Hot Spots on Dogs

A few quick Facts on dog hot spots

dog hot spot treatment spray

Pet care spray 8oz

  • Hot spots are inflamed and infected skin areas on dogs that resemble breakouts, but they appear as raw, red, and wet sores/lesions.
  • In general, caused by your dog's excessive licking, biting, or chewing on his paws or hip areas.
  • The most effective way to treat and prevent hot spots in dogs is through a quality diet, regular grooming, prompt parasite control, regular physical activity, and mental engagement.
  • The simple answer to your question " How to treat a hot spot on a dog?" is Banixx Pet Care Spray.  This trusted, quality anti-microbial solution delivers immediate, pain-free relief.

Why do Dogs get Hot Spots? What are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots can be a real itch-inducing discomfort at best, leading to pain and infection at worst. With this page you’ll understand Hot Spot causes and symptoms, and along with the best dog hot spot treatments.  We include ways to prevent these troublesome spots from re-occurring and tips to provide your furry friend with much-needed relief.

hot spot on a dogs paw

Dog with hot spots on paw

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), hot spots are among the most common skin problems in dogs. But what, exactly, are these angry-looking red sores? 

Your vet will likely use the term “acute moist dermatitis” or “pyotraumatic dermatitis”. Your dog's incessant licking produces hot spots, creating red, wet-looking inflamed areas/lesions on your dog's infected skin.

Quite often, hot spots start as a small, red irritation. They can be referred to as heat spots on dogs. According to Dr. Elizabeth Racine, DVM, it’s often mistaken for an insect bite. Unlike insect bites though, hot spots don't heal on their own.

Rather, they most often escalate as your dog persistently licks, bites, or chews the area. They next develop into raw, red, moist, painful ulcers that can rapidly escalate into a larger bacterial infection.

Where to Look for Hot Spots on Your Dog’s Body

Hot spots can manifest anywhere on your dog's body, but they typically occur on the legs or hips, between the toes, under the ear flap, or in the neck creases below the chin. 

Symptoms & Signs to Watch Out For

how to get rid of dog hot spots

Dog incessant licking paws is a sign

Typical symptoms of hot spots include compulsive behavior such as your dog's habit of incessant licking and biting.  As a result, your dog's infected skin ends up with open, red moist sores and sometimes, pus or fluid discharge. The affected open wound may also have matted or crusty hair that will eventually fall out.

Dog Hot Spot Treatments

Although rarely life-threatening, hot spots can still be extremely painful for your dog. It’s important to treat them and get them under control before they develop into a more serious, bigger infection. 

Fortunately, topical treatments like Banixx Antiseptic Spray easily and effectively eliminate hotspots on dogs in a completely painless process

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs – Where do Hot Spots come from?

canine hot spot

Canine Hot Spots

Hot spots typically result from compulsive behaviors such as dog excessive licking or biting of the skin. This frenzied pattern of constant licking behavior creates open wounds, setting the stage for a bacterial infection to take hold. 

But what is the underlying cause of the licking and biting to begin with? Therein lies the key to solving your dog’s hot spots once and for all!

Breed

While any dog can develop hot spots, certain breeds with thick, fluffy coats are more prone due to the potential for hair mats, which trap warmth and moisture. Warmth and trapped moisture are ideal scenarios to foster infection. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers are particularly susceptible.

Location

Dogs living in high-humidity areas or those frequently exposed to moisture, like swimming, also face a higher risk of hot spots.  Again, you have the issue of germ producing warmth and confined moisture.

Parasites

what causes hot spots on dogs

Dog self cleaning ticks and fleas.

Fleas and ticks can cause allergic dermatitis, leading to hot spots. It’s a solid idea to use Banixx Pet Care in conjunction with vet recommended parasite prevention.

.

Food Allergies or Insensitivities

Your dog's diet can contribute to hot spots, often due to fillers in dog food. Switching to a grain-free or low-preservative diet can help. Spend some time with your local pet food store.   Typically those folks have good recommendations….they’ve seen it all, they’ve heard it all!

Ear or Skin Infections

Bacterial or yeast infections around the ears or on the skin can trigger hot spots. All the previous scenarios of breed, parasite, food allergies etc can invite these infections.

