Why Do Dogs Get Hot Spots?

Does your dog tend to itch like mad once the warm weather approaches? Has it left you scratching your own head wondering, “Why do dogs get hot spots?”

Referred to as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, hot spots are itchy and annoying areas of red and weepy skin that are difficult to resolve. Keep reading to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for hot spots.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots are typically caused by an initial incident that causes your pup to scratch. Underlying causes include allergic skin disease, anal sacculitis, demodicosis, and other itchy skin conditions.

On e your dog begins itching from one of these other causes, they puncture the skin’s surface or protective barrier. Once the barrier has been broken, tiny microorganisms that live on the surface of your dog’s skin get inside and the result is a nasty infection. These secondary infections are referred to as pyoderma and folliculitis.

This colonization and skin damage leads to a lesion that is extremely itchy, compelling your dog to scratch even further. And the cycle continues. 

The reason these hot spots are more common in the warmer months is because heat and moisture both encourage the growth of bacteria. 

Dogs with thick double coats can be more prone to skin problems. Their dense underfur traps heat and moisture close to the skin, creating a perfect breeding ground for some types of microorganisms. This warm, humid environment can lead to irritation and imbalances in the natural skin flora.

Symptoms of Hot Spots on Dogs

Hot spots are like sudden, angry storms on your dog’s skin. They appear quickly, often overnight, as large, itchy, and painful sores. These red, greenish, or shiny patches may ooze with pus and can erupt anywhere on your furry friend. However, they tend to favor areas prone to allergies, like the ears, neck, face, tail base, and flanks.

Diagnosing hot spots usually involves a simple visual exam. But to identify the underlying cause and prevent future flare-ups, your veterinarian might recommend additional tests:

• A visual inspection for fleas, mites, or other external parasites.
• An impression smear or skin scraping can reveal details about the cells and potential for mites.
• A skin culture helps identify bacterial infections that might be contributing to the hot spot.
• Observing how your dog responds to allergy treatment can provide clues.
• Specific allergy testing can identify triggers to help prevent future hot spots.
• In rare cases, a skin biopsy might be needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Treating Hot Spots in Dogs

The good news? Hot spots are highly treatable, although they can be a hassle to manage. While topical medications like sprays, powders, and shampoos can help, they often need backup. Injectable or oral medications are frequently required to knock out the infection completely.

Here’s what to expect during treatment:

1. Clip and Clean: The vet will clip the fur around the hot spot and clean the area thoroughly.
2. Calming the Storm: An initial injection of a short-acting corticosteroid can quickly reduce inflammation and itching. This might be enough to avoid longer-term steroid use and antibiotics.
3. Widespread Infection? If the hot spot is large, antibiotics are typically prescribed to fight off bacterial infection.
4. Multi-Pronged Attack: Medicated shampoos and sprays join forces with the other treatments.
5. Breaking the Cycle: To prevent your pup from scratching and worsening the hot spot, an Elizabethan collar (cone) might be recommended. This helps interrupt the itch-scratch cycle that can perpetuate the problem.

By working with your veterinarian, you can get your dog fast relief and prevent those frustrating hot spots from recurring.

The Cost of Treating Hot Spots in Dogs

The only thing more painful than red, itchy, oozing skin, are the vet bills to treat said red, itchy, oozing skin!

The price tag for treating hot spots depends on how severe they are and how often they flare up.

• Occasional Hot Spots: If your dog gets hot spots once or twice a year, and they don’t seem linked to allergies, the vet might focus on treating the immediate symptoms. This usually involves a basic exam and treatment (like medication and cleaning), costing around $100 to $200.
• Recurring or Severe Hot Spots: For more frequent or serious hot spots, the vet might recommend additional tests to identify the underlying cause and prevent future outbreaks. These tests can add up quickly. In-depth allergy testing, for instance, can cost up to $1,000 or $2,000.

By discussing your dog’s history with your veterinarian, you can get a better idea of the potential costs involved in treating their hot spots.

Final Thoughts

Why do dogs get hot spots? There will usually be an inciting cause, such as dermatitis that gets the dog scratching. And then the surface bacteria on the dog’s skin can begin to infiltrate and cause a secondary infection that kicks up the itchiness one or ten notches. If the dog is allowed to scratch and the infection is allowed to fester, the cycle will continue and the skin will become very infected and painful.

Hot spots may be a frustrating experience for both you and your furry friend, but the good news is they’re treatable. Early detection and veterinary attention are key to getting your dog fast relief and preventing future flare-ups. Remember, while topical treatments can help, antibiotics and other medications might be necessary for complete healing. If hot spots are a recurring issue, don’t hesitate to discuss allergy testing with your veterinarian. By working together, you can create a treatment plan that keeps your dog comfortable and those angry red spots at bay.

References

1. Moriello KA. Treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats: review of published studies.Veterinary Dermatology. 2004; 15.
2. Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2010 clinical practice guidelines from the International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology. 2010; 21: 233-248.
3. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hot-spots-in-dogs

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.