How to Identify Hot Spots

Hot spots are infections that your dog may acquire from scratching an area of their skin for an extended period, which causes the skin to break open. Once a sore forms, continued scratching may cause an infection. Hot spots can form from your dog scratching because of food or grass allergies, fleas, bug bites, pesticides, razor burns from grooming, an allergic reaction to vaccinations or even shampoo left on the skin after a bath. In most cases, you will not notice a hot spot until it is about the size of a quarter or larger, depending on the length of your dog's hair, and usually it may be bleeding or open. Since a hot spot is a skin infection, it is best to have it treated by your veterinarian. Often the veterinarian will shave the area, prescribe an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication as well as a topical ointment.

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine your dog all over. Key areas to examine are the base of the dog's back and tail, armpits, under her floppy ears, the side of the neck and shoulders.

    • 2

      Look for open sores, hair loss, fresh or dry blood on the skin, scabs, puss or irritated skin.

    • 3

      Smell the area. You do not need to put your face right up to the sore but depending on the severity of the sore, you may be able to smell a slight odor. If you do, that may mean the hot spot is infected. Bacteria spreading around the opening of the sore cause an infection.

    • 4

      Notice the shape of the sore. Most hot spots are circular in shape and they can be as small as a dime or larger than the palm of a hand. A hot spot grows quickly if left unattended, as your dog will continue to scratch at it.

    • 5

      Monitor the area if you believe it may be a hot spot. Do not allow your dog to scratch at the area, as that will only cause the infection to spread, as the sore gets larger from scratching. An e-collar, or cone collar, may help to prevent scratching hotspots around the face. Placing a sock on your dogs foot may also eliminate the ability to scratch.

    • 6

      Clean the hotspot with peroxide and an antibiotic ointment. If possible, trim the hair that surrounds the area to allow the hotspot to breath. Keep the area clean. After the first times that you clean the sore, continue using the antibiotic but stop the peroxide. Peroxide can prevent a scab from forming and thus allow bacteria to enter the sore and cause an infection. Continue to apply the antibiotic ointment at least three times a day. Keep an eye on the sore and if it does not begin to heal, or looks irritated, you may need to visit your veterinarian.