🔥 Hot Spots in Dogs: causes, signs, and solutions

Hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, are acute skin inflammations commonly seen in dogs. They often appear suddenly as red, oozing, and painful patches that can spread rapidly if not treated.

🐾 What is a hot spot?

A hot spot is a skin inflammation caused by excessive scratching, licking, or chewing. Very quickly, a moist and painful area develops—hence the English term hot spot.

⚠️ How to recognize a hot spot

• Red, oozing area with hair loss
• Sticky or wet appearance, sometimes with pus
• Strong, unpleasant odor
• Dog constantly scratching or licking
• Pain and irritability when touched

The lesion can spread within hours: consult a veterinarian promptly.

🔍 Possible causes

• Parasites: fleas, ticks, insect bites
• Allergies: food-related or environmental
• Moisture or poorly dried coat
• Minor wounds that were not properly cleaned
• Stress or compulsive licking

🏥 What to do

Consult a veterinarian to clean, disinfect, and treat the area. Depending on severity, the dog may receive topical or systemic treatment, as well as an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.

🧴 Prevention

• Regular brushing
• Thorough drying after swimming or bathing
• Effective parasite prevention
• Monitoring sensitive areas
• Reducing stress and boredom

🐶 My experience

Odin suffers from atopic dermatitis. As a result, we have had to deal with numerous hot spots—mainly in summer, but also during very humid periods (this is when Odin tends to create wounds). Acting quickly and consulting the veterinarian remains the key. A hot spot treated early heals well and highlights the importance of monitoring your dog’s skin and behavior on a daily basis.