What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are common in dogs and can be a source of stress and frustration to treat and heal. Hot spots are a bacterial infection that results in inflamed, oozing, painful lesions on the surface of the skin. Hot spots are typically found on the head, legs, hips, or on the tail of a dog.

What Causes Hot Spots?

Warm weather, humidity, and excessive water in a dog’s coat can exacerbate these bacterial infections and if the underlying cause isn’t treated, hot spots can become a chronic condition. Other causes can include allergies, pyoderma, poor grooming, or anal gland infections. Dogs with thicker coats, like Golden Retrievers or St. Bernards can be more prone to hot spots. Boredom can also be a factor for a dog to lick incessantly and create a hot spot.

What Are the Symptoms of Hot Spots?

Hot spots are typically raised, inflamed, itchy open sores. Hair loss occurs on top of the sore and can seep fluid or pus. Hot spots are typically itchy and dogs can incessantly lick or bite the area which increases bacteria and damages the region further.

How to Prevent Hot Spots

Managing a dog’s allergies, routine grooming, keeping a dog’s coat dry, and mental stimulation to decrease boredom are all ways to prevent hot spots from occurring. If your dog is active in the water, bring a few towels to dry them off thoroughly afterwards. Keep their coat tidy and matt free with regular brushing. Puzzle toys or more social interactions can also help decrease boredom for a dog.

How to Treat Hot Spots

Treating hot spots starts with an appointment to your veterinarian. Your vet may scrape the skin for any parasites and clip the hair around the hot spot to keep the area clean and dry. A chlorhexidine spot treatment or full bath along with some antibiotics, steroids, or allergy medication can help jump start the healing process. An Elizabethan (or e-collar) may be utilized to prevent the dog from licking the hot spot. Dog friendly baby wipes can be utilized on a daily basis at home to keep the area clean and soothed.

Regenaflex-Gel for Hot Spots

Regenaflex-Gel can also be used to treat hot spots. Its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties help soothe the infected area, combat bacterial growth, and develop healthy tissue. The hot spot area should be cleaned and 2-3 drops of gel applied AM and PM. 

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