How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs at Home

Hot spots are a common issue that affects dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Hot spots have a number of causes, and they're not always the same in nature.

This article covers how to address hot spots at home, soothe them, and prevent your dog from getting them in the future when possible. 

Let's take care of your dog's hot spots so he or she can finally feel great again.

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How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs at Home

There are three stops to the process of resolving hot spots:

1. Halting the issue (preventing your dog's scratching/licking)
2. Treating the hot spot and allowing it to heal
3. Preventing future hot spots by identifying the cause

1. How to Prevent Hot Spots from Worsening

If they're licking the hot spot, your dog might have to wear a cone for a couple of days as things get better.  

If they're scratching, your pooch might have to wear a recovery suit or garment while the hot spot improves.

If they're licking and scratching, the recovery suit will work for both issues as it prevents your dog's access to the area. 

2. Now it's Time to Treat The Hot Spot

Here's the process for cleaning and starting to heal hot spots at home:

1. Trim the Fur - Gently trim your dog's fur around the hot spot to expose it to air and keep it clean.
2. Clean the Area - Wash the hot spot with a mild, pet-safe antiseptic solution to remove debris and bacteria. Pat it dry with a clean, dry cloth.
3.  Use Topical Treatments - Apply a pet-safe, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or spray to reduce itching and inflammation.
4. Put on the recovery suit or cone to prevent your dog from licking or scratching the area.

The key to resolving hot spots is cleaning and disinfecting the wound, then giving your dog the time and space to heal. 

How Long Do Hot Spots Take to Heal?

In general, you can expect the hot spot to show signs of improvement after about 48 hours. At this point, the redness and fluids should begin to subside. 

Keep your dog's recovery suit or cone on during this time, however. You can remove suits or cones after a few more days when the scab forms and the skin begins to recover.

At that point, make sure to apply a soothing topical cream that prevents any remaining discomfort. The area is probably still a little inflamed and itchy, so a topical balm meant for soothing should reduce that discomfort and itchiness.

After about a week, you should see that the hot spot is mostly resolved. The fur will take a while to grow back, but the skin itself should be more or less healed by that point. 

If you're not seeing recovery or the issue worsens, your dog needs medical treatment from your veterinarian.

3. How to Prevent Hot Spots from Occurring

Once your dog's hot spot goes away, you have to make sure that they don't get another one. Identifying the cause can be tricky, but it's important to try. 

This most likely requires a trip to your veterinarian, but you might be able to spot your dog's hot spot cause in the section below.

Causes of Hot Spots on Dogs

A vital part of ensuring that your dog remains free of hot spots and other skin infections is to first understand the causes. Various factors can cause a hot spot, including:

• Allergies (to food, pollen, or dust)
• Insect bites (like mosquitoes or ticks)
• Moisture (from swimming or bathing)
• Skin infections
• Underlying health issues (like hormonal imbalances)

Ultimately, hot spots can form when your dog has irritated skin for any reason. Talk with your veterinarian to find out whether your dog is allergic to something in your home or environment. 

Your vet can also tell you if hormonal imbalances are causing irritated skin. 

The two things you can control most are moisture and persistent scratching.

Make sure your dog is completely dry after swimming or bathing, and be thorough. Dark, damp places like behind the ear can easily become irritated and infected if they're left wet. 

Lastly, use itch relief solutions if your dog is persistently itching an area. When your dog is itching or licking something, it's irritated in most cases. Don't let them lick excessively, and find ways to resolve their discomfort. 

1. Flea Infestations are a Key Cause of Hot Spots

Flea bites are a common cause of dog itching and irritation. Moreover, the constant scratching and biting on flea bites often lead to the formation of hot spots. To make matters worse, in some instances, a dog's immunity may be compromised due to an infestation, resulting in a flea allergy.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a common skin condition in dogs caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Here are some key points about FAD:

1. Symptoms: Dogs with FAD typically experience intense itching, redness, inflammation, and hair loss, especially around the base of the tail, the belly, and the legs. They may also develop secondary infections or hot spots due to scratching.

2. Causes: The condition occurs when a dog is sensitive to proteins in flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible dogs.

3. Diagnosis: A veterinarian can diagnose FAD based on the dog's symptoms, history of flea exposure, and sometimes skin tests or examinations.

4. Treatment: Management includes strict flea control (using topical treatments, oral medications, and environmental treatments), anti-itch medications, and sometimes antibiotics if secondary infections are present.

