20 Remedies for Hot Spots on Dogs
You noticed it this morning—your dog licking obsessively. By evening, there’s a raw, oozing crater on their neck or hip. Welcome to the world of acute moist dermatitis, better known as a “hot spot.” But while the name is simple, the treatment absolutely isn’t.
📝 Quick Takeaways
| ❓ Question | ✅ Short Answer |
|---|---|
| What causes hot spots? | A trigger (bite, allergy, moisture) + self-trauma. |
| Can I treat it at home? | Only very minor cases. Most require vet care. |
| Are hot spots painful? | Yes — they are often acutely painful and infected. |
| Do they always come back? | If the underlying cause isn’t solved — yes. |
| What’s the fastest fix? | A vet-led combo of clipping, antibiotics, and anti-itch meds. |
💡 “What’s the Actual First Thing to Do When I See a Hot Spot?”
Call your vet — then prevent further licking. No home spray or cream can compete with a treatment that starts with:
| 🚨 Action | 💬 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vet visit within 24 hours | These wounds can triple in size overnight. |
| Use an E-collar immediately | Licking adds trauma = worsens infection. |
| Keep the area dry and exposed | Moisture is the bacteria’s best friend. |
👂 Pro Tip: If it’s larger than a coin, weeping pus, or extremely painful, this is no longer a DIY case. You’re looking at a full medical condition, not just skin irritation.
✂️ “Do I Really Need to Shave My Dog’s Fur Over It?”
Yes. Clipping is critical. Hot spots hide under matted fur, trapping pus and moisture. Here’s what your vet will do:
| 🧴 Step | 🔍 Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clip fur around lesion | Exposes the full wound, prevents bacteria entrapment. |
| Antiseptic scrub (e.g., chlorhexidine) | Removes bacteria, debris, pus — safely. |
| Possibly sedate your dog | It’s often too painful to clip without sedation. |
🚫 Warning: Don’t try it yourself unless you’ve been shown how. Clipping inflamed skin with scissors can cause severe injury.
💊 “Why Are Antibiotics and Steroids So Common for Hot Spots?”
Because a hot spot is a bacterial infection caused by self-trauma — and the trauma is driven by pain and intense itching. You need both:
| 💊 Medication | 🔬 Function |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics (oral/injectable) | Treat deep pyoderma and prevent systemic spread. |
| Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) | Break the itch-inflammation-lick cycle rapidly. |
| Pain meds (e.g., NSAIDs, gabapentin) | Reduce pain-driven licking and restlessness. |
💡 Did You Know? Some dogs need Cytopoint® or Apoquel® for long-term itch control, especially allergic breeds like Labs or Golden Retrievers.
🧴 “What About Sprays, Wipes, or Creams?”
Topicals help — but only after the skin is exposed and cleaned. Applying ointments over matted fur is useless (and dangerous).
| 🧼 Product Type | 🧠 Best Use |
|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine wipes/sprays | Daily antiseptic for mild spots or cleaned lesions. |
| Vet-prescribed creams (with steroid/antibiotic) | Reduces inflammation + kills bacteria. |
| Soothing rinses (cool water, green tea) | Temporary relief for early-stage or healing skin. |
🚫 Avoid: Alcohol, peroxide, Neosporin®, witch hazel. These sting, damage tissue, and delay healing.
🦴 “Can Nutritional Supplements Prevent Hot Spots?”
Yes — when used as long-term prevention, not acute treatment. The two best-backed additions:
| 🌱 Supplement | ✅ Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) | Anti-inflammatory, strengthens skin barrier. |
| Vitamin E / Zinc (under vet supervision) | Supports skin repair + immune resilience. |
🐟 Tip: Use marine-based omega-3s, not plant-based (like flaxseed). Dogs poorly convert ALA to usable anti-inflammatory fats.
🐶 “My Dog Gets Hot Spots Every Summer — Why?”
