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Hot spots, known medically as acute moist dermatitis, are painful, inflamed areas on a pet's skin that can cause a lot of discomfort, especially during the warmer, humid months. Understanding the causes, ways to prevent them, and treatment options is important in maintaining your pet's health and well-being.

What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots are skin infections that appear as red, moist, and irritated lesions. They can develop quickly and are often aggravated by a pet's constant licking, chewing, or scratching at the skin. Areas where hot spots are most likely to occur are, the face, neck, arms & legs, and hips. While most common in dogs, cats can also get hot spots, especially on the face, chin, belly, or base of the tail.

What Causes Hot Spots?

Hot spots don’t just appear out of nowhere—there is usually an underlying cause that’s triggering your pet’s discomfort. Here are a few of the most common reasons your pet might develop these painful lesions:

• Parasites: Fleas, mites, and other biting insects can make a pet’s skin incredibly itchy. The constant scratching and biting can break the skin, causing the perfect environment for infection.
  
  

• Allergies: Food sensitivities, environmental allergens (like pollen, or flea bite allergies), can cause reactions that may lead to red, irritated skin that then could turn into hot spots.
  
  

• Poor Grooming: If a pet’s fur becomes matted or isn’t regularly brushed, moisture and dirt can get trapped against the skin. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Stress or Boredom: Just like humans, pets can develop nervous habits. Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching due to anxiety, boredom, or lack of stimulation can damage the skin and trigger hot spots.
  
  

Tips to Prevention

While hot spots can develop quickly, there are ways to help your pet’s skin stay healthy and free of irritation:

• Keep Up Grooming: Consistent brushing and bathing help keep your pet’s coat clean, free of mats, and less prone to trapping moisture and bacteria. For long-haired breeds, extra grooming during warmer months can make a big difference.

• Protect Against Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites are common causes behind itchy, irritated skin. Use a vet-recommended flea and tick preventative all year-round to keep them at bay such as those recommended by CAPC.

• Address Allergies: If your pet has food or environmental allergies, it’s important to work with your primary vet or see a veterinary dermatologist to identify triggers and develop a treatment plan.
  
  

• Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation: Bored or anxious pets may lick or chew at their skin out of habit. Regular exercise, interactive toys, and mental stimulation can help prevent stress-related grooming behaviors.
  
  

• Ensure a Stress-Free Environment: Stress and anxiety can contribute to excessive licking and scratching. Providing a stable, low-stress home environment can help minimize these behaviors. 

When to Seek Help from a Veterinary Dermatologist

If your pet develops hot spots, it's important to get professional care promptly to prevent more serious concerns. The team at Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in pets and offer comprehensive services, such as:

• Accurate Diagnosis: We can identify the underlying cause of recurrent  hot spots to create an effective treatment plan.
  
  

• Advanced Treatment Options: We use the latest therapies to promote healing and provide relief from any discomfort.
  
  

• Preventative Care: Our team will provide recommendations to prevent future hot spots from forming.
  
  

By partnering with Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we will make sure your pet receives expert care specific to their needs, that will help them stay comfortable and healthy during the warmer months and beyond.