Pyotraumatic dermatitis is the clinical term for hot spots on dogs, and you may also hear it referred to as acute moist dermatitis. The skin lesions of hot spots are most commonly on the head, legs, and hips of dogs. These sores will be painful and itchy and may also have an unpleasant odor. Severe hot spots may develop into deeper skin ulcerations, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections. However, for most dogs, any hot spots they get will only be minor and temporary.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Breeds like Labrador or Golden Retrievers, English Bulldogs, and German Shepherds get these skin lesions more often than others. As for what causes hot spots on dogs, it is often allergies, ear infections, moisture buildup, or excessive licking. Poor grooming by the owner can also contribute to why a dog gets hot spots. Hot spots can occur alongside the skin irritation that comes with flea allergy dermatitis, and dogs that are in salt water frequently may have their hot spots worsen because of it.

Dog Hot Spot Treatment

The approaches owners take if their dog has hot spots typically involve giving the animal an oral antibiotic and possibly washing them with Pramoxine medicated shampoo. Clipping and cleaning the affected skin area with an antiseptic may also be necessary. For dogs that have hot spots on their neck or head, it can be beneficial to use a recovery cone to prevent them from licking the treated area. Prevention should also be part of dog hot spot treatment, starting with good grooming habits.

Hot Spots on Cats

Cats can also get hot spots, and the skin lesions are the same, usually occurring in the same areas as they do for dogs. Cats tend to make the lesions worse by licking, chewing, or scratching at them if possible. Seeing fur become damp or hardened in mats due to oozy discharges from the skin is something more commonly observed with hot spots on cats. Cats are often less tolerant of recovery cones than dogs, but they can be equally helpful in aiding the skin's healing process.