Are you not sure if your dog has a hot spot? Or are you wondering about the best dog hot spot home remedy? In this guide, I explore hot spots, their most common causes, how your vet might treat them, and what you can do to cure dog hot spots at home and prevent future sores. This guide includes pictures and a video of dog hot spots to show you what they look like.
What Is A Hot Spot On A Dog?
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Hot spots are relatively common in dogs and possibly the most common among canine skin conditions. They are painful red areas of skin, also known as acute moist dermatitis. Dog hot spots can occur anywhere on their body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, limbs, or hips. They’re harder to spot on long-haired dogs.
So, what do dog hot spots look like? Hot spots appear red and irritated, and some are broken, raised, and oozy. Dog skin sores can be itchy and painful, so dogs scratch, bite, and lick them. They risk becoming infected and can develop rapidly if left untreated. Hot spots look different from other conditions, such as ringworm, because they are inflamed and moist rather than dry and flaky.
What Causes Hot Spots On Dogs? 8 Common Causes
Most hot spots on dogs are caused by an underlying condition that causes itchiness, which leads to excessive licking and moisture. The most common dog hot spot causes are:
- Skin Wounds. If your dog gets a skin wound, such as an abrasion or puncture, it’s likely to be uncomfortable or painful. The only way a dog knows how to alleviate this pain is to lick it. Constant licking is usually what causes hot spots.
- Allergies. As with wounds, if their skin is itchy from allergies, be it seasonal or food intolerances, they scratch and lick the uncomfortable area. All dogs know is that this behavior temporarily relieves the itchiness, but they don’t realize they’re making it worse.
- Bites. Parasitic bites, such as flea or bee stings, can become very uncomfortable very quickly. Once again, nibbling and licking the area temporarily relieves the pain but can quickly lead to a hot spot.
- Ear Infections. A dog scratching their ears is normal behavior, but if they are constantly scratching or shaking their head, it could be a sign of an ear infection, increasing the risk of developing hot spots.
- Regular Swimming. If your dog loves to swim and muck around in the water, their skin and fur remain moist for some time. Scratching and moisture are the perfect hot spot combo.
- Poor Grooming. Like swimming, if you or the groomer do not rinse soap suds and dry them thoroughly, their skin can become itchier and remain moist, leading to hot spots.
- Behavioral Problems. If your pup scratches and licks more than usual out of boredom or stress, this can lead to hot spots.
- Orthopedic Issues. Dogs with achy or sore joints lie down in how they think is most comfortable, and lying in the same position for most of the day can lead to sore skin and hot spots.
Please refer to our guide on dog hot spots for more in-depth information on the causes of hot spots and ways to prevent them.
What Do Vets Do For Hot Spots?
Many hot spots can be treated and cured at home, but your dog needs to see your vet for a physical examination first to establish the underlying causes and determine the best course of treatment. Do this as soon as possible to prevent further discomfort and infection.
Dog hot spots can have different treatments depending on their cause and severity. If you’re wondering how to cure hotspots on dogs naturally, veterinarians often treat the area with antibiotics and anti-itch medication. They usually clip and clean the hot spot with antiseptic and recommend using an Elizabethan collar. Depending on the underlying cause, additional medications, such as allergy medication or flea prevention, may be necessary.
How To Treat Hot Spots On Dogs At Home: 6 Steps
Follow your vet’s recommendations once you’ve seen your vet and been given the green light for treating and curing hot spots on dogs at home. If your dog regularly gets hot spots, your vet might recommend treating them at home first as long as the cause and symptoms are typical. Watch the short video below by Dr. Jones, which shows you how to treat a hot spot correctly using the same steps below.
1. Give Pain Relief If Necessary
If your pup shows signs of discomfort or stress, vets recommend giving pain relief 30 minutes before treating the hot spot. Your vet might prescribe you medication or recommend using aspirin. Only use pain relief that your vet gives you or advises is safe for your pup. After 30 minutes, your dog should feel calmer and let you handle the area around their hot spot. Never use ibuprofen or naproxen, as they are highly toxic to dogs.
We have a guide on the best natural pain relief for dogs, including herbal options and more home remedies.
2. Clip The Hair
Using a dog hair clipper, slowly remove the hair around the hot spot so that you can see what is going on. It also allows you to treat the area without any obstruction. I advise using a dog hair clipper rather than scissors because you never know how painful their hot spot is or how they might react. You don’t want scissors in your hand or near their skin if they jump in pain.
