Canine hot spots: Understanding, treating, and preventing summer skin woes
As summer approaches, dog owners may notice their furry friends developing hot spots, a common and often painful skin condition. This raises questions about what causes these lesions, how they are treated, and most importantly, how to prevent them in the first place.
"Many pet owners see a hot spot and think it's just a surface irritation, but it's often a symptom of something deeper, like an allergy or even an ear infection," says Ivan Ravera, a clinical assistant professor of veterinary dermatology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Ravera, a board-certified dermatologist, offers insights into managing these frustrating skin issues.
What does a hot spot look like?
"A hot spot appears as a red skin lesion with pus on its surface. They are itchy and often painful," says Ravera.
What causes hot spots?
"These lesions are caused by a dog scratching or biting in response to itch, discomfort, or pain. The main primary causes are environmental allergy, fleas, flea bite allergy, and sometimes anal sac disease," Ravera says.
“For example, an allergic dog has an ear infection. The dog will scratch excessively to try to alleviate the itch or pain inside one or both of his ears, which will produce a hot spot on his cheek. Once the dog has scratched the surface of the skin, bacteria from his skin will produce a surface infection. This will bring more itch, producing an endless cycle."
Are hot spots life-threatening?
"No," says Ravera, "but sometimes, skin lesions of hot spots can resemble those from deep infections. The skin needs to be carefully examined to make sure a hot spot isn’t another type of infection. If this happens, it will require a different treatment approach."
So your dog has a hot spot. What’s next?
"Visit a trusted veterinarian," says Ravera. "The veterinarian will clip the hair coat, including the surrounding area, until healthy skin can be observed. Sometimes, these lesions are so itchy or painful that your veterinarian may recommend sedation for this step. Then the doctor will clean and remove the debris and prescribe the local application of topical antiseptics."
To alleviate the itch and pain, oral drugs such as steroids and even painkillers might be prescribed. Those will help your dog stop scratching and feeling unwell.
Can we prevent hot spots?
"Absolutely. Investigating and managing the underlying primary cause (ectoparasites, allergies, anal sac disease, among others) is of paramount importance. Once these are controlled, your dog should never experience any other hot spots," Ravera says.
Myths and tips
“Hot spots are not produced by excessive moisture. They are produced by your dog" Ravera says. "Environmental allergy and flea-bite allergy are more common in spring and summer. Always find the underlying cause. If the hot spot is on the back, look for fleas. If the hot spot is on the butt, ask your veterinarian to check the anal sacs."
About Ravera
Ivan Ravera is a clinical assistant professor of veterinary dermatology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a board-certified dermatologist with 19 years of experience.
His research interests include demodicosis, otitis externa, Staphylococcus resistance, and laser surgery. Ravera teaches veterinary students and residents while also seeing patients at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg.
Schedule an interview
To schedule an interview, contact Margaret Ashburn at mkashburn@vt.edu or 540-529-0814, or Margie Christianson at marjorielee@vt.edu or 540-231-5825.