Boredom or Stress

Active, intelligent breeds can develop hot spots when they experience boredom, loneliness or stress. Engaging your dog with exercise and interactive toys can help prevent this. Alternatives are a companion or a doggy day care.

Poor Grooming

Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is essential. Maintaining a grooming routine is especially crucial for dogs with dense, thick coats, as these can be breeding grounds for hot spots. 

For a more in-depth look at any of these causes of hot spots in dogs, click here.


How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs at Home with Banixx

what causes hot spots on dogs neck

How To treat Dog Hot Spots with Banixx

You can successfully treat hot spots at home using Banixx, as long as you take swift action and adhere to these straightforward guidelines:

Trim the Hair

Begin by carefully trimming the hair around the affected area. As we previously said, matted hair traps moisture and dirt, increasing the risk of recurrent hot spots. You may need assistance to keep your dog calm during this step.  A professional groomer may be the ticket.

Clean the Area

Use a gentle, non-toxic cleanser to clean the inflamed skin. Banixx Pet Care Hot Spot Spray for dogs is a safe, non-toxic option.  You can use it assuredly near and around the mouth.  Or, for that matter, use it anywhere that your pup continues to lick during dog hot spot healing stages.

Apply Banixx Pet Care Spray

Administer Banixx Pet Care Spray to the area twice daily. Consistency is crucial, as is ensuring the product remains on the affected area for an adequate amount of time. Banixx works on contact. 

Distractions like play, walks, or a special treat can help prevent your dog from licking the treatment off. Personally, as a distraction method, we stick a small amount of peanut butter to the roof of our dog’s mouth.  They quite humorously divert all attention to this treat.

Use Homemade Pet Wipes

Homemade pet wipes can provide fast, soothing relief for your dog's itchy skin.  Use them to gently clean the area from any clinging dirt or debris. Then apply Banixx spray.  To learn how to create the ultimate, bargain, homemade pet wipe with Banixx, click here.

Vet Treatment for Hot Spots

dog infected skinIf your dog's hot spots result from an underlying condition, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian. He/She will assess your canine’s overall health. They have the tools, tests and knowledge to do so. Treatment options include:

  • Clipping the hair around the hot spot.
  • Disinfecting the area with skin-safe antiseptics.
  • Bathing with medicated shampoos that soothe irritation and support healing.
  • Prescribing topical or oral antibiotics to eliminate secondary infections, reduce inflammation, and alleviate itching.
  • Administering antihistamines if the cause is determined to be allergens.

Note that Banixx is a perfect partner to use alongside any medication that your Vet may prescribe.  It will not interfere with the healing stages of hot spots.


The Role of Home Remedies for Dog Hot Spots

spray for dogs with hot spots

While some home remedies may provide relief, others can exacerbate the issue. Some common home remedies include hydrogen peroxide, Pepto Bismol, and coconut oil.  Nonetheless, be aware that these could potentially irritate healthy tissue, create a mess, and distract your dog's attention during the treatment process.  This is because some of these products burn and others like coconut oil encourage your dog to lick it off due to the scent. 

When seeking a reliable home remedy for hot spots, the ultimate solution is Banixx. Our trusted, proven solution offers no-sting, odorless, immediate relief for bacterial and fungal issues.  Rest assured, this comes without the inclusion of any antibiotics or steroids.  

Hot spots can be agonizing for your dog and distressing for you. By understanding the causes and promptly addressing them with effective treatments like Banixx, you can ensure your furry companion's well-being. Don't let hot spots become a “dogged”, obstinate issue.  Act swiftly and watch your dog enjoy rapid relief from this agonizing condition.

Learn exactly how Banixx works here.

