Red alert! Does your dog have a hot spot?
We’re not talking about a trendy canine hangout or a decked out backyard doghouse—this kind of “hot spot” is far less fun for your furry friend. According to Dr. Jerica Lugo, VMD, of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital, “a hot spot is a localized area of inflammation of the skin that is usually caused by self-trauma, and which can be secondarily infected.”
Hot spots are typically confined to a limited area, as opposed to being widespread. They’re usually red, sometimes raised, and frequently accompanied by hair loss and a moist discharge.
If that sounds unsettling – it is. And especially so for your dog.
Hot spots can be caused by ear infections, licking at painful areas of the body, contact irritation – i.e., a dog lays on something outside that rubs them the wrong way – or can stem from an insect bite that triggers a reaction. Underlying allergies are the primary contributor – and dogs that suffer from recurrent hotspots are typically those with allergic skin disease.
“Any dog can get an occasional hot spot if they come into contact with something that irritates the skin,” Dr. Lugo notes. And what irritates one dog’s skin is not always the same as what irritates another dog. Determining the source is key because hot spots most frequently begin small and then get larger and larger if they are not treated.
What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Hot Spot?
Hot spots generally require a call and subsequent visit to the family veterinarian.
“If it is an infection, it needs to be treated as such,” Dr. Lugo says. “Antibiotic creams may need to be dispensed. Or the spot may need to be cleaned and shaved, which is often easier for your veterinarian to do, especially if it’s causing your pet discomfort.”
There are some steps pet parents can take while they’re waiting for the appointment, however.
“One thing you can do to ease your pet’s hot spot is gently clean the area with unscented soap and water. I tell people to avoid anything scented because that can irritate the skin even more.”
Dr. Lugo also advises against the following:
- Alcohol: “Rubbing alcohol can sting and dry out the area more than we want it to,” Dr. Lugo says. “It just ends up making things more sensitive, and then your pet doesn’t want you to touch them because it hurts.”
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Commonly thought to be an all-purpose wound cleanser, hydrogen peroxide can be more harmful in the long run, which is why Dr. Lugo strongly advises against it. “The way peroxide works, it can be damaging to the surrounding skin and tissues,” she says. “It’s something that’s not commonly known. I tell people to avoid it.”
- OTC Ointments or Medications: Again, additional drying or irritation can ensue if the right product is not used. “Many pet parents opt for Neosporin because that’s readily available at the store. But it may not be the most appropriate treatment and can lock in too much moisture.”
The basics – soap and water – are best for hot spots, Dr. Lugo says.
As a general rule of thumb, covering the area is also not needed, she says, and can even lead to additional moisture in the area. However, if the spot is large enough, a surgical suit can be used, as it allows the spot to breathe.
Licking is a big problem when it comes to hot spots.
Dr. Lugo highly recommends using some kind of preventive measure to deter your dog from making matters worse.
“Hot spots are very irritating, and a dog’s instinct is to tend to want to lick anything that’s irritating them,” she says. Cone collars, inflatable donuts, or the aforementioned surgical suits can each serve this purpose. “Obviously, these coverings are meant for use post-operatively, but they can still protect a hot spot or a cut or any other area you’re trying to keep your dog from licking.”
And while hot spots tend to appear before the licking starts, that is not always the case.
“Some allergic dogs may constantly lick because they’re itchy and end up causing a raw area as a result,” Dr. Lugo says. “It can kind of go either way.”
Regardless, the bottom line remains the same: if you want to give hot spots the cold shoulder for good – a call to the vet is in order.
“I tell people to wait and talk to their veterinarian,” Dr. Lugo says. “Make sure you’re doing the right thing and not causing further irritation to the area.”