5. Prevention: Regular flea prevention is crucial to avoid FAD. This can involve flea treatments, keeping the environment clean, and monitoring for fleas, especially in high-risk seasons.

If you suspect your dog has flea allergy dermatitis, consulting a veterinarian is essential for effective management and relief.

2. Moisture

Excessive moisture, such as from rain, swimming, or even over-bathing, can weaken the healthy skin barrier. This makes your dog more prone to irritation and infection, which may trigger a hot spot. Although hot spots in dogs occur throughout the year, they are more common during hot weather.

When your dog's ears get wet from swimming or playing in the rain, there is an increased risk of contracting an ear infection if not properly dried. Consequently, this leads to the formation of canine hot spots under the ears, commonly referred to as summer sores.

3. Underlying Infections

Sometimes, a yeast or bacterial infection may develop on the skin. These infections usually cause discomfort and itching, leading your dog to excessive licking and scratching of the affected area. Ultimately, this results in a hot spot. For example, canine atopic dermatitis, which is the equivalent of eczema in human beings, is a common skin infection affecting 10% of all dogs.

4. Skin Trauma

Any form of skin trauma, including cuts, abrasions, or even excessive routine grooming, can break the skin's protective barrier. When this happens, it creates an opportunity for a hot spot to develop on your dog's skin.

5. Matted Fur

Tangled or matted fur on your dog can trap excess moisture and prevent air from reaching the skin, creating an ideal environment for skin infections to thrive. This is usually an underlying cause of hot spot formation.

6. Stress or Anxiety

Emotional stress or anxiety in dogs can lead to compulsive behaviors such as excessive licking or biting at their skin. This self-trauma could initiate hot spots.

What Do Dog Hot Spots Look Like?

Hot spots are distinctive and relatively easy to identify. These lesions usually appear as:

Red, Inflamed Patches: Hot spots are characterized by red, swollen, and irritated skin.

Moist or Oozing: The affected area is often moist or oozing pus and may have a foul odor.

Hair Loss: Due to excessive licking and scratching, hair loss is common in and around the hot spot.

Intense Itching: Dogs with hot spots will frequently lick, chew, or scratch the affected area, making it even more uncomfortable.

Dog Hot Spot Healing Stages

The healing process for a dog's hot spot typically follows these stages:

Initial Care

After initiating home remedies and keeping the area clean, you should see a reduction in redness and irritation within a few days. Follow the steps below:

Identify the hot spot - Begin by locating the hot spot on your dog's skin. Hot spots are usually red, moist, and inflamed areas that can be painful for your dog.

Clip the fur - Gently clip the fur around the hot spot to expose the affected skin and allow it to breathe.

Clean the area - Carefully clean the hot spot with a mild antiseptic or saline solution to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. Pat the area dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Scab Formation

A scab will eventually form as the hot spot begins to heal. Avoid picking or scratching the scab, as it protects the healing tissue underneath. During this stage, it's important to prevent your dog from licking, scratching, or biting the affected area, as this can delay healing and cause recurring hot spots.

Healing

Over the next couple of weeks, continue to monitor your dog's hot spot for signs of improvement. As the scab matures, the infected area will gradually heal from the inside out. Remember to keep the area clean and dry to facilitate the healing process.

Your veterinarian may prescribe or recommend a topical spray or ointment such as hydrocortisone or an antibiotic cream to soothe the hot spot and prevent further infection. Monitor your dog's progress and follow your vet's instructions for any follow-up care.

It's important to note that healing times can vary depending on the severity of the hot spot and how well it's managed. If you notice any signs of worsening or if your dog's condition doesn't improve, consult your veterinarian for further guidance and treatment.

Additionally, addressing the underlying cause, such as allergies or skin infections, is crucial to successfully treat hot spots.

When to Call Your Vet

Although most dog hot spots can be effectively managed using home remedies, there are instances where veterinary intervention is necessary. Contact your veterinarian if:

• The hot spot is large, deep, or doesn't show signs of improvement within a few days.

• Your dog's condition worsens, or they become lethargic or lose their appetite.

• Secondary infections develop.

• Your dog repeatedly experiences hot spots, as this may indicate a critical underlying cause.

Best Hotspot Medicine for Dogs

The best treatment for hot spots in dogs includes the following:

• Topical Medications - Veterinarians often prescribe topical treatments with anti-inflammatory properties, such as medicated sprays, creams, or gels, to help soothe hot spots on dogs.

