what causes hot spots on dogs

Hot spots in dogs, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis, are red, inflamed skin lesions that appear quickly, ooze, and may contain pus. They 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, parasites, ear or skin infections, and contact irritants. 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 occur anywhere on a dogs body, but the most common sites are the head, legs, and hips. Hot spots can dramatically increase in size in a very short period of time. To prevent hot spots, it is important to monitor and treat the underlying cause.