We have a guide on the best hair clippers for dogs and tips on using them.
3. Clean The Hot Spot
Use an antiseptic solution, such as a chlorhexidine spray or medicated wipes. In the next section, I recommend the best over-the-counter hot spot treatments to clean the area. To successfully cure and treat dog hot spots at home, you’ve got to clean them thoroughly.
4. Give Antibiotics
If advised and prescribed by your vet, administer an oral or topical antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics require a veterinarian’s diagnosis and prescription. Different antibiotics work best for various types of bacteria; only your vet can determine which type your pup needs. Plus, more often than not, they need dog-specific antibiotics.
We have a guide on antibiotics for dogs and more information on specific options and dangers to be aware of.
5. Use An Anti-Itch Medication
Administer a vet-prescribed oral or topical steroid to control itching and inflammation. Like above, if your dog needs a prescription, sticking to your vet’s advice is the best option for your dog’s hot spots. Many of my recommendations below have anti-itch properties that instantly offer relief.
We also have a guide on the best home remedies for itchy dog skin, including many natural and over-the-counter options to help soothe itchiness.
6. Use An E-Collar
Using an Elizabethan collar, also known as a dog cone (or the cone of shame!), is the best way to prevent your dog from itching their skin to prevent licking and chewing. You can buy plastic cones from vets or most pet stores. I recommend all dog owners have one at home because you never know when you might need one.
I find that plastic e-collars don’t last very long, and my dogs find them uncomfortable. We have a guide on e-collar alternatives that offer more durable and comfortable options.
4 Over-The-Counter Remedies For Hot Spots
Here are the best dog hot spot home remedies using over-the-counter products. I have chosen the following remedies based on their performance, ingredients, price, customer reviews, our team’s experience, and more.
Best Overall Hot Spot Spray: Vet’s Best Hot Spot Spray Review
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Vet’s Best Hot Spot Spray is a veterinarian-formulated, fast-acting spray that uses natural plant-based ingredients, such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile. These ingredients offer immediate relief from itchiness and soothe irritated skin, and tea tree oil also has antibacterial and fungal properties. They are non-stinging and don’t include steroids or alcohol. Most reviews state that this option cleared their pup’s hot spots quickly.
You can spray directly onto the hot spot up to four times a day. If your dog has flea allergies, you can use this over their entire body for instant relief. This spray has a fresh scent, leaving your pup smelling clean rather than a medicated smell that some owners dislike. This option is made in the U.S. and doesn’t affect topical parasitic treatments for fleas or ticks. Customers mention it works well for other skin problems, such as elbow calluses, flea bites, and rashes.
Our Personal Experience With Vet’s Best & Treating Hot Spots
We use Vet’s Best Hot Spot Spray and Seasonal Allergy Support supplement when Barley has flair-ups from his grass allergy. The supplement helps keep issues mostly at bay during the spring and fall months when his allergies are the worst, but we use the spray for more acute issues when he needs extra care.
We started giving him Probiotic Daily from Terry Naturally about four months ago, which has essentially eliminated the need for other products! Barley is suffering much less with this dietary addition.
– Michelle Schenker, Dog Parent & Co-Founder At Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-acting spray | Some owners state the scent is strong |
| Contains natural, plant-based ingredients | |
| Offers immediate itch relief | |
| It is deodorizing & leaves a fresh scent | |
| It doesn’t interfere with flea or tick treatments | |
| This spray works well for other skin problems |
Price
Best Hot Spot Spray For Bacterial Infections: Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Hot Spot Chlorhexidine Spray Review
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Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Hot Spot Medicated Spray contains a high concentration of chlorhexidine (4%) with antimicrobial properties. It cleans the infected area by removing the germs and prevents them from growing. It also contains soothing aloe vera, which nourishes sore and sensitive skin. This spray helps reduce itchy, scaly, and flaky skin caused by hot spots and other skin conditions.
Cats and horses can also use this option, making it ideal for multi-pet households. Spray this option directly onto the hot spot and around it, and use it two to three times a day. It is also deodorizing and can help eliminate odors. This is an unscented option, which could make it a top choice for pet owners who hate the smell of medical products. Only a few customers reported an issue with the spray nozzle, but most found this super effective.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It contains a high concentration of antimicrobial chlorhexidine | Some customers said the nozzle leaked |
| Kills & prevents germs | |
| Features soothing aloe vera | |
| Treats other skin conditions | |
| Unscented & deodorizing | |
| It can be used on cats & horses, too |
Price
Best Hot Spot Ointment: Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment Review
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Sulfodene is a great topical ointment option for hot spots and other doggy skin issues. It contains 1.5% benzocaine, which numbs the affected area to reduce pain and itching. It also provides a barrier against further germs, helping to prevent infection. Together, this helps fight the cause of the discomfort associated with hot spots. Some owners find topical ointments easier to use than sprays.
