Hot Spots in Dogs:

Aug 26

7 min read

What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Have you ever noticed your dog suddenly licking or chewing the same spot over and over? You take a closer look and find a red, moist, irritated patch that seems to have appeared

overnight.

You may be looking at a hot spot.

At HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch, we’ve been seeing more dogs with hot spots—some arriving for boarding with irritated areas already present, and others with small or hidden areas that become noticeable during their stay.

Because hot spots can develop and worsen surprisingly quickly, we want to help dog owners understand what they are, what may contribute to them, what we do when we discover one, and—most importantly—when it’s time to call your veterinarian.

What Exactly Is a Hot Spot?

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are areas of inflamed, irritated skin.

They often begin with something that makes a dog itchy or uncomfortable. The dog responds by licking, biting, chewing, or scratching the area. That repeated trauma further damages the skin, adds moisture, and can allow bacteria to multiply.

It can quickly become a frustrating cycle:

Itching → licking or scratching → skin damage → more irritation → more licking and scratching.

What begins as a small irritated area can sometimes become much larger in a short period of time.

What Does a Hot Spot Look Like?

Hot spots aren't always immediately obvious—especially on dogs with thick, long, or dense coats.

Some signs to watch for include:

Red or inflamed skin
Moist, wet, or oozing areas
Matted or sticky fur
Hair loss around the area
Scabbing or crusting
An unpleasant odor
Persistent licking, chewing or scratching
Pain or sensitivity when the area is touched

Sometimes your dog's behavior is your first clue.

If they're suddenly obsessed with licking a paw, scratching their neck, or chewing at one particular area, don't just tell them to stop. Take a closer look at what might be bothering them.

What Causes Hot Spots?

There isn't always one simple answer.

Anything that causes itching, irritation, or moisture can potentially start the cycle.

Contributing factors may include:

Fleas, ticks, and other parasites
Environmental or food allergies
Insect bites
Underlying skin conditions
Moisture trapped beneath the coat
Swimming or bathing without thoroughly drying the coat
Matted or poorly maintained coats
Persistent licking, chewing or scratching

Dogs with thick coats can be particularly tricky because a lot can happen underneath all that fur before an owner ever sees it.

Don't Forget About Your Dog's Collar

One often-overlooked source of trapped moisture is your dog's collar.

If your dog swims, plays in the water, gets caught in the rain, or is bathed while wearing an absorbent collar, that collar can stay damp long after the rest of your dog appears dry. Sitting against the neck, a wet collar can trap moisture and create friction against the skin—conditions that may contribute to irritation.

For dogs that are frequently around water, consider a waterproof, non-absorbent collar such as BioThane® or a similar material. These collars don't soak up water like many fabric collars and are easy to wipe clean and dry.

Whatever type of collar your dog wears, remove it after swimming or bathing and make sure both the collar and the skin and coat underneath are completely dry before putting it back on.

It's also a good habit to check underneath your dog's collar regularly. Look for redness, dampness, hair loss, rubbing or irritation—especially during warmer weather and after water activities.

Sometimes preventing a skin problem comes down to something as simple as not leaving wet gear against wet fur.

Diet, Weight and Skin Health

Another factor we've noticed at HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch that we believe is worth discussing is that many of the dogs we see presenting with hot spots are also carrying excess weight.

That is our observation at HHH—not a claim that being overweight directly causes hot spots. Hot spots can occur in dogs of any size.

However, a dog's overall body condition can affect its skin and coat. Extra skin folds can create areas where heat and moisture are more easily trapped. Reduced mobility may also make grooming and keeping certain areas clean and dry more difficult.

Nutrition matters, too.

A balanced diet helps support healthy skin and coat. Some dogs may also have food sensitivities or allergies that contribute to itching and skin irritation. If a dog is experiencing recurring hot spots, persistent itching, or weight concerns, those are all good reasons to talk with your veterinarian about the bigger picture.

At HHH, we like to look at the whole dog. A hot spot is what you can see on the surface, but recurring skin problems may be a reason to look more closely at nutrition, weight, allergies, grooming and overall health.

Why We're Talking About Hot Spots at HHH

Quite simply, we're seeing more of them.

Some dogs are arriving for boarding with obvious hot spots or skin irritation. In other cases, the beginnings of an irritated area may be hidden beneath the coat and aren't easily visible at check-in.

And hot spots can change quickly.

An area that looks relatively minor one day can look significantly different a short time later.

That's why we need your help.