Chronic recurrence means you’re missing the trigger. Here’s how to track it down:
| 🧨 Root Cause | 🐾 Clue |
|---|---|
| Flea allergy dermatitis | Base of tail, sudden biting, fleas hard to find. |
| Food allergy | Year-round licking, belly/ear irritation. |
| Environmental allergens | Paws, face, seasonal flares. |
| Moisture exposure | Post-swim or rainy days, neck or hip spots. |
| Arthritis or stress | Repetitive licking over joints or limbs. |
📘 Rule of Thumb: Hot spots don’t appear out of nowhere. They signal a threshold breach in your dog’s skin defense.
🐕🦺 “How Do I Actually Prevent Hot Spots in the Future?”
Start treating your dog’s skin like a climate-controlled, allergy-prone organ — because it is.
| 🌦️ Prevention Strategy | ✨ Result |
|---|---|
| Year-round flea control | Eliminates most #1 hot spot trigger. |
| Routine drying after wet activities | No moisture = no bacterial bloom. |
| Brushing and coat maintenance | Prevents matting = improves air flow. |
| Allergy testing or diet trial | Pinpoints recurring inflammation source. |
| Pain control & behavioral enrichment | Reduces anxiety/arthritis-driven licking. |
📌 Note: Prevention is not one-size-fits-all. Your strategy must match your dog’s breed, environment, and known health history.
🔍 “Is This a Hot Spot — or Something Else?”
Don’t assume. Hot spots are mimicked by several conditions that need completely different treatments.
| 👁️ Condition | 🧬 Difference from Hot Spot |
|---|---|
| Ringworm | Dry, scaly, spreads slowly. Fungal, not bacterial. |
| Mange (Demodex/Sarcoptic) | Intense itch, ear crusts, mites involved. |
| Acral lick granuloma | Hard, raised lesion from chronic behavior. |
| Deep pyoderma | Multiple pustules or draining tracts. |
📷 Tip: Take clear photos and see your vet if the lesion isn’t weeping, lasts longer than a few days, or keeps coming back.
📌 The 20 Hot Spot Treatments — in One Chart
| # | 💡 Treatment Strategy | 🧪 Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clipping & cleaning | Vet |
| 2 | Systemic antibiotics | Vet |
| 3 | Corticosteroids | Vet |
| 4 | Apoquel/Cytopoint | Vet |
| 5 | Prescription topicals | Vet |
| 6 | Pain medications | Vet |
| 7 | E-collar or suit | Home |
| 8 | Antiseptic wipes | Home |
| 9 | Medicated shampoos | Home |
| 10 | Vet-approved topicals | Home |
| 11 | Cool rinses/compresses | Home |
| 12 | Omega-3 supplements | Home |
| 13 | Skin-supportive vitamins | Home |
| 14 | Flea/tick control | Prevention |
| 15 | Allergy management | Prevention |
| 16 | Coat maintenance | Prevention |
| 17 | Joint care & weight control | Prevention |
| 18 | Mental stimulation | Prevention |
| 19 | Balanced, allergen-free diet | Prevention |
| 20 | Anal gland health | Prevention |
FAQs
🗨️ COMMENT 1: “Can I use human Neosporin or hydrocortisone cream on my dog’s hot spot?”
🧠 Expert Response:
No, unless explicitly directed by your veterinarian. While Neosporin (a combination of bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B) and 1% hydrocortisone cream are commonly used in human medicine, their application in dogs is highly case-specific and carries several risks.
Dogs instinctively lick at irritated areas, and when they ingest topical medications intended for human use, it can cause gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, or in some cases, toxicity — particularly with neomycin, which has been associated with contact sensitization.
Additionally, many human formulations include additional ingredients, such as xylitol (toxic to dogs), alcohols, or essential oils, that can burn or further irritate inflamed canine skin.
| 🧴 Product | ⚠️ Canine Risk | ✅ Veterinary-Approved Use? |
|---|---|---|
| Neosporin | Licking → GI upset, sensitization | Occasionally, in tiny doses under vet supervision |
| Hydrocortisone 1% | May worsen skin if misused or if yeast/fungal is present | Only short-term & vet-approved use |
| Human triple antibiotic cream | May trap moisture, lead to more licking | Not ideal for moist lesions like hot spots |
🔎 Summary: If a lesion is actively weeping, raw, or infected, human creams can seal in bacteria, worsening the issue. The safest route is a topical prescribed by your vet, designed specifically for the unique pH and absorption of canine skin.
