Everything You Need to Know About Hot Spots on Dogs

One afternoon your dog is scratching at a spot behind her ear. By morning, you've got a wet, red, raw patch of skin the size of a golf ball — and a dog who won't stop licking it. That's a hot spot. And if you've dealt with one before, you know how fast they can spiral.

Hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions vets see in dogs. They're painful, they spread quickly, and they have a frustrating habit of coming back. Most pet parents reach for a topical treatment and a cone collar — and that's a good start. But if your dog keeps getting hot spots, treating the skin alone won't get you very far.

Here's what you need to know: chronic hot spots are often a symptom of something going on inside your dog, not just on the surface. The gut-skin axis — the connection between your dog's gut microbiome and the health of their skin — means that inflammation in the gut can show up as inflammation on the skin. Understanding that connection is how you break the cycle.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

A hot spot — technically called acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis — is a localized area of inflamed, infected skin. Hot spots develop when a dog scratches, licks, or chews at a spot aggressively enough to break the skin, which introduces bacteria and triggers a rapid infection.

Hot spots typically look like:

• A moist, red, raw patch of skin — often matted with discharge
• Hair loss around the lesion
• A distinct border that may spread if untreated
• Visible discomfort — dogs will guard the area, lick at it obsessively, or cry when it's touched

Common Causes and Triggers

Allergies

Both environmental allergies and food sensitivities can cause widespread itching that leads to hot spots.

Insect Bites and Parasites

Flea bites are a major trigger — even a single flea bite can set off intense itching in sensitive dogs.

Moisture and Poor Coat Hygiene

Dogs who swim frequently or have dense coats that trap moisture are at higher risk.

Systemic Inflammation

Dogs with chronic low-grade inflammation — often tied to gut health — have a compromised skin barrier and a heightened inflammatory response.

How to Treat a Hot Spot

Hot spots need prompt attention. The faster you intervene, the better.

Step 1: Stop the licking and scratching

Put a cone on your dog to break the itch-scratch-lick cycle long enough for healing to start.

Step 2: Clip the hair around the lesion

Hot spots need air to dry out and heal. Carefully trim the hair around the edge of the lesion.

Step 3: Clean and dry the area

Gently clean the lesion with diluted chlorhexidine and pat it dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Apply vet-prescribed topical treatment

Your vet may prescribe a topical antibiotic and/or cortisone spray or cream.

Step 5: Address the underlying trigger

This is the step most people skip — and it's why hot spots come back.

The Gut-Skin Connection

This is called the gut-skin axis — the health of your dog's gut microbiome has a direct impact on the health of their skin.

1. Gut dysbiosis disrupts the gut's normal protective function.
2. Leaky gut allows bacteria, toxins, and partially digested food particles to pass into the bloodstream.
3. Systemic inflammation circulates throughout the body.
4. Skin barrier dysfunction weakens the skin's natural defenses.
5. Increased susceptibility means the skin reacts more intensely to any trigger.

How Diet Affects Skin Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids and the skin barrier

Omega-3s — found in fish, fish oil, and flaxseed — have anti-inflammatory properties and support the integrity of the skin barrier.

Supporting the gut microbiome directly

Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics each play a role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. This is exactly why Get Joy built Belly Biotics™ into our meals rather than making it an add-on.

Preventing Hot Spots Long-Term

Keep your dog clean and dry

After swimming or bathing, dry your dog thoroughly. Regular brushing prevents mats and allows air circulation through the coat.

Feed a gut-healthy diet, consistently

A diet that supports a healthy gut microbiome reduces systemic inflammation, which makes your dog's skin more resilient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I treat a hot spot at home, or do I need to see a vet?

Small, early-stage hot spots can often be managed at home. If the lesion is large, spreading fast, looks deeply infected, or your dog is running a fever, see your vet.

How long does it take for a hot spot to heal?

With proper treatment, most hot spots start to improve within 3–7 days. Full healing typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Can diet really help prevent hot spots?

Diet plays a real role, especially for dogs with chronic or recurring skin issues. A diet that supports a healthy gut microbiome reduces systemic inflammation and supports skin barrier function.

What are Belly Biotics and how do they help with skin health?

Belly Biotics™ is Get Joy's proprietary blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, built directly into our Freeze Dried Raw Meals. A healthier gut microbiome means less systemic inflammation and skin that's better equipped to handle everyday triggers.