This versatile cream for dogs can also help with other skin conditions, such as minor cuts, bites, fungal infections, allergies, and wound healing. This wax-based product provides a barrier to help the skin heal, and it contains tea tree and thyme oil, which are naturally soothing and have antibacterial and fungal properties. Use this option up to three times a day. Some customers say they wish it came in a bigger bottle, but some like this option, which is easy to travel with. This makes an excellent option for any pet first aid kit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ointment option | The tube is smaller than other products |
| Contains 1.5% benzocaine | |
| Numbs the hot spots to reduce itchiness | |
| Can be used for other conditions | |
| It uses natural ingredients like tea tree & thyme oil |
Price
Best Medicated Shampoo For Hot Spots: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot Medicated Shampoo Review
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If your pup suffers from regular hot spots, investing in a medicated shampoo, in addition to sprays and ointments, can make a difference. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot Shampoo has antiseptic and antifungal properties. The active ingredients include lidocaine, which offers instant itch relief to reduce scratching, and hydrocortisone, which helps to reduce redness and swelling. It also contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera, moisturizing and soothing sore skin.
This shampoo helps to control hot spots caused by allergies, insect bites, and dirty, matted, or wet coats. It is pH-balanced, making it ideal for sensitive doggy skin and daily use if required. Massage the shampoo into wet fur, allow it to sit on your pooch for five to ten minutes, and then rinse. Ideally, use it twice a week until the problems subside. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care also has hot spot spray and conditioner. This product has excellent reviews; only a few pet owners said this option didn’t stop the itchiness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Medicated shampoo actively treats hot spots | Only a few customers said it didn’t stop the itchiness |
| It has antiseptic and antifungal ingredients | |
| Lidocaine offers instant numbing relief | |
| It contains soothing oatmeal & aloe vera | |
| pH balanced for sensitive skin |
Price
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot spots are a hot topic, and we know there are lots of questions about them. If you don’t see your question below, let us know in the comments section at the end, and we’ll get back to you with an answer.
What Is The Best Hot Spot Treatment For My Dog?
All dogs are different, and hot spots have various causes. So, the best hot spot treatment for your dog is the one that effectively treats your pup’s symptoms. The Vetnique Labs Dermabliss might be the best option if your dog has a bacterial infection. However, if your dog is scratching like crazy, an option like Suldofene instantly numbs the area. You might have to try a few to find the one that works best for your dog.
Will Dog Hot Spots Go Away On Their Own?
No, it is very unlikely that hot spots on dogs will clear up on their own. They can quickly grow in size and severity without proper care, leading to more pain and potential infections. This is why it is essential to see your vet when you notice a hot spot for the first time so that you can treat it immediately and appropriately. Investing in a dog collar is essential to stop your dog from making them worse.
Are Dog Hot Spots Contagious?
No, the hot spots themselves are not contagious to other dogs or humans. However, if the underlying cause is fungal or parasitic, the parasite or infection could be contagious. Identifying and treating the root cause is crucial to prevent the spread of potential parasites or infections.
A Diet Change Could Prevent Your Dog’s Itchiness
Itchiness is a symptom of a lot of health issues. If you think your dog’s diet might be responsible for their itchiness, you should speak to your vet about your concerns. We have a guide on the best foods for dogs with allergies that might suit your dog’s dietary needs. You could also consider a fresh food option as they contain many natural ingredients, and you can sometimes tailor them for your dog’s food intolerances. With your vet’s approval, you could also consider adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s bowl to help with a wide range of health concerns, including itchy skin and allergies.
Have you ditched dog hot spots with one of these over-the-counter home remedies? Or perhaps you use another option that you think we should review? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories about your homemade remedy for hotspots on dogs in our comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She has years of experience as a professional dog walker, sitter, and writer specializing in doggy content. Although Emma’s dogs have never had hot spots, she has worked with many canine clients who have had them. She has also passed various pet first aid courses. Emma works with a devoted team at Canine Journal to provide their readers with the most valuable and up-to-date canine content.