Hot Spots: Treatment & Causes

What are Hot Spots?

Anything that causes itchiness of the skin can lead to the development of hot spots on dogs. Some common triggers are atopy (allergies to things in the environment such as grasses, trees, weeds, dust mites, etc), food allergies, fleas, mites, insect bites and skin wounds.

Hot Spots can be an irritating skin condition that affects countless dogs every year. Hots spots are also know as summer sores, moist eczema or moist dermatitis, a condition which involves an area of skin that has become inflamed and infected. 

What are the Symptoms of Hot Spots?

The affected skin often appears as a moist, oozing, reddened area that is painful and very itchy to the dog. Hair loss may also be seen. Continued licking and chewing at the area by the dog worsens the condition dramatically. A bacterial infection of the skin (typically caused by staph) develops by taking advantage of the damaged inflamed skin. The infection is often deep in the dog's skin. In addition to the moist oozing appearance, an odor is often present.

How to Treat Hot Spots?

Although there are various types of "hot spot"-causing bacteria, most respond to oral and topical antibiotics. 

1. Trim the area around the hot spot with grooming clippers. If the area is too big, shave it. Leaving it exposed to air will help to dry the moisture and help speed healing.

2. Clean the area with a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic spray, or specialized shampoo, and pat dry. Vetericyn is used for cleaning and treating wounds.

3. Apply a hydrocortisone spray or hydrocortisone cream (with a veterinarian's prescription) to stop the itching and help promote healing. Zymox Topical cream and Zymox Spray are both over the counter treatment for skin infections.

4. Prevent your dog from biting, licking or scratching the hot spot affected area. Placing an Elizabethan collar (plastic cone) around your dog's neck, for example, can be an excellent tool to keep him/her from biting and licking at it.

5. Keep an eye on the area to make sure it continues to heal and doesn't worsen or spread. Hot spots often require a visit to the vet, who will likely prescribe topical medication usually in the form of a Gentamicin / Betamethasone spray, and possibly oral antibiotics. The vet may also give your dog a cortisone injection to jump start the healing process.

Detecting hot spots early make it easier to treat. Watch your pets for excessive licking or scratching and check your pet’s skin regularly for bites and skin irritation that could easily become hot spot.