Health

Dogs

Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)

A hot spot is a red, wet, painful patch of infected skin that can appear and grow within hours. It usually starts with something itchy, such as a flea bite, and is made worse as the dog licks and scratches. Treating the hot spot and its underlying cause stops it coming back.

What you might notice

• A red, moist, raw patch of skin, often hairless.
• Oozing, a bad smell or a crust on top.
• Constant licking, chewing or scratching at one spot.
• Pain when the area is touched.
• Common on the head, neck, legs and hips.

Common causes

• Flea bites and other insect bites.
• Skin allergies.
• Ear infections or anal gland problems.
• Matted or damp coat.
• Boredom or pain causing licking.

What you can do at home

• Stop your dog licking or scratching, for example with a cone or a T-shirt.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Check for fleas and treat all pets if needed.
• Contact your vet early, before it spreads.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Any hot spot, ideally the same or next day.
• A hot spot that is not healing despite treatment.
• Hot spots that keep returning.

Don't

• Do not use human creams, tea tree oil or other essential oils.
• Do not let your dog keep licking the area.
• Do not cover a hot spot with a tight bandage.

Prevention

• Keep flea treatment up to date.
• Groom regularly and dry thick coats after swimming.
• Treat ear infections and allergies early.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.