Not-So-Hot Spots

Your dog suddenly can’t seem to stop licking and worrying a spot on her body. You part the fur only to discover a moist, wet sore. What caused this and how do you fix it? Help is here!  

What are hot spots? 

Hot spots, which your veterinarian might call acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are itchy, moist lesions that can seem to pop up overnight. Sometimes matted fur can obscure these infected areas of skin which your dog can’t seem to stop licking. Hot spots are classified as superficial if they only affect the outer layers of the skin and appear red and inflamed, or deep, in which case the skin is usually thickened, covered in pus, and may have lesions on the surrounding skin. 

What causes hot spots?  

Hot spots may seem to appear out of nowhere, but there is most often an underlying cause that’s more chronic. Any condition that can cause itching can lead to licking, rubbing, and scratching has the potential to result in a hot spot. This can include flea bites, environmental allergies, ear infections, an adverse food reaction or a bacterial overgrowth.

How do you treat hot spots? 

While it is important to treat the immediate concern—your dog’s itchiness and discomfort—it’s also important for your vet to identify any underlying causes that may be present. They’ll likely use a flea comb to check your dog for these pesky parasites. Some dogs are so sensitive to flea bites that even a single flea biting your dog and jumping off can lead to full blown reaction. If a flea sensitivity is suspected, it is a good idea to keep your dog on year round flea control to prevent future reactions. 

Your vet may suspect allergies based on certain clues in your dog’s history—Do they get itchy at certain times of the year, suggesting seasonal allergies? Do they flare up following exposure to certain plants? Did a change in food bring on ear scratching and paw licking? Depending on the degree of suspicion and chronicity of symptoms, recommendations may vary from trying a novel protein diet, to a trial of allergy medication, to referral to a dermatologist for allergy testing. Ear infections are also commonly linked to an underlying allergy, so these can go hand in hand with hot spots.

Since the fur is often wet and matted, usually your dog’s fur will need to be clipped. This allows the lesion to get better air circulation and encourages it to dry out. It also makes it easier for you to be able to apply topical medications, and for you to monitor the skin to make sure its healing. The skin is usually then scrubbed to remove exudate and surface bacteria. This may be uncomfortable or painful for some pets, so sometimes sedation is required to properly clip and clean. 

Treatment for hot spots varies based on whether they are superficial or deep. Your vet may decide to swab the skin and look under the microscope to confirm the presence of bacteria. More mild, superficial hot spots are usually treated with a topical cream or ointment that you apply twice a day. These ointments contain an anti-inflammatory for comfort, and an antibiotic for bacteria that is present on the skin. Deeper hot spots require oral antibiotics and usually either an anti-inflammatory or an anti-itch medication. 

You’ll know your dog is feeling better once the skin appears dry and returns to its normal colour. If your dog had to wear a cone or a cloud collar to prevent licking while healing, this will be a happy day for everybody in the family!

Check out Modern Dog's e-store for skin care and healing products that will help relieve your dog's hot spots.