Hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis, are red, inflamed skin lesions that appear quickly, ooze, and may contain pus. They are painful, itchy, and smelly sores that can be found anywhere on a dogs body, but the most common sites are the head, legs, and hips. Hot spots are usually caused by self-trauma when a dog scratches an itch so vigorously that it creates an open wound. Many things can cause the initial itch in dogs, including allergies, flea bites, and anal gland inflammation. When a dog licks the sore spot, it irritates superficial nerve endings in the skin which stimulates more itching followed by more licking, biting, and scratching. This lick-itch-lick cycle is the basis for the self-trauma that causes hot spots. Hot spots can dramatically increase in size in a very short period of time.
The goal in treating a hot spot is to stop the trauma and prevent the development of a deep skin infection, so the first step in treating hot spots is to stop the self-mutilation. Some options include using an Elizabethan collar (also known as an E-collar or cone) that stops the dog from chewing at the hot spot, covering the hot spot with a sock or bandage to act as a barrier, or using a bitter-tasting spray to discourage licking. Topical antibiotics, desiccating sprays, and soothing reagents will be more effective if the dog is not licking the area. While some hot spots can be treated at home, the underlying cause should always be identified, if possible, to prevent future hot spots. If the hot spot is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it is important to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment[[2]](https://www.akc.o...
