What is a hotspot in dogs?
A hotspot, also known as acute moist dermatitis, is a rapidly developing skin inflammation in dogs. The name comes from the fact that heat and moisture promote the formation of the inflammation. Hotspots can appear surprisingly quickly and are often painful for the dog.
In most cases, a hotspot develops when the dog’s skin is already irritated. Itching or discomfort causes the dog to lick, bite, or scratch the area, which can break the skin and allow inflammation to develop.
When detected early, many hotspots can be effectively treated at home by properly cleaning and caring for the inflamed area.
What Causes Hotspots in Dogs?
Hotspots usually do not develop without an underlying cause. They often arise from some form of skin irritation that prompts the dog to repeatedly lick, bite, or scratch the same area.
If a hotspot occurs on the head, the underlying cause may be an ear infection, which leads to itching and discomfort. In the hindquarters, a common trigger can be impacted anal glands, causing the dog to lick or bite the area.
Abroad, hotspots are also often associated with external parasites, such as lice or fleas. Additionally, dogs with allergic or sensitive skin are more prone to hotspots because their skin barrier is weaker and more easily irritated.
Pain can also contribute to hotspot development. For example, if a dog has a joint or tendon injury, it may lick or bite the affected area repeatedly. This continuous irritation can break the skin barrier, increasing the risk of inflammation.
Which Dogs Are Most Prone to Hotspots?
Hotspots are particularly common in double-coated breeds, which have thick, dense fur. In these breeds, moisture can easily become trapped against the skin, creating favourable conditions for irritation and infection.
A thick coat acts as an insulating layer that holds moisture close to the skin, which can promote hotspots.
The risk is especially high in situations such as:
Fur remaining damp after swimming
Thick coats that do not dry properly
Mats or tangles that trap moisture under the hair
Swimming in summer can be enjoyable for dogs, but wet fur that stays damp for long periods can lead to skin maceration and increase hotspot risk.
Symptoms of Hotspots in Dogs
In dogs with light-coloured fur, hotspots often appear as reddened areas that extend through the hair, typically round in shape and sometimes expanding rapidly.
As the inflammation progresses, dogs usually lick, bite, or scratch the area continuously, causing the fur to become wet or sticky and sometimes producing discharge.
In dogs with dark fur, hotspots may be harder to detect, allowing the inflammation to spread more easily before it is noticed.
Treating Hotspots in Dogs
The goal of hotspot treatment is to clean the inflamed skin and reduce the microbes, such as bacteria, that cause infection. At the same time, treatment aims to create conditions that support natural healing.
The first step is to carefully trim the hair around the affected area. This improves air circulation and helps the skin to dry. Keep in mind that the area may be painful for the dog.
Next, clean the area using Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo. Leave the shampoo on the skin for 2–5 minutes before rinsing.
Once the skin is dry, the area can be treated with either:
These products support skin regeneration. In many cases, sprayable wound treatments like Derma6 are easier to apply than creams.
Often, a hotspot detected early can be calmed with just antiseptic Derma1 shampoo or local treatment with Derma5 or Derma6, without further intervention. Daily care is recommended until the skin has fully healed.
These products are gentle, non-stinging, and highly breathable, so they do not trap dirt or create anaerobic conditions. Many pathogens involved in severe skin infections are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in oxygen-deprived conditions. Therefore, it is important to avoid creating environments that restrict airflow to the affected area.
Preventing Hotspots in Dogs
Preventing hotspots primarily relies on regular checks of your dog’s skin and coat.
It is recommended to inspect the dog carefully, paying attention to:
Ears
Anal area
Paws
The entire body
For double-coated breeds, such as German Shepherds, it is especially important to ensure the coat dries thoroughly after swimming. By the end of the day, the dog’s fur should be dry.
For thick-coated breeds, you may consider thinning the coat during summer months to help it dry more quickly and reduce hotspot risk.
Additionally, tick prevention helps minimize skin irritation, which can trigger hotspots.
When to See a Veterinarian
Hotspots can worsen and spread quickly. If the inflammation expands, persists, or causes clear pain, it is important to consult a veterinarian promptly.
Early intervention helps prevent the infection from worsening and supports faster recovery for your dog.
A hotspot is a skin infection that can often be treated at home if detected early. Carefully trim the hair around the affected area and clean it using an antiseptic shampoo and a topical antimicrobial treatment. Be aware that the area may be painful for your dog.
Use Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo, leave it on for 2–5 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and then apply either Derma6 Wound Oil spray or Derma5 Germ Fighting Cream to the dry hotspot area.
If the inflammation worsens or spreads, contact a veterinarian promptly.
No. Hotspots are localized skin infections and are not generally contagious to other animals or humans.
A hotspot, also known as acute moist dermatitis, is a rapidly developing skin infection that causes redness, irritation, and discomfort.
Hotspots usually develop when an underlying skin irritation causes the dog to lick, bite, or scratch the same area repeatedly. Common triggers include moist fur, matted coat, parasites, or allergic reactions.
Yes. Fur that remains wet for a prolonged period can increase the risk of hotspots. This is particularly common in thick-coated or double-coated breeds, whose fur dries slowly and can trap moisture against the skin.