🗨️ COMMENT 2: “My dog keeps getting hot spots in the same place. Is it just habit?”
🔬 Expert Response:
Recurrent hot spots in the same anatomical region are rarely random and almost never “just a habit.” The location reveals significant diagnostic clues and typically reflects a chronic underlying issue.
Let’s decode it:
| 📍 Hot Spot Location | 🧩 Likely Root Cause |
|---|---|
| Base of tail / lower back | Flea allergy dermatitis or anal gland impaction |
| Cheek / below ear | Chronic otitis (ear infection) or atopic dermatitis |
| Hip / flank | Arthritis, pain-induced licking, pressure sores |
| Forelimbs | Stress or boredom-driven licking (acral lick dermatitis) |
| Neck / collar area | Poor grooming, matted fur, wet collars, collar allergy |
Repetition indicates that either:
- The primary trigger has never been resolved, or
- Your dog is developing a chronic inflammatory pattern due to unaddressed pain, itch, or behavioral need.
🩺 Diagnostic Tip: Have your vet perform a targeted workup: skin cytology, orthopedic exam, pain response evaluation, and (if necessary) imaging. Don’t ignore repetition — the skin is acting as a symptom amplifier for a deeper issue.
🗨️ COMMENT 3: “How long should a hot spot take to heal with proper treatment?”
📅 Expert Response:
Healing timelines depend on the depth, size, and how quickly treatment began. With prompt, appropriate intervention, most hot spots begin visibly improving within 48–72 hours and heal entirely in 7–14 days.
| 📆 Timeline Stage | 🔍 What Happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Inflammation subsides, scab formation begins |
| Day 4–7 | Bacterial control solidifies, epithelial regeneration starts |
| Day 8–14 | Hair begins to regrow, lesion is dry and reduced in size |
| > Day 14 | Delayed healing may signal reinfection, licking, or misdiagnosis |
⏱️ Delayed Healing Red Flags:
- Continuous licking despite barrier use
- Foul-smelling or discolored discharge
- Expanding lesion or satellite pustules
- Signs of systemic illness (fever, lethargy)
💡 Reminder: Complete healing also depends on fully resolving the root cause. A healing hot spot with the primary trigger still present is like closing a window during a storm — temporary at best.
🗨️ COMMENT 4: “Can a hot spot become a serious infection?”
🚨 Expert Response:
Yes — and quickly. While most hot spots are localized bacterial infections, they have the potential to evolve into deep pyoderma or even trigger systemic illness if neglected.
When the skin’s barrier is breached and the self-trauma continues unchecked, opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius can invade the dermis or subcutis, leading to:
- Abscess formation
- Cellulitis
- Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
- Fever and systemic malaise
| 🚩 Escalation Signs | 📍 Clinical Concern |
|---|---|
| Hot spot grows hourly | Deep bacterial proliferation |
| Thick, colored pus (green/yellow) | Advanced infection |
| Pain when touched from a distance | Nerve involvement or abscess |
| Lethargy, appetite loss | Possible systemic spread |
📞 Veterinary Emergency Tip: Any rapid progression, systemic signs, or proximity to the eye, throat, or genitals warrants immediate care. In some cases, cultures or biopsies may be necessary to guide advanced antibiotic protocols.
🗨️ COMMENT 5: “Do hot spots itch or hurt more?”
🧬 Expert Response:
Both — but it depends on the stage.
In the early stages, hot spots are driven by intense pruritus (itching), often triggered by allergens, fleas, or minor trauma. As the lesion progresses and becomes ulcerated and infected, pain rapidly overtakes itch as the dominant sensation.
| 🕰️ Stage | 🔥 Dominant Sensation | 💡 Dog’s Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Initial trigger | Itch (pruritus) | Licking, nibbling, rolling |
| Early lesion | Mixed | Chewing, restless scratching |
| Established hot spot | Pain (nociceptive & inflammatory) | Crying, avoiding touch, aggression |
| Healing phase | Itch again | Mild scratching or rubbing |
🧠 Clinical Insight: Itch = early warning. Pain = red alert. If your dog yelps, withdraws, or trembles when the area is touched, assume deep involvement and seek immediate veterinary intervention.
