06/17/2026
🔥 HOT SPOTS: DON'T LET A SMALL IRRITATION BECOME A BIG PROBLEM! 🔥
Has your dog been constantly licking, chewing, or scratching at one area? They may have a **hot spot** (acute moist dermatitis), a painful skin condition that can develop and spread rapidly.
Signs of a hot spot include:
🐾 Red, inflamed skin
🐾 Hair loss
🐾 Moist, oozing, or crusty sores
🐾 Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
🐾 Pain or sensitivity when touched
💡 What can you do at home?
🛑 **Stop the licking!**
Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or a soft donut-style collar if it keeps your dog's tongue away from the area. Dogs are often their own worst enemies when it comes to hot spots. Licking and chewing increase inflammation, enlarge the sore, and delay healing.
✂️ **Clip or trim the hair around the area.**
For dogs with long coats, carefully trimming the surrounding hair can help prevent fur from becoming trapped in the discharge and reduce irritation. Hair touching the inflamed skin can encourage more licking and chewing.
⏰ **Timing is critical.**
If the hot spot is more than 24 hours old, infection is likely and a veterinary visit is recommended. New hot spots may sometimes respond to early intervention, but these sores can be very painful and worsen quickly.
⚠️ Be cautious when examining the area. Hot spots can be extremely sensitive. If your pet shows signs of pain or discomfort, avoid handling the area further and contact your veterinarian.
If you notice your dog developing a hot spot, don't wait! Early treatment can help relieve discomfort, prevent infection, and get your pet back to feeling their best.
📞 Give us a call if you think your pet may have a hot spot—we're here to help!
