Hot spots that form on your dog's skin can quickly become itchy, painful, and inflamed for your pup. In this post, our Los Angeles vets list causes, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and preventive care for this common skin condition.
What are hot spots on dogs?
A hot spot is a common skin disorder that manifests as a moist, ulcerated superficial skin lesion. This type of lesion will often be covered by a dog's matted hair that's become stuck to the underlying skin lesion.
Medically, hot spots are classified as a type of acute moist (exudative) dermatitis. They typically appear suddenly, often over a period of less than 24 hours, with almost no early warning signs.
Hot spots can occur even in well-groomed dogs and are not necessarily a sign of neglect, since they can happen quickly. These skin lesions frequently progress undetected in the early stages until the moist area of matted hair that covers the affected area is identified, or an odor develops as a result of underlying infection. A veterinarian can examine your dog and determine whether a hot spot or other condition is causing their discomfort and symptoms.
What do hot spots look like on dogs?
Hot spots may be red, moist, and/or tender. You may even notice a bad odour or a greenish tinge on your dog's coat or skin.
What causes hot spots on dogs?
You may be worried, and even alarmed, to discover a hot spot on your dog. Many concerned pet owners often ask, "How and why do dogs get hot spots?"
While the precise cause of hot spots remains a mystery, we do know that hot spots on dogs start as small scratches or cuts that itch. To alleviate discomfort, dogs bite, scratch, and lick at the area. However, the more they do this, the larger the spot gets.
Many things can trigger this continuous cycle. Some scratches are caused by external sources such as thorns or splinters. Other times, the scratches may be self-inflicted.
Inflammation of the skin's superficial layers (dermatitis) can also lead to the development of these lesions.
Other factors that can increase the risk and incidence of hot spots include:
- Age – Dogs younger than four years old may develop hot spots more often than older adult dogs.
- Breed – While any dog can develop hot spots, they occur more frequently in certain breeds, like German Shepherds, golden retrievers, Saint Bernards, and rottweilers. Hot spots can also occur in cats, but this is very rare.
- Underlying Allergies – Food allergies, allergies to parasites like fleas, and environmental irritants like pollen can increase the risk of a hot spot developing.
- Season – Hot spots are more likely to develop in the spring and summer months than in the cooler months. In fact, they are so associated with warm weather that some people refer to them as summer sores.
- Infections – Parasites (ticks and fleas) and ear infections can lead to hot spots on dogs.
- Poor Grooming – Ungroomed and coats that are groomed infrequently can get matted fur, which can harbor moisture and sometimes lead to hot spots and other skin conditions.
- Excessive Moisture in the Coat – Improper or insufficient drying after dogs have gone swimming or been bathed may lead to hot spots on the skin.
What happens as hot spots progress?
Hot spot lesions are often associated with intense itching and can become very painful for your dog. Though some lesions may remain relatively small, many grow rapidly in size and may expand to cover large areas of the body.
The hair in the middle of the lesion will often fall out, exposing the raw tissue affected by the disease. Since hot spots can be very itchy and painful, your dog may rub, scratch, or lick them, which can, unfortunately, make the lesion worse. The itch-scratch cycle will continue unless you put a stop to it.
What secondary infections can hot spots cause?
Secondary yeast or bacterial infections often develop as a result of moisture and trauma caused by this skin lesion. These infections tend to make the skin even itchier.
How a Vet Can Diagnose a Dog's Hot Spot
Your veterinarian can diagnose hot spots based on the history of the lesion and its characteristic appearance.
If you notice any signs of hot spots or other skin conditions on your dog, they should be examined by a veterinarian right away, since other disease processes often lead to symptoms similar to hot spots. A hot spot can also be associated with other diseases that should also be assessed by your vet.
How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs
When it comes to addressing this type of skin lesion, the severity of the hot spot and any potential underlying factors will determine which dermatological treatment options your vet will recommend for your dog.
The lesion will likely need to be clipped to allow access and to expose it to air. Your veterinary dermatologist will also need to clean it with antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. If the hot spot is large and/or is causing pain for your dog, your pooch may need to be sedated so the vet can remove the hair and treat the lesion without causing fear, or further pain.
Once the lesion has been clipped, your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy using an antibiotic, drying, or steroid product. Systemic medications such as antibiotics, steroids, or other medications may also be prescribed to reduce pain or inflammation.
If your dog is likely to lick or scratch the hot spot, your vet may recommend that your pup wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) for a brief period to prevent further trauma and infection to the hot spot.
For dogs with recurring lesions, your veterinarian can look into underlying factors that may be contributing to the condition. Fortunately, most hot spots respond quickly to treatment. However, some may take two to three weeks to heal.
If your dog's condition is severe or requires advanced treatment, our vets can refer you to a veterinary dermatologist near Los Angeles.
Preventing Hot Spots
There are some measures you and your vet can take to prevent and/or reduce the recurrence of hot spots in your dog, and to minimize their severity.
The vet may prescribe a personalized flea and tick control schedule for your pooch. This will reduce two major sources of itching that can lead to hot spots.
You'll also want to dry your dog thoroughly after they've been swimming or bathed. If your dog is prone to recurring ear infections, perform all recommended routine cleaning and treatments (or have your vet do them). Keep any excess or matted hair trimmed from around the ears.
It's important to examine your dog's skin and coat daily to catch any lesions in their early stages, so they can be diagnosed and treated promptly.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.