What Are Hot Spots on Dogs and What Do They Look Like?

Hot spots are a common skin condition that many dog owners encounter. These red, inflamed patches can cause significant discomfort for dogs, often appearing suddenly and spreading quickly. Hot spots can be very painful and itchy, causing dogs to scratch, lick, or chew at the area, which only makes the problem worse. Left untreated, they can worsen, becoming more painful and prone to infection.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything dog owners need to know about hot spots, from what they are to how to recognise them and why they form so quickly. Understanding the details of this condition can help dog owners manage hot spots promptly and keep their dogs healthy and comfortable.

Understanding Hot Spots: What Are They?

Hot spots are skin sores or lesions that are generally caused by a dog’s own scratching or licking. This self-inflicted trauma typically occurs as a response to itchiness, pain, or some kind of irritation. When a dog scratches or chews at an itchy area excessively, it damages the skin’s outer layer, allowing bacteria to take hold. This bacterial growth leads to infection, causing a red, sore, and moist lesion, or “hot spot.” Hot spots are more likely to appear in dogs with thick or long coats, as well as in warm or humid conditions, where the combination of skin moisture and bacteria can thrive.

Where Do Hot Spots Commonly Appear?

Hot spots can form anywhere on a dog’s body, but they tend to occur in areas where it’s easy for the dog to scratch or lick. This includes:

• Neck
• Head and ears
• Hips and flanks
• Tail base

Dogs with long or dense fur, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Saint Bernards, are particularly susceptible to hot spots due to the thickness of their coats. 

What Do Hot Spots Look Like?

Hot spots are generally easy to identify due to their unique and distinctive appearance. They typically start small but can expand quickly as the dog continues to scratch or lick. Here’s a breakdown of the most recognisable features of a hot spot:

• Red, Inflamed Skin: The skin in the affected area is typically red and swollen. This inflammation is the body’s response to the irritation, as increased blood flow rushes to the area to try to heal it. The bright red colour of the hot spot is often the first thing that catches an owner’s attention.
• Moist, Oozing Skin: One of the defining features of hot spots is their moist or oozing appearance. Because the dog is constantly licking or chewing the area, the skin remains damp, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. The oozing may include clear fluid or, in cases of bacterial infection, pus.
• Hair Loss Around the Area: Hot spots often cause the fur to fall out or become matted and discoloured around the affected skin. The hair loss usually creates a circular or irregularly shaped bald patch, leaving the irritated skin exposed and making the hot spot even more noticeable.
• Crusts and Scabs: As the hot spot starts to heal, a crust or scab may develop over the sore. However, if the dog continues to scratch or lick, this scab can break, reopening the sore and prolonging the healing process. In some cases, multiple scabs may form and then be broken as the dog scratches, leading to a cycle that delays healing.
• Tenderness and Sensitivity: Hot spots are generally very painful to the touch, and many dogs will flinch, yelp, or pull away if the area is touched. This sensitivity is due to the raw, inflamed skin and possibly the underlying infection.

Why Do Hot Spots Form So Quickly?

Hot spots can appear and spread at an astonishing speed, sometimes growing in size within hours. This rapid progression is due to a cycle of self-trauma that accelerates skin damage and bacterial growth. Here’s how it happens:

• Itchiness or Irritation: It all starts when the dog feels an itch or irritation. This can be due to something as simple as a flea bite or as complex as an underlying allergy.
• Self-Trauma: In response to the itchiness, the dog scratches, licks, or chews at the affected area, damaging the skin’s protective outer layer. This breaks down the skin barrier and allows bacteria to enter, quickly turning a small irritation into a sore.
• Moisture and Bacteria Growth: The constant licking keeps the area damp, which encourages bacterial growth. The bacteria exacerbate the infection, leading to more itching and discomfort, and causing the dog to continue the cycle of licking and scratching.

This cycle of self-trauma can cause the hot spot to expand dramatically within a short time. This is why early intervention is crucial, if you catch a hot spot early, you can help stop this cycle before the sore becomes too severe.

Recognising Hot Spots Early

Early recognition of hot spots is essential for effective treatment. Here are some early warning signs that can help you catch a hot spot before it gets worse:

• Frequent Scratching or Licking: If your dog is persistently scratching or licking one area, it’s worth investigating. Early hot spots can look like minor redness or irritation, but they can quickly escalate.
• Fur Loss or Texture Changes: Often, the first visible sign of a hot spot is thinning or missing fur around the irritated area. The fur may also become damp, matted, or even discoloured.
• Odour: As the hot spot becomes infected, it may start to emit a mild to strong smell. This odour is usually caused by bacterial growth and may indicate that the hot spot is worsening.

How Serious Are Hot Spots?

While hot spots are generally not life-threatening, they can cause a great deal of discomfort and lead to further complications if not managed. The longer the hot spot remains untreated, the greater the chance of secondary infections, which may require antibiotics and additional treatment from your vet. For some dogs, the pain and discomfort associated with hot spots can also impact their quality of life, leading to decreased energy, mood changes, or even a reluctance to be touched.

Moreover, frequent or recurring hot spots can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Allergies, for instance, are a common cause of repeated hot spots and may require ongoing management to prevent future flare-ups. Working with a veterinarian to determine the cause of recurring hot spots is essential for ensuring your dog’s long-term health and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Hot spots can be a challenging and uncomfortable condition for dogs, but with early intervention and the right care, they can be managed effectively. Understanding what a hot spot looks like and recognising the signs can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and recovery. Taking preventive steps, such as regular grooming, proper drying after baths or swims, and maintaining flea prevention, can also reduce the risk of hot spots. By staying attentive and proactive, you can help ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and free from the discomfort of hot spots.