Hot Spots on Dogs: What Causes Them and How to Stop Them Coming Back

That raw, oozing patch of skin your dog won't stop licking is called a hot spot — and it can go from small to serious in hours. Here's what vets want you to know.

You notice your dog licking or chewing at one spot obsessively. You push back the fur to look — and find a red, raw, wet patch of skin that seems to have appeared from nowhere. Hot spots (officially called acute moist dermatitis) can develop from nothing to a quarter-sized wound within hours.

They're extremely common, extremely uncomfortable for your dog, and very treatable — if you catch them early and understand what's driving them.

What Is a Hot Spot?

A hot spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and bacterial infection. It starts when something causes the dog to lick, scratch, or chew at a spot. That irritation breaks the skin barrier, bacteria colonize the area, and the resulting infection causes more itching — which causes more licking — which makes it worse. It's a self-perpetuating cycle that can spread rapidly.

What Triggers Them

Allergies (environmental or food) — the most common underlying cause
Fleas — a single flea bite can trigger a hot spot in a flea-allergic dog
Matted fur — traps moisture against the skin
Ear infections — dogs scratch near the ear and create a hot spot
Anal gland problems — dogs chew at the base of their tail
Boredom or anxiety — stress licking
Wet coat — swimming or bathing without proper drying, especially in thick-coated breeds

First Aid at Home

If the hot spot is small (under a quarter) and you catch it early:

Clip the fur around the area carefully — air exposure is essential for healing
Clean gently with a mild antiseptic solution (diluted chlorhexidine) or cool water
Apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream (1%) to reduce inflammation
Prevent licking with an e-collar (cone) — this is non-negotiable

When to See a Vet

If the hot spot is larger than a silver dollar, spreading rapidly, deeply infected, or your dog is in significant distress — see a vet. Prescription antibiotics and steroids are often needed for moderate to severe cases. Without the e-collar and treatment, hot spots don't heal on their own.

Preventing Recurrence

The hot spot itself is the symptom. Something caused it. If your dog gets recurring hot spots, work with your vet to identify the underlying trigger — allergies, parasites, anxiety — and address that root cause. Otherwise, you'll be treating hot spots indefinitely.

Always consult your veterinarian for severe or rapidly spreading hot spots, or if your dog seems systemically unwell.