🗨️ COMMENT 6: “Should I pop the bump in the middle of the hot spot?”
❌ Expert Response:
Absolutely not. That “bump” may be a pustule, a hair follicle abscess, or even a draining tract from a deeper infection — none of which should be manually ruptured at home.
Why?
- You may introduce external bacteria into already-compromised tissue.
- Manual pressure can force infection deeper, leading to abscesses.
- It causes intense pain and may damage regenerating dermis.
| 🚫 Action | 🧠 Consequence |
|---|---|
| Squeezing the bump | Deeper tissue infection |
| Opening the lesion | Uncontrolled bacteria spread |
| DIY lancing | Risk of scarring or permanent tissue damage |
🧴 Safe Practice: Let your vet drain any fluid or assess nodules. The correct approach often includes systemic antibiotics + antimicrobial cleansing, not mechanical trauma.
🗨️ COMMENT 7: “Can swimming cause hot spots?”
💧 Expert Response:
Yes — swimming is one of the most common but overlooked contributors, particularly in dogs with dense, double coats or poor post-swim grooming habits.
Here’s what happens:
- Water soaks into the undercoat, especially in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Huskies.
- If the fur isn’t thoroughly dried to the skin, residual moisture creates a humid microclimate.
- This trapped dampness softens the stratum corneum (skin’s outer barrier), making it vulnerable to irritation and opportunistic bacterial invasion.
| 💦 Water Risk | 🐕 Impact |
|---|---|
| Lake/pool water | Introduces bacteria/irritants |
| Towel-only drying | Insufficient for thick coats |
| Wet collars or harnesses | Friction + moisture = hotspot catalyst |
🌀 Pro Grooming Tip: Always use a high-velocity dryer after swimming or bathing — especially for thick-coated dogs. If drying isn’t an option, skip the swim.
🗨️ COMMENT 8: “Can stress or anxiety cause hot spots?”
🧠 Expert Response:
Yes — indirectly, but powerfully. Hot spots can arise from compulsive licking triggered by psychological stress, anxiety, or boredom. This is common in high-intelligence, high-energy breeds (e.g., Border Collies, German Shepherds) left under-stimulated.
In behavioral cases, the skin damage isn’t initiated by an allergen or infection — it’s self-inflicted as a coping mechanism.
| 🧩 Trigger | 🐶 Resulting Behavior |
|---|---|
| Separation anxiety | Licking limbs or flanks repeatedly |
| Lack of stimulation | Chewing forearms or tail base |
| Noise phobia or fear | Skin-directed displacement behavior |
📘 Behavior Plan:
- Increase physical and mental enrichment
- Introduce interactive toys, training tasks, or canine puzzle feeders
- Consider behavioral medication for generalized anxiety (with vet guidance)
🧪 Diagnostic Rule-Out: Before assuming a behavioral cause, rule out pain, allergies, and infection — then pursue behavior-focused treatment.
🗨️ COMMENT 9: “Is there a difference between a hot spot and a pressure sore?”
📚 Expert Response:
Yes — they’re fundamentally different in pathogenesis, depth, and location, though both can appear as raw, hairless skin lesions and may be confused at first glance.
| 🔍 Comparison | Hot Spot (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis) | Pressure Sore (Decubitus Ulcer) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Triggered by itching → self-trauma → infection | Caused by sustained pressure over bony prominences |
| Depth | Typically superficial to mid-dermal | Often deep, involving subcutaneous tissues |
| Location | Common on neck, hips, cheeks, limbs | Elbows, hocks, hips, and lateral chest in recumbent dogs |
| Onset Speed | Rapid (hours) | Slow-developing (days to weeks) |
| Breed Risk | All breeds; long coats predispose | Large, elderly, or immobile dogs |
🩺 Diagnostic Clue: If the lesion develops without a history of intense licking or scratching and is located over a pressure point, suspect a decubitus ulcer, particularly in senior or paraplegic dogs. These often require offloading techniques, moist wound therapy, and soft bedding, not traditional hot spot treatment.