• Oral Medications - In some cases, oral antibiotics or oral steroids may be prescribed to address the underlying cause of the hot spot or to control severe inflammation.

• Allergen Identification - If allergies are suspected as the trigger, your vet will possibly recommend allergy testing to identify the allergen and develop an appropriate management plan.

• Dietary Changes - In cases of food allergies, changing your dog's diet to a hypoallergenic one may be required. A good place to start would be to eliminate dog foods and treats with potential allergens such as those that are high in grains and proteins.

• Environmental Management - If environmental allergies are the issue, making changes to your dog's environment to minimize exposure to parasites can be helpful.

• Hydration and Nutrition - Ensure your dog remains well-hydrated and receives a balanced diet to support their overall health and recovery. A balanced diet includes protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as fish oil.

• Follow-Up Care - Regular follow-up visits with your veterinarian are essential to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Remember, hot spots can worsen quickly, therefore it is crucial to promptly seek veterinary counsel.

More Tips for Curing Hot Spots on Dogs at home

Preventing hot spots is vital to ensuring your dog's long-term comfort and well-being. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Routine Grooming - Brush your dog's coat regularly to remove loose fur and prevent matting, which can trap excessive moisture. This is especially crucial for breeds with thicker coats such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. In addition, thoroughly dry your dog's ear flap to prevent any infection from forming in the ear canal that eventually leads to hot spots.

• Flea and Tick Control - Use appropriate flea and tick prevention methods recommended by your veterinarian. For example, use a mild soap or antibacterial shampoo to wash your dog regularly. In addition, wash your dog's bedding in warm soapy water on a weekly basis to keep ticks and fleas at bay.

• Allergy Management - If your dog has allergies, work with your vet to identify triggers and manage them effectively. This may include the use of allergy medication over a short course.

• Dietary Considerations - Provide a well-balanced diet with high-quality food that meets your dog's nutritional needs. In some cases, dietary allergies can contribute to skin issues.

• Keep Your Dog Dry - Whenever your dog swims or after baths, ensure that you dry them thoroughly, especially on the areas prone to hot spots such as the head, ears, hips, and legs to prevent ear infections and skin irritations. Moreover, be keen to check under your dog's tail because the continued chewing and licking could result in the anal glands getting infected.

• Stress Reduction - Minimize stress for your dog, as stress can exacerbate itching and scratching. Engage your dog in regular exercise by taking walks and provide mental stimulation by playing games such as "fetch".

You May Not Find a Home Cure for Dog Hot Spots

While home remedies for hot spots have worked for many dogs, they may not work for all. 

You can certainly prevent the issue from worsening by cleaning the area, preventing your dog from irritating it further, and keeping the area dry. Your dog may still get more hot spots, however, and this may reflect an underlying health issue. 

The best method is always to visit your veterinarian for professional advice and examination. 

FAQs About Hot Spots on Dogs

Can Hot Spots Kill a Dog?

While hot spots are not directly life threatening, an infection can spread into deeper layers of the skin and blood which could result in severe health complications.

Is There Hope of Curing Hot Spots on Dogs at Home?

You might cure your dog's hot spots at home by identifying the source of the issue (typically itchy skin from fleas or allergies) and preventing your dog from scratching and licking areas in the future.

How Can I Help Hot Spots on Dogs' Feet?

You can start by cleaning the hot spot, soothing it with an ointment or balm, and putting a paw boot on (or sock) over your dog's paw to prevent them from itching or licking it as they heal.

Can You Ease Hot Spots with Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil may help to soothe the area and relieve some of the itchiness, and it has antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil can be helpful, but it's not a cure by any means.

What if My Dog Has a Mild Small Hot Spot?

If your dog's hot spot is mild, try to clean it, apply something soothing to it to increase your dog's comfort, then cover the area so your dog can't lick or scratch.

References

1. NRDC. (Smith-Janssen, 2016). Non-Toxic Ways to Protect Your Pet. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/nontoxic-ways-protect-your-pet

2. University of Nottingham. (n.d.). What Is Canine Atopic Dermatitis? Retrieved from https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/itchy-dog/what-is-canine-atopic-dermatitis/what-is-canine-atopic-dermatitis.aspx

3. VCA Hospitals. (n.d.). Hot Spots in Dogs. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hot-spots-in-dogs