Where To Buy Banixx

See Banixx in Action Against Dog Hot Spots

Case Study - Kodi, a Quick Recovery from Hot Spots with Banixx

"We learned about Banixx Pet Care at a show in Pennsylvania. We told the Banixx rep of the problems that our Akita dog, Kodi, has with hot spots. She told us that these spots may have an underlying cause but, despite that, Banixx may give our dog some good relief. We got home and there was Kodi with a huge hot spot! The timing couldn’t have been better. We applied Banixx immediately. We used to use a really well-known product and Kodi was immediately uncomfortable and licked it off…making things worse! With Banixx, there was no flinching or licking and it healed in 3-4 days. Before, …it took over a week! I am a seasoned Dog Handler and we own a pet shop so we now sell Banixx regularly; it's a product that we really believe in!" Buy Banixx or buy online.

home remedies for dog hot spots

Pictures of Hot Spots on Dogs

"My dog gets bad hot spots due to his autoimmune disease. Antibiotics no longer help but Banixx clears up his infected skin spots quickly. Here are Before and after photos after 1 week!"Chandra N., Facebook
pictures of hot spots on a dog
Dog Hot Spot Before Banixx Remedy
Dog Hot Spot After Banixx Remedy
Dog Hot Spot After Banixx Remedy

DOG HOT SPOTS AT A GLANCE

how to treat dog hot spots

Max the Dog with Hot Spot

  • Dogs with hot spots have inflamed skin and bacterial infections caused by excessive licking, biting, or chewing.
  • Hot spots present as raw, red, moist, sometimes even pus-filled sores.
  • Limbs, hips, elbows, and paws especially are common areas where hot spots develop.
  • Signs to watch out for are excessive licking and biting of a particular spot on your dog’s body – resulting in angry-looking sore spots. 
  • The simple answer to your question “How do I treat a hot spot on my dog?” is Banixx Antiseptic And Anti-fungal Spray. This quality anti-microbial solution offers immediate relief.
Results Speak Louder than Words - Meet Banixx Users and Their Dogs
Where To Buy Banixx

Best Hot Spot Treatment For Dogs Some of Our 5-Star Customer Reviews

"Works great to help heal and offer relief to my dog who is prone to getting dermatitis. I consider it a cure for hot spots on dogs."LizzieTX (Amazon Customer)
“I did a search online for what to put on dog hot spot and the Banixx came up as a potential home remedy. I tried it and it's been great for my dog's hot spot! It started looking better within hours and was completely gone in 2 days.”By s0nicfreak (Amazon Customer)
“When it comes to natural remedies, I can't recommend this product strongly enough. My dog had a bad hot spot on the crease of his hind legs, made it hard for him to walk, wouldn't heal, and had lost lots of hair. 2 treatments and he stopped scratching at the spot, 2-days and the open would was scabbed over, and 2-weeks later he's running through fields and chasing balls again. That's a FAST healing time!”By M. Henry (Amazon Customer)
“I purchased this at a local pet store. My American Bulldog is constantly getting these painful spots from allergies, and cuts/scratches from playing rough. This dog spray is a miracle. I just have to spray it on her scabs and she instantly stops scratching at them and they heal in a day or two. It doesn't really have a smell, and best of all, she seems to love when I spray it on her hot wounds. Definitely will purchase this again.”By Ashes Crashes
"I researched the best product for my dog's itchy skin infection. After reading reviews on several sites on so many different products, I found this one to have the best. After using it twice a day for 3 weeks not only did her skin get better but her hair also grew back on her tail. This is the only product I will ever use on any spots she will ever have. Thankful to have found it."By Crystal (Amazon Customer)
"I have a German Shepherd, a Maltese/Shih Tzu, and a Maine Coon cat, and I've used this on all three with great success every time hot spots develop. I often remove the hair around the infection, clean and dry it and then apply Banixx. From skin dermatitis to flea bites after I forgot to administer their flea medication. I always keep this on-hand and LOVE that it's totally safe to use on my furballs - even around the eyes and mouth. My parents have a mini-farm and after I told my mom about this product, she purchased it and uses with the same results on her three horses, barn cats, and their dog as well. She says its perfect for treating hot spots on horses."By SunnieDays (Amazon Customer)
"I put it on a hot spot on dog's balls in the morning and again in the afternoon and by evening the inflammation is down and healing. By the next day it is almost gone. It also works FAST on cuts and scrapes etc. Whatever this product contains is excellent. I keep a bottle in the bathroom and the den for quick use when needed. It doesn't hurt or burn. The dogs don't mind the spray. Highly recommend this."By Caroline (Amazon Customer)