Dog Hot Spot Dermatitis: Welfare and Prevention

Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots) causes rapid-onset intense pain and pruritus in dogs, requiring prompt recognition and treatment.

Key Facts

Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) develop rapidly - a small lesion can expand to palm-size within hours
They develop from self-trauma secondary to pruritus from allergies, insect bites or moisture
Dogs with thick or dense coats are at higher risk due to moisture retention
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Saint Bernards show higher prevalence
The lesion is intensely painful - dogs vocalize when the area is touched
Underlying causes including allergies must be identified and treated to prevent recurrence
Treatment involves clipping, cleaning and topical treatment with veterinary antimicrobials
E-collars prevent further self-trauma which worsens and enlarges the lesion

Welfare Considerations

Hot spots cause acute, intense suffering through the combination of pruritus driving self-trauma and the pain of the resulting raw lesion. The rapid progression means animals can develop large, severely painful lesions overnight. Delayed treatment allows the lesion to expand and become infected, increasing welfare harm. Prompt recognition by owners - redness, wetness, hair loss and intense licking - enables early veterinary treatment. Identifying and managing underlying allergic or parasitic causes prevents the repeated episodes that cause cumulative welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice your dog licking or chewing an area compulsively
Clip hair from around the lesion and keep it dry while awaiting or seeking veterinary advice
Use an E-collar immediately to prevent further self-trauma enlarging the lesion
Work with your vet to identify underlying causes including allergies and parasites
Dogs prone to hot spots should be dried thoroughly after swimming or bathing