Hot spots
It doubled in size since this morning. That's a hot spot.
What it looks like
- A raw, red, moist patch that appeared fast, often under the fur on the neck, hip, flank, or near the tail.
- Wet or matted fur around it, sometimes with a smell.
- Your dog licks, chews, or scratches the same spot over and over and won't leave it alone.
Why it happens
Something makes the skin itch or stay damp: a flea bite, an allergy flare, water trapped in the coat after a swim or bath. The dog licks it, the licking breaks the skin, and bacteria move in. The licking is what turns a small irritation into a spreading sore, which is why hot spots grow so fast.
Do tonight
- Get air to it. Trim or push back the fur around the spot so it can dry. A damp, covered hot spot keeps growing.
- Rinse gently with cool water, pat dry, and keep it dry. No ointments or creams that seal in moisture.
- Stop the licking tonight. A cone, a soft recovery collar, or a t-shirt over the area. This is the step that matters most.
See a vet if
- It is larger than your palm or still spreading after 24 hours.
- It is oozing yellow or green, or smells strongly.
- Your dog is lethargic, off food, or seems in pain when you touch it.
Most hot spots need a prescription to clear fully. Home care tonight buys time; it is not the whole fix.
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