You might notice your dog happily rolling in the grass one moment, then suddenly scratching, licking, or chewing the same spot like they just can’t help themselves. At first, it seems harmless, but then you spot it: a raw, red patch of skin that looks as painful as it must feel. That’s the reality of hot spots on dogs, and if you’ve ever seen one, you know how quickly they can turn your pup from playful to miserable.

I’ve been there myself with my dog, Rumi, and watching her struggle broke my heart. But here’s the good news: hot spots can be managed and even prevented once you understand what causes them, how to recognise the early signs, and the best ways to treat them. In this post, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to bring your dog relief and stop hot spots from taking over.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots on dogs are sore, inflamed patches of skin that appear fast and get worse even faster. Vets call them acute moist dermatitis, but most of us just know them as hot spots. They are red, painful, and often wet or oozing. For a dog, the constant itch and burn can feel unbearable.

A hot spot often begins with something small. It might be an insect bite, an allergy, or fur that stayed damp too long after swimming or a bath. Once your dog scratches or licks the spot, the skin breaks. That small break invites bacteria to spread. Within hours, the patch can grow and turn into a raw wound.

One evening, I noticed a little red mark under Rumis’s collar. By the next morning, it had spread to the size of a quarter. She had spent the whole night scratching, and I felt awful for not catching it sooner.

What Do Hot Spots Look Like on Dogs?

Hot spots are usually easy to spot once you know what to look for. They show up as red, irritated patches of skin that look raw and wet. The surface often shines because of the moisture, and the area can be painful or even warm when you touch it.

Hair loss around the sore is often the first clue. Dogs lick and chew the spot nonstop, which only makes it worse. Sometimes the skin oozes or starts to crust over, turning a small irritation into something that looks alarming.

Where Do Hot Spots Commonly Appear on Dogs?

Hot spots can show up anywhere on a dog’s body, but some spots are more common than others. You’ll often see them on the ears, legs, hips, belly, neck, or at the base of the tail. These are easy places for dogs to scratch or bite, which makes the irritation worse and the sore spreads faster.

Dogs with thick or double coats, like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Newfoundlands, are at higher risk. Their dense fur holds in heat and moisture, which creates the perfect place for bacteria to grow.

At the farm, I see hot spots most often near the ears in floppy-eared breeds or around the hips and belly in dogs that roll in the grass. The first one I spotted was tucked right under Rumi’s collar. Because of the spot’s location, it took me longer to notice, and by the time I did, it had already gotten worse.

Checking these common areas often makes a big difference. The sooner you notice a sore, the easier it is to treat and stop it from spreading.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots don’t appear out of nowhere. They usually start with something that makes your dog scratch, lick, or chew at their skin. Once the irritation begins, bacteria can move in quickly, turning a small problem into a painful sore.

Allergies

Seasonal pollen, food sensitivities, or even household dust can make a dog’s skin itch. When they scratch or bite to get relief, hot spots can form quickly.

Poor Grooming and Trapped Moisture

Damp fur from swimming, baths, or rain can sit against the skin. If it isn’t dried properly, the moisture weakens the skin and gives bacteria the perfect place to grow.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are another major culprit. Even a single flea bite can lead to relentless scratching that quickly becomes a raw sore.

Ear Infections

Dogs with ear infections often scratch around the ears and head. This repeated irritation can break the skin and create a hotspot.

Stress or Boredom

Some dogs lick or chew compulsively when they feel anxious or under-stimulated. Over time, this self-soothing habit damages the skin and triggers hot spots.

Underlying Skin Conditions

Chronic issues like dermatitis or yeast infections make hot spots more likely and harder to heal.

How Are Hot Spots on Dogs Diagnosed?

Hot spots on dogs are usually easy to spot, but diagnosing them correctly is more than just noticing a red, moist sore. A veterinarian’s job is to confirm it’s a hot spot and figure out what caused it so it doesn’t return.

Physical Examination

The vet will examine the sore closely. They check the size, depth, and signs of infection. They also look at the surrounding skin and coat for additional irritation.

Ruling Out Parasites and Allergies

Fleas, ticks, mites, and allergies are common triggers. The vet will check for these to make sure the underlying cause is identified. Removing the cause is key to preventing future hot spots.

When Lab Tests Are Needed

For stubborn or severe cases, the vet might recommend tests like skin scraping, fungal checks, or bacterial cultures. These tests help find hidden infections, yeast, or parasites that could be making the hot spot worse.

Why Self-Diagnosis Can Be Risky

It’s tempting to assume every sore spot is a hot spot, but other conditions, like ringworm, mange, or tumours, can look similar. Treating the wrong issue at home can delay proper care and make your dog uncomfortable.

I’ve seen owners bring in what they thought was a simple bug bite, only for the vet to find a hot spot complicated by a yeast infection. With Rumi, her first hot spot looked minor, but my vet friend discovered an allergy trigger. Getting a professional diagnosis made all the difference in her recovery.

Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs (Vet Approach)

Treating hot spots in dogs starts with two main goals. The sore needs to heal, and the cycle of scratching and licking must stop. When treatment begins early, recovery is usually smooth.

Professional Cleaning and Shaving

The vet will first trim the fur around the hot spot. This exposes the full area so it can dry and heal. After that, the wound is gently cleaned with an antiseptic solution to remove pus, crusts, and bacteria.

Medications

Most hot spots need medication to calm the skin and fight infection. Vets often prescribe topical antibiotics or medicated sprays. In more serious cases, oral antibiotics may be given. To ease pain and itching, anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids are sometimes used.

Elizabethan Collar

Because dogs can’t resist licking or chewing, many vets recommend an Elizabethan collar. It may not be your dog’s favourite accessory, but it stops them from undoing the healing process.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up visits help the vet check that the hot spot is shrinking and the infection is gone. Owners also get prevention advice, such as managing allergies or keeping the coat well-groomed.

Hot Spot Healing Stages (Recovery Timeline)

Hot spots may look scary at first, but the good news is they heal quickly with the right care. Knowing what the healing stages look like helps you track progress and catch any setbacks early.

Stage 1: Red, Moist, and Painful

In the beginning, the sore looks raw, wet, and angry. This is when your dog feels the most discomfort and will try to lick or scratch nonstop. Cleaning and medication are most important during this stage to stop the spot from spreading.

Stage 2: Drying and Scab Formation

After a few days of treatment, the hot spot starts to dry out. A scab forms, the redness fades, and your dog usually feels less itchy and restless. This stage is a sign the healing process is working.

Stage 3: New Skin and Hair Growth

By the second week, the scab falls away. Fresh skin appears, and hair slowly grows back. At first, the spot may look lighter or patchy, but over time, the coat blends in again.

Average Healing Time

Most hot spots heal in 7 to 14 days with proper veterinary care. Bigger or more severe sores may take longer, especially if the dog keeps licking at the wound.

I’ve seen some dogs bounce back in less than a week when owners stick to treatment plans. With Rumi, her collar hot spot took about 10 days to heal. She wasn’t thrilled about wearing the cone, but keeping it on made all the difference. Without it, she would have set herself back and stretched the recovery much longer.

How To Prevent Hot Spots on Dogs (Proactive Care)

Preventing hot spots is much easier than treating them, and a few simple habits can make all the difference. Regular grooming keeps your dog’s coat clean, removes tangles, and reduces the buildup of dirt or moisture that often leads to irritation. I learned this firsthand with Rumi, skipping her weekly brush after a muddy romp left her coat matted, and that small oversight helped a hot spot form near her shoulder.

Parasite control, thorough drying after baths or swims, and a balanced diet all play a role, too. Fleas, ticks, and even damp fur can quickly spark problems, while good nutrition strengthens the skin and coat. Reducing stress through play, exercise, and mental stimulation also helps, since anxious dogs often lick or chew at their skin.

These small steps, done consistently, go a long way toward keeping your dog’s skin healthy. Now, after Rumi’s summer baths, I always spend extra time towel drying her and then turn it into a playful game. She enjoys the routine, and her skin stays much happier.

When To See a Vet (Red Flag Signs)

Sometimes a hot spot can be managed at home, but there are moments when professional care is the safest choice. If your dog keeps scratching, licking, or chewing the sore even after you’ve cleaned it and tried safe remedies, it often means the irritation is more serious than it looks.

Watch for signs that the infection is spreading. A strong odour, thick discharge, or a sore that grows bigger within hours are all red flags. These changes mean bacteria are multiplying quickly, and a vet’s treatment is needed to stop further damage.

Your dog’s overall behaviour is just as important. If they seem unusually tired, develop a fever, or lose interest in food, the infection may be affecting more than just their skin. That is when immediate veterinary care is crucial.

FAQs About Hot Spots on Dogs

Do hot spots on dogs go away on their own?

Mild hot spots may improve slightly without treatment, but most do not fully heal on their own. Without intervention, dogs will continue licking and scratching, which worsens the infection and delays recovery. Prompt care, cleaning, topical treatments, or vet-prescribed medications- is the safest approach.

Are hot spots on dogs contagious?

No, hot spots themselves aren’t contagious to other dogs or humans. However, the underlying cause, like fleas, mites, or certain infections, could spread. Treating both the hot spot and any triggers helps prevent recurrence.

How long do hot spots take to heal?

With proper treatment, hot spots generally heal within 7–14 days. Larger or severe lesions may take longer, especially if your dog continues licking or if there’s an underlying allergy or infection.

Can I use human creams on my dog’s hot spots?

It’s not recommended. Many human creams contain ingredients that can irritate dog skin or be toxic if ingested. Always use vet-approved topical treatments or natural remedies cleared by your veterinarian.

Are hot spots more common in summer?

Yes. Hot, humid weather creates an environment where bacteria thrive, and thick coats can trap heat and moisture. Dogs are also more likely to get wet from swimming or rain, which increases the risk of hot spots.