🗨️ COMMENT 10: “Are hot spots contagious to other pets or people?”
🧬 Expert Response:
The hot spot itself is not contagious, but the underlying cause might be. This distinction is crucial in understanding transmission risk.
| 🧫 Source | 🚫 Contagious? | 💡 Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial overgrowth (e.g., Staph. pseudintermedius) | No (part of normal skin flora) | Opportunistic only if barrier is broken |
| Fungal infections (e.g., ringworm mistaken as hot spot) | YES | Can spread to other pets and humans |
| Mite infestations (Sarcoptes or Cheyletiella) | YES | Highly pruritic, zoonotic potential |
| Fleas | YES | May trigger hot spots in multiple pets |
👩⚕️ Tip for Multi-Pet Homes: If more than one pet is itching, or if humans develop skin lesions, the issue is likely not a hot spot, but a contagious parasitic or fungal condition masquerading as one. In these cases, consult your vet for diagnostic tests like skin scraping, fungal culture, or tape prep cytology.
🗨️ COMMENT 11: “Can I prevent hot spots just by changing my dog’s shampoo?”
🧴 Expert Response:
A shampoo alone can support prevention but won’t address the underlying immunological, allergic, or behavioral causes that lead to hot spot formation.
That said, choosing the right therapeutic shampoo can absolutely reduce skin inflammation, control bacterial/yeast overgrowth, and improve skin barrier health, especially when used as part of a larger skin health protocol.
| 🧼 Shampoo Type | 🧠 Clinical Use |
|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine-based (e.g., 2–4%) | Kills bacteria, great for recurrent pyoderma-prone skin |
| Oatmeal or aloe-based | Soothes mild inflammation and itching |
| Antifungal (e.g., ketoconazole + chlorhexidine) | Controls yeast (esp. in ears, paws, and armpits) |
| Hypoallergenic / Soap-free | Ideal for dogs with sensitive or allergy-prone skin |
🛁 Pro Wash Plan:
- Bathe no more than 1–2 times per week unless directed otherwise
- Use lukewarm water only (hot water aggravates inflammation)
- Always fully dry to the skin — especially for thick-coated breeds
Note: If your dog consistently gets hot spots, don’t rely on shampoo alone. It’s an adjunct, not a cure.
🗨️ COMMENT 12: “What breeds are most vulnerable to developing hot spots?”
📖 Expert Response:
Breed predisposition often stems from coat type, skin anatomy, and immune reactivity. Dogs with dense undercoats, allergy tendencies, or skin folds are disproportionately affected.
| 🐕 Breed | 🔥 Why They’re at Risk |
|---|---|
| Golden Retriever | Thick undercoat, high allergy prevalence |
| Labrador Retriever | Water-loving + dense coat → moisture retention |
| German Shepherd | Susceptible to flea allergies and orthopedic pain |
| Saint Bernard/Newfoundland | Heavy coats + skin folds = moisture traps |
| English Bulldog/Frenchie | Skin folds, chronic allergy/yeast issues |
| Cocker Spaniel | Prone to chronic ear infections that spill over into facial hot spots |
| Shar Pei | Deep skin folds, sensitive skin, poor airflow |
🐾 Insider Tip: If you own a high-risk breed, implement seasonal grooming plans, daily skin checks, and early anti-itch intervention at the first sign of scratching.
🗨️ COMMENT 13: “Is a cone really necessary for a small hot spot?”
📏 Expert Response:
Yes — size does not equal severity. Even a dime-sized lesion can become infected or ulcerated within hours if the dog continues licking. Dogs don’t regulate trauma — they lick until the behavior is interrupted, regardless of damage.
| 📏 Lesion Size | 👨⚕️ Lick Barrier Needed? | 🧠 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 cm | ✅ Yes | Prevents self-trauma from escalating |
| 1–3 cm | ✅ Mandatory | Active infection risk grows |
| > 3 cm | ✅+ | Combined with pain meds + antibiotics |
🌀 Alternatives to Hard Plastic Cones:
- Inflatable collars: Better for neck or chest wounds
- Soft cones: More comfortable, less intrusive
- Recovery suits: Ideal for trunk lesions or cone-averse dogs
👂 Real Talk: Owners often remove cones too soon. Keep the barrier on until full epithelialization — not just scab formation — or relapse is likely.
