skin tests to identify flea allergies


• Aggressive treatment for fleas even if none are seen


• Dietary food trials to test for food allergies

IV. Treatment

The most important things to address when treating a hot spot are:

• Stop the itching


• Clear up the infection


• Keep the dog from chewing or licking at the area


• Keep the area dry

Initially, the remaining hair on the hot spot and the surrounding hair are clipped. The spot is then cleaned well with an antibacterial soap and dried. Clipping and cleaning can be so painful that a dog may have to be sedated for the procedure. This depends on how bad the hot spot is.

The infection is treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. Usually, the topical antibiotic that is used also contains a corticosteroid to help with inflammation. To stop the itching, a short course of oral corticosteroids is used. It is important to be aggressive in stopping the itching. This makes the dog more comfortable and stops it from continuing to chew on the spot. This breaks the itch-chew-infection cycle, which speeds healing.

If the dog continues to lick the spot, an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or lampshade type collar) can be used for a short period of time. Most dogs are much more comfortable within 24 hours and the hot spot will usually heal in one week.

Dog with an Elizabethan Collar

V. Prevention

To prevent hot spots, several things can be done:

• Use effective flea control on a dog and in the environment


• Clip long-haired and heavy-coated breeds during the summer


• If possible, prevent a dog from swimming


• If a dog does swim, dry it well afterwards