2025 Vet Guide: Hot Spots on Dogs – Quick Relief, Care & Prevention 🐶🔥

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hot spots—also called acute moist dermatitis—are painful, red, itchy sores that seem to “pop up” overnight. They can worsen rapidly since dogs lick or chew the area. With swift care, most hot spots heal well. Here’s how to address them safely and effectively. 👇

🔍 1. What Causes Hot Spots?

• Allergies: Environmental or food-related itching often leads to scratching and soggy sores.
• Fleas, ticks, mites: Insect bites spark intense irritation.
• Ear or skin infections: Secondary bacterial overgrowth that results in wet, inflamed lesions.
• Moisture traps: Wet fur, especially in dense coats, creates friction and infection zones.
• Poor grooming or stress: Overgrown fur or anxious chewing worsen hotspots.

🩺 2. When to Seek Vet Attention

Hot spot care often starts at home, but contact your vet if:

• Hot spot covers large areas or grow quickly
• Pus, swelling, heat, or foul odor present
• Your dog has a fever or shows signs of systemic illness
• Hot spots recur frequently

🛠️ 3. Step-by-Step Home Care

1. Clip fur: Remove hair around the sore—create a 1" margin till clean skin—helps air circulation.
2. Clean gently: Use diluted antiseptic (e.g. diluted chlorhexidine or Epsom salt soak).
3. Dry thoroughly: Pat gently to prevent humidity buildup under the skin.
4. Apply topical treatment: Use soothing sprays or creams like colloidal oatmeal + antibacterial/anti-inflammatory ingredients.
5. Prevent chewing/licking: Use an Elizabethan collar or a suitable alternative.
6. Monitor: Check daily—look for healing, scabbing, or new sores.

💊 4. When Veterinary Treatment is Needed

• Oral antibiotics are used when the infection extends under the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory meds: e.g., NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
• Medicated shampoos or dips: For hotspots spreading in dense fur.
• Treatment for triggers: Flea control, allergy management, ear infection care, diet adjustment.

🏡 5. Preventing Hot Spots

• Keep your coat well-groomed—dry after baths or outdoor play.
• Protect against parasites—use year-round flea/tick prevention.
• Identify and treat allergies—use diet trials or symptomatic treatments.
• Provide stress-relief—engagement toys, safe routines alleviate boredom licking.
• Maintain skin moisture—comfort sprays or oatmeal-based conditioners.

📱 6. Tools to Support Recovery

• Ask A Vet: Schedule remote guidance for persistent or recurring hot spots.
• Woopf: Set reminders for treatments, bathing, grooming check-ins.
• Purrz: Log hotspot healing, itchiness levels, and recurrence trends.

📚 FAQ

Q: Can I just use Neosporin on the sore?

No—human triple antibiotic ointments may irritate pets. Veterinary-grade topicals are safer and more effective.

Q: Do hot spots go away on their own?

Minor exposure may improve, but because dogs often worsen them by licking, veterinary care helps ensure safe, lasting healing.

Q: How long does healing take?

Small hotspots often start closing within 3–5 days. More severe ones may take 2 weeks or longer with follow-up care.

💬 Owner Insight

> “Our shepherd got a hotspot after swimming—clipping and oatmeal spray plus a collar had it better in four days.”

🏁 Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Hot spots can appear quickly, but with attentive care—clipping, cleaning, topical treatment, and blocking licking—they can heal well. Finding and treating the root cause is key to prevention. With Ask A Vet support, Woopf reminders, and Purrz tracking, you’re empowered to tackle hotspots confidently—keeping your pet comfortable in 2025 and beyond. 🐾💙

Download the Ask A Vet app for expert advice on skin issues and personalized care plans. 📱

AskAVet.com – Your partner in skin comfort.