🗨️ COMMENT 14: “Can diet alone fix recurring hot spots?”
🥩 Expert Response:
Diet can dramatically reduce flare-ups, but only if the hot spots are tied to food-responsive dermatitis, which isn’t the case for every dog. However, a tailored, skin-supportive diet can boost the skin’s resilience and lower systemic inflammation.
| 🥗 Diet Focus | 💪 Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic (hydrolyzed protein) | Eliminates immunogenic food triggers |
| Novel protein (e.g., kangaroo, rabbit) | Reduces antigenic load in food trials |
| High omega-3 content | Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines |
| Limited ingredient formulas | Simplifies identification of offending proteins |
🔬 Tip: Conduct a strict 8–12 week elimination trial under veterinary supervision. If improvement is noted, challenge with the original protein to confirm.
⚠️ Note: Food-responsive dogs often have environmental allergies, too. So even the best diet may need to be paired with anti-itch therapies or immunotherapy.
🗨️ COMMENT 15: “Can hot spots be related to my dog’s arthritis?”
🦴 Expert Response:
Absolutely — this is a commonly missed link. Chronic pain from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or disc disease leads to repetitive licking over painful joints as a coping mechanism. The skin becomes compromised and bacterial overgrowth turns it into a hot spot.
| 🦵 Area Licked | 🧠 Potential Pain Source |
|---|---|
| Over hip | Hip dysplasia, lumbosacral disease |
| Knees or stifles | CCL injury, patellar luxation |
| Carpus or wrist | Arthritis, nerve pain |
| Spine/base of tail | Degenerative disc disease |
🩺 Pain Recognition Clues:
- Licking only at night or after activity
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Stiff gait or limping on rise
- Localized muscle atrophy or heat over joints
🌿 Treatment Layering Plan:
- NSAIDs or gabapentin for pain relief
- Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Controlled exercise and weight management
Managing orthopedic pain often stops the licking habit, and in turn, prevents further hot spot development.
🗨️ COMMENT 16: “Is licking always the cause of hot spots, or can they occur without it?”
🧠 Expert Response:
While licking is almost always involved in the progression, the initial formation of a hot spot may be driven by invisible triggers like allergen exposure or subtle inflammation. Think of licking as the accelerant, not always the spark.
| 🔥 Trigger Type | 🚩 Role in Hot Spot Formation |
|---|---|
| Environmental allergen (grass, pollen) | Causes subcutaneous inflammation → pruritus → licking begins |
| Minor skin trauma (bite, sting, scratch) | Breaches epidermal barrier → localized immune reaction |
| Ear or anal gland pain | Indirect trigger → dog chews at affected area instinctively |
| Sweat/moisture entrapment | Macerates skin → bacterial bloom even before trauma occurs |
🩺 Summary Insight:
Some early hot spots may start internally — with histamine-mediated inflammation — and evolve externally once the dog reacts. Without licking or chewing, they might remain as minor erythema or papules, but they seldom progress to full lesions unless self-trauma amplifies the cascade.
🗨️ COMMENT 17: “Can a hot spot become systemic or lead to more serious illness?”
🧬 Expert Response:
Yes — in rare but serious cases, especially when left untreated or improperly managed, a hot spot can evolve beyond the skin. This typically happens when bacterial colonization becomes invasive or spreads via lymphatics.
| ⚠️ Progression Pathway | 🧠 Clinical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Untreated pyoderma → cellulitis | Skin infection spreads through connective tissues |
| Deep dermal infection → abscess | Localized pus accumulation requiring drainage |
| Bacterial invasion → lymphadenitis | Swollen regional lymph nodes, systemic response |
| Sepsis in immunocompromised dog | Very rare but life-threatening |
🚨 Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Lethargy or fever
- Appetite loss
- Swelling beyond lesion edges
- Rapid spreading despite treatment
