Itchy dogs, stinky dogs, uncomfortable dogs, dogs with bumps, lumps, and hives—dogs miserable because their skin feels like one big mosquito bite, with no relief from the itch. So, they chew, gnaw, and scratch until they bleed, and still, it itches!
Veterinarians see more itchy dogs than any other complaint. What’s causing the itch, and how can you bring relief to your dog? That’s where things get complicated.
Like us, their human companions, the largest organ in a dog’s body is the skin. It protects against ultraviolet light, injury, and dehydration. It regulates temperature and provides the dog with hair follicles, offering another layer of protection against the elements. Skin is elastic, tough, and has an amazing ability to heal itself, even under the worst conditions.
There are three layers to the skin: the part we see is the epidermis, below that is the dermis, which holds blood vessels and nerves, and finally, the panniculus, the fatty layer that adds padding and helps control body temperature.
Skin can be affected by both external and internal conditions. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites are obvious enemies, as is actual physical injury. Allergies, internal infections, and autoimmune deficiencies attack the skin from within, but the itch still drives the dog to scratch, gnaw, rub, and lick the problem. Now the skin is under attack from both external and internal foes, making the issue exponentially harder to treat and leading to dreaded hot spots or pyotraumatic dermatitis.
Treating Hot Spots and Skin Infections
Hot spots are just as they sound: a patch of skin that becomes hot, red, hairless, scabby, oozing, and incredibly itchy, caused by a dog chewing at themselves. These spots often develop unnoticed by the owner until it’s too late, as the surrounding hair can conceal the extent of the damage.
When a hot spot appears, the veterinarian typically shaves the remaining fur from the area to keep it clean and allow better airflow. The area is then scrubbed with antibacterial soap, and a soothing antibacterial ointment is applied. Depending on the severity of the infection, either topical treatment or a course of antibiotics may be required. If the itching is severe, the veterinarian may prescribe an antihistamine. In extreme cases, steroids like prednisone may be prescribed, but these must be used under veterinary supervision due to potential side effects.
The most important—and challenging—part of treating a hot spot is ensuring the dog cannot scratch, lick, or chew the affected area. This often involves using an Elizabethan collar (a plastic cone), which prevents the dog from chewing the spot. While uncomfortable, these collars allow the dog to eat and drink and make it much more difficult for them to reach the problem area.
The next step is diagnosing the cause of the hot spot to prevent it from recurring. Without addressing the underlying issue, another hot spot will likely develop, and the cycle of skin infections continues.
External parasites, such as fleas, are easily diagnosed and treated. Once the parasites are eradicated, the itching usually subsides. Many dogs develop allergic reactions to flea bites and need constant treatment with products like Advantage or Revolution topical insecticides, which kill 99.9% of fleas within 24 hours. By consistently combating fleas, the dog won’t chew themselves into a frenzy, thus preventing hot spots.
Allergies: Internal and External
Allergies, whether external (environmental) or internal (food-related), are a bit trickier to manage. An allergy develops when a dog’s immune system overreacts to an offending substance, releasing histamines that cause the itching.
Food allergies are often the culprits. The first step is usually switching the dog to a hypoallergenic diet. If the new diet alleviates the allergic reaction and the associated itching, the dog will need to remain on this diet for the rest of their life. Even treats and cookies must adhere to the same dietary restrictions, and table scraps should be strictly avoided.
Environmental allergens are harder to control, but over-the-counter antihistamines, like Benadryl, Tavist, or Seldane, work just as well on dogs as they do on humans. During allergy season, some dogs may need a daily antihistamine to manage their symptoms. Bedding should be checked for potential allergens, such as cedar chips (which are said to repel fleas) or wool, which may be triggering the reaction.
Autoimmune conditions are rarely the direct cause of skin infections, but a symptom of an autoimmune disease may be responsible. For example, hair loss, which is a common sign of autoimmune disease, can cause itching, leading to the development of hot spots. Treating the underlying disease typically resolves the itching and the associated skin problems.
If a hot spot occurs around the base of the tail or anus, the veterinarian should check the anal glands. Anal gland issues are common in some dogs and can lead to infections that cause the dog to scratch, which creates hot spots. The close proximity of the anus makes it easier for skin infections to develop, and both the anal gland infection and the hot spot will need treatment.
Another common injury leading to hot spots is from clipping fur. Clipper burn irritates the skin, causing itching, and the dog licks, chews, and worries the area until a hot spot develops. If your dog visits the groomer, always check them afterward for any signs of irritation or pinkness in the clipped areas. The same applies to surgical sites, which are often clipped and should be monitored for any signs of infection.
Prevention and Ongoing Care
Preventing the cause of a skin infection is crucial in the hot spot prevention plan. Even a poor diet or a dry climate can lead to flaky, itchy skin. Switching to higher-quality food or adding a teaspoon of olive oil to your dog’s meals can help. For dogs allergic to pollen, keeping them indoors during peak pollen hours (morning and early evening) can reduce the problem. Certain breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds, are more prone to seasonal hot spots. Hot weather and humidity can also increase the risk of fleas, and summer activities like swimming can lead to ear infections, which can also cause hot spots.
To prevent these issues, treat fleas regularly, towel-dry your dog after swimming, and remove their collar to keep the skin dry. After swimming, use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner to reduce the risk of ear infections.
Skin infections and hot spots are common in dogs, and veterinarians frequently treat them. With careful observation and consistent treatment, even dogs prone to hot spots can lead normal, happy lives. At the first sign of persistent itching, visit the vet and start treatment. Preventing the oozy, itchy, red, and hairless spots is far better than treating them once they’ve developed!
