🔥 Vet Guide 2025: Hot Spots (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis) in Dogs and Cats – Causes & Relief 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Hot spots—also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis—are one of the most common skin emergencies veterinarians treat during warm, humid months. These red, weepy, often painful lesions can appear almost overnight and rapidly expand. Fortunately, with early treatment and proper management, most hot spots resolve quickly. In this 2025 veterinary guide, we’ll cover what causes hot spots, how to treat them, and how to prevent future flare-ups. 🐶🐱

🔍 What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots are moist, inflamed skin sores that develop after intense self-chewing, licking, or scratching. These lesions usually:

• 🔥 Appear suddenly and grow quickly
• 🩸 May ooze clear fluid, pus, or blood
• 📍 Have well-defined red borders
• 🧴 Are often painful, wet, and smelly

They can range from small patches to large areas covering the neck, face, hips, or legs. While they often look dramatic, they’re typically superficial skin infections—unless a deeper issue is involved. 📸

🧠 What Causes Hot Spots?

The root cause is almost always an itch that leads to obsessive grooming or scratching. Common triggers include: 🐕

• 🦟 Flea allergies
• 🌿 Environmental allergies (atopy)
• 🍗 Food allergies
• 💇 Irritation from grooming tools or clippers
• 🐕‍🦺 Ear infections or anal gland issues
• 🧠 Stress or anxiety (in some cases)

Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds are particularly prone to facial and neck hot spots. Certain spots—especially under the ears or on the cheek—may hide deeper skin infections that require aggressive treatment. 👂

🩹 First Aid for Hot Spots

✅ Step 1: Clip and Clean

Remove surrounding hair to expose the lesion fully. This improves air circulation and lets medications reach the infection. Use pet-safe clippers only. ✂️

✅ Step 2: Disinfect Gently

Clean the area with a vet-approved antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or stinging agents. 🚿

✅ Step 3: Apply Topicals

Use only veterinarian-approved creams or sprays. Never apply human medications like zinc oxide—these can be toxic if licked. ❌

✅ Step 4: Stop the Itch

• 🔁 Recurrent or large hot spots may require oral anti-inflammatories (like prednisone)
• 💊 Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary infection is present
• 🦺 Use an e-collar to prevent licking during healing

⚠️ If your pet has more than one lesion, or if the lesion seems to worsen, call your vet. These cases may not be simple hot spots. 🧪

💡 When to See the Vet

• 📍 The hot spot is large, spreading, or painful
• 📈 Your pet has a fever or seems lethargic
• 💊 The hot spot returns repeatedly
• 🧬 Your dog has known allergies or chronic skin disease

About 30% of pets seen for "hot spots" actually have other conditions: bite wounds, deep skin infections, or autoimmune skin issues. 🧠

🛡️ Prevention Tips

1️⃣ Maintain Year-Round Flea Control

• 🪳 Flea bites are a leading trigger of hot spots
• 💊 Use consistent, monthly flea prevention for all pets in the home

2️⃣ Groom Regularly

• 🛁 Bath and brush pets regularly to remove allergens and dead hair
• ✂️ Trim long coats during hot weather to avoid matting

3️⃣ Address Allergies

• 🍽️ Consider hypoallergenic diets or allergy testing
• 🌸 Manage seasonal triggers with antihistamines or immunotherapy

4️⃣ Manage Moisture

• 🌊 Dry your dog thoroughly after swimming or baths
• 🌬️ Use fans or pet-safe dryers to prevent moisture buildup

📲 Need Help Fast? Ask A Vet

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s sore is a hot spot—or need guidance on safe treatments—visit AskAVet.com to chat with a licensed vet 24/7. 🩺

The Ask A Vet App lets you:

• 📸 Upload images of the lesion for evaluation
• 💬 Get real-time treatment advice
• 📅 Receive follow-up tips and prevention strategies

📝 Final Thoughts

Hot spots are painful and unsightly, but they’re also one of the most treatable skin conditions when caught early. Identifying the underlying cause—whether fleas, allergies, or moisture—and responding quickly is the key to lasting relief. 🛠️

If you're not sure what you're looking at, don’t hesitate to check with your vet—or connect via AskAVet.com for expert help anytime. Hot spots heal faster with smart, informed care. 🐶🐱🔥