Hot spots on dogs: causes, treatments, and prevention

If you notice a red, oozing spot on your dog’s skin that seems to appear out of nowhere, you’re not alone. Hot spots, formally known as acute moist dermatitis Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source , are a type of infection and one of the most common skin conditions that affect dogs. Hot spots often begin as a small red bump or spot and spread rapidly as dogs lick and scratch at them.

When the skin is damaged, bacteria have the opportunity to cluster and cause an infection. Often, the damage is self-inflicted by excessive chewing, biting, licking, or scratching. Dogs usually become even more fixated on the area as the infection worsens, causing a snowball effect.

👉 Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice a hot spot. They can do a full-body exam to look for underlying conditions causing your dog’s hot spots.

Why dogs scratch and lick

The head, hips, and legs are the most common places for hot spots. You might first notice the hot spot as a lump of wet, matted fur, underneath which will be an irritable red spot on your dog’s skin that will likely ooze pus or blood and crust over. At this point, hair loss around the inflamed area is common, too.

If your dog has a hot spot, they will likely be in pain and wary of having anyone touch it. Despite this, many dogs can’t stop themselves from touching the itchy, painful spot in an attempt to self-heal.

👉 Dogs with thick coats, like German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and English cream golden retrievers, are more prone to getting hot spots since their fur can trap moisture and dirt.

Praised as a superfood and beauty product, coconut oil has risen to stardom in recent years as a health supplement for humans. Many people use coconut oil topically as a moisturizer for skin, hair, and lips.

While coconut oil isn’t toxic for dogs in small amounts, there’s no scientific evidence that it treats hot spots. Coconut oil has not been proven to treat infections such as hot spots in dogs. The most widely-accepted use of coconut oil is as a moisturizer. Since hot spots stem from excess moisture, it’s not the most effective treatment method.

The reason coconut oil is suspected to help heal infections is that it contains lauric acid Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source , an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory fatty acid that some studies have shown to be effective at killing certain types of bacteria. Many dog owners like using a natural remedy for their furry companion’s skin condition, thinking it can improve health.

• It can be messy. Coconut oil has a greasy consistency, which may stain furniture and make an oily mess.
• Dogs may want to eat it. Your dog will probably like the sweet taste and try to lick it off, leading to more moisture and irritation in the affected area.
• It may cause excess moisture. The most common methods of hot spot treatment involve letting the area dry out. Applying a moisturizing agent could exacerbate the problem.

👉 If you still want to try coconut oil, consult your veterinarian first. Even though it’s safe in most cases, you don’t want the infection to become severe before you seek professional advice. Monitor the area closely and call your veterinarian if the infection worsens.

Hot spots are common and there’s typically no reason for panic. But because they can be painful and spread quickly, dog owners should seek veterinary attention as soon as they notice one. Hot spots usually don’t get better on their own. Treating the hot spots usually involves disinfecting the area, letting it breathe, and minimizing the amount of contact your dog has with it. To treat the spot, your vet may recommend a combination of:

• Prescription or natural antibiotics to kill the infection 
• Antiseptics to clean the area
• Pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatories or steroids to decrease the urge to itch
• A neck cone or E-collar to prevent licking 
• Omega-3 supplements
• Natural flea treatment or flea medication

One great source of omega-3 fatty acids is ZipZyme™ Omega, a food made from ocean algae, a natural, safe, plant-based source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a particular type of omega-3.

If you notice that your dog has been itching or licking excessively, there are a few reasons why they might be fussing over the area.

• Mites or fleas. Parasites and other insects are common offenders when it comes to excessive scratching at the skin. It can be tough to tell what kind of creature is giving your pooch problems, but there are ways to help identify dog insect bites. Your veterinarian may take a skin sample to look for microscopic parasites.
• Wounds. In an attempt to self-heal, dogs may repeatedly lick or touch a scrape, which repeatedly punctures the wound.
• Allergies. From allergens like proteins in dog food to springtime pollen, allergic reactions can manifest through excessive skin itching in some dogs. 
• Painful conditions. If your dog is licking at their hip or rear area nonstop, it might be due to pain from an underlying condition like hip dysplasia or anal sac disease Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source . 
• Stress or anxiety. In the same way that humans bite their nails when nervous, dogs may bite and lick their skin when they are anxious or when they have pent-up energy. A skin fixation may be a symptom of isolation, stress, or lack of exercise.

👉 Hot, humid environments can also create perfect conditions for hot spots to form.

Hot spots can pop up for several reasons, so the best prevention method depends on the dog. However, proper hygiene and grooming are essential. If your dog spends a lot of time swimming or in a humid environment, drying their coat and ears off with a towel when they come inside can help. Additionally, if your dog gets hot spots due to an allergy or anxiety-related issue, consider stopping it at the source. For example, if your dog suffers from anxiety and is licking excessively, talk to your vet about a prescription for anxiety medication.

👉 Hot spots are common, and there’s typically no reason for panic. But because they can be painful and spread quickly, dog owners should seek veterinary attention as soon as they notice one.

If you don’t want to try coconut oil or omega-3 supplements to aid in your pup’s healing process, or you’re just trying to alleviate symptoms until you can get to the vet, try these simple steps at home: 

Use an Elizabethan collar or “cone” — A plastic or inflatable E-collar will stop dogs from licking and biting at the area.

Clip the hair around the hot spot — Trimming the hair down will reduce moisture buildup and avoid matting.

Clean the area — Wet the area with warm water, making sure to dissolve any crust that has formed, then dry it off with a towel. The hot spot can be quite tender, so be gentle!

Let the wound breathe — Bandaging the hot spot can slow the drying process, so leave hot spots unwrapped.

Soothe symptoms with dog balms — Dog balms are skincare products for dogs, typically designed to heal damaged or itchy skin on the paws, snout, or body. Usually containing a carrier oil and healing ingredients, dog balms can fix a slew of skin problems, from canine acne to dry skin and blisters.

Depending on the ingredients, dog balms can be effective at preventing and treating hot spots, likely more than coconut oil alone would be. Some dog balms, like the Skin Soother from Natural Dog Company, dry after application and won’t create excess moisture or leave greasy residue everywhere.

Look for a balm with edible, organic ingredients with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.

👉 Products that are safe for humans are not always safe for dogs. Always get a veterinarian’s signoff before trying out a treatment.

Don’t worry that these products have “nose” and “paw” in their names. Each one works just as well all over the body.

👉 Learn more about our other favorite dog balms and the criteria we used to pick them.