Hot Spots

What Is a Dog Hot Spot?

A hotspot is essentially a patch of skin that becomes red, moist, and inflamed. Hot spots can appear suddenly, often when dogs lick or scratch the same spot too much. Once the skin is broken, bacteria spread around the hot spot, which can result in a larger hot spot or even a secondary hot spot nearby.

Where Do Hot Spots Usually Appear?

Hot spots often occur in places where the skin stays damp or warm. You might notice them around the ears, under the collar, on the belly, or near the tail. The tricky part is that the area around the hot spot can spread quickly if you don’t treat the hot spots right away.

Dog Breeds Prone to Developing Hot Spots

While many dogs can get hot spots, some are more prone to developing hot spots because of their coat type, allergies, or skin folds.

Breeds with thick coats:

• Golden Retrievers

• Labrador Retrievers

• German Shepherds

• Huskies

• Newfoundlands

• Rottweilers

• St. Bernards
  

Breeds with skin folds or allergies:

• Pugs

• Bulldogs (English and French)

• Shar-Pei

• Akitas
  

Why are these dogs more at risk?

• Trapped moisture: Dense coats or folds hold heat and moisture, which can lead to hot spots.

• Underlying skin conditions: Allergies and skin problems often lead to hot spots.

• Dogs lick or scratch: Constant scratching of the hot spot or licking the skin can make things worse.
  

Why Hot Spots Can Appear Suddenly

Hot spots can appear suddenly and seem to grow almost overnight. If a dog gets wet and the skin doesn’t dry properly, the risk of hot spots goes up. Without the right treatment plan, recurring hot spots may develop, making both you and your dog frustrated.

Common Reasons Dogs Get Hot Spots

Hot spots are typically connected to anything that makes your dog’s skin itchy or uncomfortable. Once dogs are scratching the hot spot or licking the same area over and over, it can quickly result in a hot spot that spreads.

Some of the most common triggers include:

• Allergies – food or pollen allergies are one of the biggest causes of inflammation that lead to hot spots.

• Parasites – fleas & ticks irritate the skin and can lead to recurring hot spots.

• Moisture – developing hot spots due to a dog swimming or getting wet and not drying fully.

• Underlying skin conditions – chronic skin problems or infection increase the risk of hot spots.

• Behavioural issues – anxious or bored dogs lick the same spot until it results in a hot spot.
  

How Small Irritations Lead to Hot Spots

Hot spots often start with something small. It could be an itchy flea bite, a bit of rubbing under a collar, or even a tiny scratch. Without proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying problem, that irritation causes inflammation and quickly turns into a hot spot—and sometimes even a secondary hot spot around the sore.

Physical Signs of Hot Spots

When a hot spot shows up, you’ll usually notice changes on your dog’s skin first. Some of the most common signs of hot spots are:

• Red, raw, and inflamed area of skin.

• Hair loss around the hot spot.

• Moist, oozing, or crusty patches that look painful.

• Swelling and warmth are coming from the sore.

• A bad smell if infection develops.

• Pain when you touch the area around the hot spot.

• The sore seems to grow quickly, sometimes in just a day or two.
  

Behavioural Signs of Hot Spots

Sometimes your dog’s behaviour gives you clues before the hot spot is obvious. Watch for:

• Dogs tend to lick or chew the same spot constantly.

• Scratching the hot spot until the skin breaks.

• Restlessness, whining, or acting more irritable.

• Trying to stop you from touching near the sore.

• Dogs lick even when you try to distract them.
  

Why Spotting Hot Spots Early Matters

The earlier you identify a hot spot, the easier it is to help prevent hot spots from spreading. Safe spray for dogs, medications, and treatment of the underlying cause are often part of a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from your vet. Knowing the signs of hot spots and acting quickly is the key to preventing hot spots from occurring again and helping your dog heal faster.

If you suspect your dog has a hot spot, contact us to book an appointment, or stop by during our clinic hours Thursday - Sunday 2pm -11:30pm. Walk-ins are always welcome.