Before Boarding, Give Your Dog a Skin Check

Before bringing your dog to HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch, take a few minutes to run your hands over their body and through their coat.

Pay particular attention around the:

Ears and neck
Face and cheeks
Legs and paws
Hips and thighs
Belly and areas with skin folds
Base of the tail

You're looking—and feeling—for anything unusual: redness, dampness, scabs, matted fur, hair loss, tenderness, or an unusual smell.

Also pay attention to behavior. Has your dog suddenly started licking one paw repeatedly? Scratching their neck? Chewing their hip?

Please tell us about anything you notice before leaving your dog in our care.

Even if it seems minor, we'd rather know.

Already Know Your Dog Has a Hot Spot?

Please let our team know before check-in.

The same applies if your dog has recently experienced allergies, skin irritation, excessive itching, persistent licking, or another condition that could affect their skin during their stay.

This information helps us establish what was already present when your dog arrived and lets our team know what needs extra attention.

If the area appears painful, infected, or is worsening rapidly, contact your veterinarian before your dog's stay.

“But My Dog Didn't Have That When I Dropped Them Off!”

We understand why discovering a hot spot during or after boarding can be concerning.

But a hot spot becoming noticeable during a boarding stay does not necessarily mean it began at the boarding facility.

An irritated area can be very small or hidden underneath the coat when a dog arrives. Once licking, scratching, moisture, and irritation enter the picture, a hot spot can progress quickly and become much more noticeable.

That's one reason we encourage owners to perform a thorough skin and coat check before every stay and tell us about any recent itching, licking, allergies, or skin concerns.

The more we know about your dog, the better we can care for them.

What Do We Do If We Find a Hot Spot at HHH?

If our team notices a possible hot spot during your dog's stay, your dog's comfort and well-being are our priority.

We will assess what we're seeing, monitor the affected area, and contact you when appropriate so you're aware of the situation.

Depending on the circumstances, supportive care may include keeping the affected area clean and dry and trying to prevent continued licking, chewing, or scratching.

However, it's important to understand the distinction between supportive care and veterinary medicine.

HHH cannot diagnose the underlying cause of a hot spot or replace veterinary treatment.

If the area is concerning, worsening, or appears to require medical treatment, we may recommend veterinary attention or arrange care in accordance with our boarding procedures and the information and authorization you have provided.

When Should You Seek Veterinary Attention?

Don't underestimate a hot spot simply because it starts small. These areas can become larger, painful, and infected surprisingly quickly.

Contact your veterinarian if:

The area is rapidly spreading or worsening
It is large, very red, swollen, wet, or oozing
You notice pus, discharge, or an unpleasant odor
Your dog appears to be in significant pain
Your dog cannot stop licking, biting or scratching it
The affected area is close to the eyes, ears or another sensitive location
Your dog seems lethargic, unwell or develops other symptoms
Hot spots repeatedly return
You're simply unsure what you're looking at or how serious it may be

Veterinary treatment may be necessary to address infection, inflammation, itching or discomfort and to determine what caused the problem in the first place.

If your dog develops a significant hot spot shortly before a scheduled boarding stay, please speak with your veterinarian and contact HHH before arrival.

Depending on the severity and care required, we may need to discuss whether boarding is appropriate while the condition is being treated.

Can You Help Prevent Hot Spots?

Not every hot spot can be prevented, but owners can support healthy skin and catch problems sooner.

Keep your dog appropriately groomed and maintain recommended parasite prevention. Watch for persistent licking, chewing, and scratching rather than assuming it's simply a habit.

After swimming, bathing, or getting thoroughly wet, make sure your dog's coat is properly dried—especially if they have a dense undercoat.

Regularly check underneath thick coats and around skin folds, and maintain a healthy body condition with appropriate nutrition and exercise under your veterinarian's guidance.

Most importantly, don't ignore a small area of irritation.

Early attention can prevent a little problem from becoming a much bigger—and much more uncomfortable—one.

One More Thing to Add to Your Pre-Boarding Checklist

You already remember the food, medications, and everything else your dog needs for their stay.

We're asking HHH families to add one more simple step:

Give your dog's skin and coat a thorough check before you leave home.

If you find a hot spot, redness, excessive licking, skin irritation, or anything else unusual, please let us know.

We're all on the same team. Good communication between owners and our staff helps us provide the best possible care for your dog while they're staying with us.

Ready to plan your dog's next stay? Visit HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch to learn more.

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding concerns about your dog's health.