What Are Hot Spots?
Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) are painful, inflamed, and often infected areas of skin that appear suddenly and spread rapidly. They typically look like a red, wet, oozing patch that may be covered with matted fur.
In Arizona, hot spots are especially common during monsoon season when humidity rises and dogs get wet without being properly dried.
What Causes Hot Spots?
Hot spots develop when something irritates the skin and the dog's scratching, licking, or chewing breaks the surface, allowing bacteria to invade:
- Moisture trapped against the skin — From swimming, baths, or rain
- Allergies — Environmental (pollen, dust) or food-related
- Flea or insect bites — Even a single bite can trigger a hot spot in sensitive dogs
- Matted fur — Mats trap moisture and create a perfect environment for bacteria
- Ear infections — Dogs scratch their ears and create hot spots on the neck and face
- Boredom or stress — Obsessive licking can start the cycle
- Anal gland issues — Chewing at the rear can cause hot spots near the tail
Stages of a Hot Spot
Stage 1: Surface Irritation
- Small red patch, slightly moist
- Dog is licking or scratching the area
- Hair may be slightly thinned over the spot
- This is when to act — treatment at this stage is usually simple
Stage 2: Bacterial Infection
- The area grows quickly (can double in size in hours)
- Discharge is visible (clear to yellowish)
- Hair falls out over the affected area
- The area is hot to the touch and painful
- Dog may whimper when touched
Stage 3: Deep Infection
- The wound is large, deep, and oozing
- Pus or bloody discharge
- Surrounding skin may be swollen
- Dog may be lethargic or feverish
- Veterinary attention is needed immediately
What to Do at Home (Stage 1)
If you catch it early:
- Clip the hair around the affected area to expose it to air
- Clean with diluted chlorhexidine or a gentle antiseptic wash
- Pat dry thoroughly — moisture feeds the infection
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin without pain relief)
- Prevent licking — Use an e-collar (cone) or recovery suit
- Keep the area dry and exposed to air
- Monitor closely — If it's not improving within 24 hours, see your vet
When to See the Vet
Go to the vet if:
- The hot spot is larger than a silver dollar
- It's spreading despite treatment
- There's significant discharge or odor
- Your dog is in obvious pain
- It's near the eyes, ears, or mouth
- Your dog has a fever or isn't eating
- It keeps recurring (suggests an underlying cause)
Your vet may prescribe:
- Oral antibiotics
- Topical medication
- Anti-itch medication (like Apoquel or Cytopoint)
- Allergy testing
- Medicated shampoo
Prevention
- Dry your dog thoroughly after any water exposure
- Maintain regular grooming — Matting is a major contributor
- Manage allergies — Work with your vet on a treatment plan
- Use flea prevention year-round in Arizona
- Keep the coat brushed — Promotes air circulation to the skin
- Address boredom — Provide mental stimulation to prevent obsessive licking
- Monitor humid weather — Extra vigilant during monsoon season
The Grooming Connection
At Gordie's, we're often the first to notice skin issues because we see your dog's skin up close during every groom. We've caught many hot spots in their early stages and alerted owners before they became serious.
Regular grooming also helps prevent hot spots by:
- Removing mats that trap moisture
- Thoroughly drying the coat (including the undercoat)
- Cleaning ears (reducing ear-related scratching)
- Identifying flea activity early