What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots on dogs can look scary—and they can make your dog miserable, fast. The good news? With quick action and the right support, most dogs bounce back beautifully.

Check out our guide to what causes hot spots on dogs, how to treat hot spots on dogs at home (safely), why dogs get them in the first place, and whether hot spots on dogs are contagious. Remember to reach out to your vet as soon as you notice changes in your dog’s coat and skin condition as these may be indicative of a larger health issue.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots (also called acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis) are localized areas of^1,2:

• Red, inflamed skin

• Moist, oozing or crusty lesions

• Intense itchiness and pain

They often appear suddenly and can grow from a tiny red patch to a large, angry-looking sore in just hours¹. They’re usually caused by self-trauma—your dog scratching, licking, or chewing so much that they damage the skin and set up a bacterial infection^1,2.

Common locations include the head, neck, hips, and thighs, but hot spots can show up almost anywhere.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

So, what causes hot spots on dogs in the first place? Think of a hot spot as the end result of an “itch-scratch” spiral:

1. Something makes your dog’s skin itchy or painful.

2. Your dog scratches, chews, or licks obsessively.

3. The skin barrier breaks down, moisture and bacteria build up.

4. A hot, inflamed, infected patch forms—a hot spot.

Here are some of the most common triggers behind that first itch.

1. Food Sensitivities

In some dogs, a reaction to certain food ingredients can show up as chronic itchiness, ear infections, and recurrent hot spots. These are forms of adverse food reactions, which occur when the body reacts inappropriately to a component in a food.

2. Fleas and Other Parasites

Flea-bite allergy is one of the top underlying causes of hot spots^1,2. Even one flea bite can trigger a big reaction in sensitive dogs, especially around the tail base and hips. Other parasites like mites or lice can also spark that intense itch.

3. Moisture Trapped in the Coat

Long, dense, or double coats are wonderful… until moisture gets stuck. Swimming, frequent baths, rainy weather, or even drool can leave patches of damp fur against the skin, creating a perfect warm, humid environment for bacteria to thrive^1,2.

4. Ear Infections, Anal Gland Issues, and Pain

Sometimes hot spots develop right over a deeper problem^1,2:

• Ear infections → hot spot on the side of the face or neck

• Anal gland problems or tail pain → hot spot near the rump or hind legs

• Joint or spinal pain → licking or chewing over a painful joint or back area, leading to a hot spot

These “secondary” hot spots happen because the dog is trying to soothe a painful or itchy area.

5. Grooming Problems and Skin Trauma

Matted fur, tight collars or harnesses, clipper burns can all irritate the surface^1,2. When a dog fixates on that spot, a hot spot can follow quickly.

6. Stress and Boredom

Licking can be self-soothing. Some dogs lick or chew one area of their body when they’re anxious or under-stimulated¹. Over time, that repetitive behaviour can break the skin and allow bacteria in.

Why Do Dogs Get Hot Spots More Than Other Animals?

You’re not imagining it—dogs really are prone to hot spots. A few reasons dogs are particularly at risk:

• Many have thick coats that trap heat and moisture.

• Active, outdoor lifestyles mean more exposure to allergens, insects, and minor skin injuries.

• Underlying allergies, especially to fleas and environmental triggers, are common in pet dogs.

Are Hot Spots on Dogs Contagious?

This is a big worry for many pet parents. In most cases, the hot spot itself is not contagious to other dogs or people. It’s usually driven by the dog’s own bacteria and self-trauma, not a “catchable” infection.

However, the underlying cause might be contagious. For example, if the itch started with mites, fleas, or a fungal infection, those issues can spread to other pets.

Because of that, it’s important to:

• Keep other pets from licking or chewing the lesion.

• Wash your hands after touching the affected area.

• Ask your vet if they suspect parasites or fungal infections that might spread.

How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs

Hot spots can progress shockingly fast and are very painful. We recommend seeing your vet promptly for any red, wet, oozing, or rapidly growing skin lesion.

Your vet may:

• Clip (shave) the area to expose the full lesion

• Gently clean and dry the skin

• Prescribe topical treatments (e.g., medicated sprays, creams, or gels)

• Use oral medications if needed (e.g., antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Investigate and treat underlying causes like fleas, allergies, or ear disease

Important: Only your veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe medications. If your dog is in pain, the spot is spreading, or your dog seems unwell, skip home care and go straight to the clinic.

