A hot spot, also known as acute moist dermatitis, is a common pet skin problem seen in dogs. These sores result from a bacterial skin infection and can become very painful if left untreated. In the most severe cases, a hot spot can even cause skin tissue damage. To help your pet avoid this condition, learn more about how to detect and treat hot spots.

What Do Hot Spots Look Like?

Hot spots can be found on any area of your dog's skin, but they most commonly form around the paws, head, hips, and neck.

Typically, fur will disappear around the sore, revealing raw and inflamed skin. The patch will appear moist and may bleed or ooze. If your dog licks the area, the problem area will get larger.

If you touch the hot spot, it may feel warmer than the rest of your dog's skin, and your pet may react to the pain.

What Causes Them?

Hot spots typically develop when a dog chews or bites at their skin. Usually, this behavior is in response to irritation caused by fleas, mites, allergies, and dry skin. In some cases, stress and anxiety may also be to blame.

After biting, an initial wound will appear and begin to scab over. However, the skin will itch more during the healing process, prompting dogs to scratch or chew the area again. At this point, bacteria can infect the lesion and cause a hot spot to form.

How Can You Treat the Hot Spots?

Carefully trim any fur around the wound, and rinse and clean the area using a pH-balanced solution that's gentle on hot spots.

Compress the sore with a cool cloth to ease pain and irritation, and then dry the area with a clean towel. Also, apply a hot spot treatment to the region to help support the healing process.

If you suspect your dog's hot spot is due to a different pet skin problem, such as allergies or fleas, have a veterinarian treat the underlying issue. Likewise, if the wound gets worse within days or doesn't heal after a few weeks, visit an animal clinic to determine if antibiotics are necessary. Your dog may also need to wear a cone to prevent them from biting the area.

If your dog is struggling with hot spots, Lillian Veterinary Hospital can promote faster healing. Providing veterinary care to residents throughout Southwest Alabama for over 20 years, Dr. Susan Wells and her team know how to diagnose and treat all types of pet skin problems, including allergies, dryness, infections, and dermatitis. Visit this animal clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (251) 962-2304 to schedule an appointment.