Hot spots on dogs are often triggered by scratching, licking, or chewing the affected area of skin. The resulting trauma to the dog’s skin causes inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. Unfortunately, this self-trauma only makes the area more irritated and itchier, which causes a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching. Thus, any condition that causes your dog to feel itchy has the potential to result in a hot spot.  
 
Common causes of the itching/scratching cycle in dogs include:  

• Parasites in dogs  

• Flea allergy dermatitis  

• Dog food allergies  

• Atopic dermatitis  

• Ear or skin infections  

• Anal sac disease  

• Contact irritants  

• Stress or boredom resulting in excessive licking  

• Coat that is dirty or matted  

• Moisture trapped in the coat from swimming or bathing   

Many of these conditions are chronic problems in dogs that can lead to recurring hot spots if they are not appropriately managed. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your dog’s hot spot is one of the most important factors in preventing future skin problems.  

Hot spots are typically well-defined areas of redness, swelling, and hair loss. They can occur anywhere on a dog’s body, but are seen mostly on the head, limbs, and hips. The affected area is moist and may discharge pus or fluid, which can lead to crusting and matting of the surrounding fur or hair. Hot spots on dogs are painful, very itchy and will rapidly grow as the dog’s scratching continues to traumatize the area.   

It is not always clear what is happening with your dog when you see they have a skin issue. However, there are a few key signs that your dog needs to see a vet:  

• If you see your dog scratching at themselves constantly, he/her may even run their skin against the floor to relieve the itch. A hotspot can easily result from intense scratching sessions.    

• Skin ulcers, constant itching, and hot spots could all be a symptom of an allergic reaction.  

• A lot of times, when the skin is inflamed, fleas or ticks can be the issue. 

• Hair loss and persistent rush.  

Dependant on the history and clinical signs, your vet might want to do some further work to figure out what's causing the hot spot:   

• Take a close look for possible external parasites   

• Do an impression smear (basically, pressing a microscope slide on the area to check for bacteria or yeast) under the microscope   

• Perform a skin scraping to check if mites are present (tiny parasites that can cause big problems)

• Take a skin culture (growing a sample to see what bacteria are on your dog's skin)   

• Run some allergy tests if they suspect allergies are the cause

Hot spots are considered highly treatable, but frustrating to deal with. Because they're often hard to control via direct application of medication (topical) alone (including sprays, powders and shampoos), injectable and/or oral medications are often required to resolve the condition.    

The treatment process usually involves:  

• Clipping and cleaning the affected area to remove hair. This allows air to reach the skin and promotes healing. Applying a topical antiseptic or antibiotic to the hot spot to combat surface-level infection.   

• Using a collar (cone) to prevent further scratching or licking, which is important for breaking the itch-scratch cycle.   

• Prescribing anti-inflammatory medication.

• If warranted, prescribing antibiotic medication.  
  

Preventing hot spots usually requires an all-inclusive treatment of the underlying skin disease, so you’ll want to focus on preventing those when possible. There are several steps pet owners can take to reduce the risk of hot spots:   

• Maintain a regular grooming schedule, especially for dogs with thick coats   

• Keep your dog's coat clean and dry, particularly after swimming or bathing   

• Use effective flea control products year-round   

• Address any underlying skin conditions or allergies with your vet   

• Provide mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom-induced licking   

• Consider using hypoallergenic shampoos for dogs with sensitive skin   

• Ensure your dog's diet is balanced and appropriate for their needs   

• Regularly check your dog's skin for any signs of irritation or infection   

• Keep pets indoors to prevent the onset of these lesions, as hot, humid weather conditions are known to increase this condition    

• Use a collar (cone) when you notice your dog scratching a lot  

If the cause of the hot spot is known and tailored treatment is given, then the outlook is very good, and if prevention as above is maintained, there might be complete resolution of the problem, reappearing again.