How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs at Home (Safely)

Supportive, at-home care can play a role—but it should complement veterinary guidance, not replace it.

Here are gentle steps you can take, especially while you’re arranging a vet visit:

1. Prevent Further Self-Trauma

Use an e-collar (cone), inflatable collar, or soft recovery collar to keep your dog from licking or chewing.

Note: While a lightweight t-shirt or body suit can create a barrier to protect against further scratching, and may be advised for some dogs depending on size and location of the hot spot, it's often better to use something else if possible. Hot spots often need to breath, and covering with clothing can prevent that and end up trapping more moisture.

The best way to prevent further scratching is to keep an eye on your dog and distract them if they start to scratch.

Sarah GotfridCustomer Care Specialist at Petcurean

But, since we know that's not always possible, doggy socks can also create a protective barrier (think putting oven mitts on a kid with chicken pox) or an e-collar/soft recovery collar (as mentioned above) can also be an option if the hot spot is on their head.

Stopping the “itch-scratch” loop helps the lesion stop growing and begin to heal.

2. Keep the Area Clean and Dry

If your vet has shown you how—or if you’re waiting to be seen—you may be advised to:

• Gently clean the area using a mild, vet-approved antiseptic solution.

• Carefully pat dry with clean gauze or a soft cloth.

• Avoid using harsh household disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide, or human creams unless your vet specifically recommends them; some can irritate the skin or be toxic if licked.

3. Follow Your Vet’s Plan Exactly

If your dog has prescribed medications or topical treatments, use them:

• Exactly as directed

• For the full course, even if the area looks better

Stopping treatment too early can allow infection to rebound and make future flare-ups more likely.

Preventing Hot Spots: Set Your Dog Up for Calmer Skin

Once your dog has had a hot spot, you’ll probably be motivated to prevent another! Here’s how to reduce the chances of a repeat episode.

1. Manage Allergies and Skin Conditions

Talk to your vet about a longer-term allergy management plan. That might include prescription therapies, medicated shampoos, or diet trials for possible food sensitivities.

Recommended Solution

Expertly-Crafted Limited Ingredient Dog Food

If your dog has food allergies or intolerances, feeding a premium-quality dog food may be the solution. Our Sensitivities recipes are designed with food sensitivities in mind, featuring a single animal protein source and a limited‑ingredient approach.

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2. Stay On Top of Flea and Parasite Prevention

Year-round, vet-recommended parasite control can dramatically reduce flea-related itching and hot spots, especially in sensitive dogs.

3. Groom Regularly

• Brush often to remove loose hair and prevent matting.

• Dry thoroughly after baths, swims, or rainy walks—especially in thick-coated dogs.

• Ask your groomer to flag any irritated skin they notice.

Regular grooming helps you spot small issues before they turn into hot spots.

4. Support a Healthy Skin Barrier

Essential fatty acids (like omega-3s) can help support skin health in some dogs and may reduce itchiness as part of a broader management plan.

Recommended Solution

Recipes That Support Healthy, Hydrated Skin and a Shiny Coat

If the suspected underlying cause of the hot spot is not a food sensitivity, our Skin + Coat Care recipes are rich in omega-3s to support healthy, hydrated skin, plus they have Zinpro® ProPath® mineral blend to promote the skin’s natural healing process.

View Skin + Coat Care dog food

5. Watch for Stress and Boredom

If your dog tends to lick one area when anxious or under-stimulated, enrichment can make a real difference:

• Puzzle toys and snuffle mats

• Training sessions and scent games

• Daily walks and playtime tailored to your dog’s energy level

More mental and physical outlets can reduce stress-related licking and chewing.

The Bottom Line

• Why do dogs get hot spots? Usually because something has made them itchy or uncomfortable, and they’re trying their best to relieve it with their teeth and claws.

• How to treat hot spots on dogs? Fast veterinary care, protection from self-trauma, clean and dry skin, and a plan to tackle the underlying trigger.

• Are hot spots on dogs contagious? Most aren’t, but the conditions behind them sometimes are, which is why it’s so important to loop in your veterinary team.

With quick action and a little detective work, you can help your dog heal comfortably now and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.