Dave Zanoni
What Are Hotspots?
Hotspots, or acute moist dermatitis, are inflamed, irritated areas on your pet’s skin that appear suddenly and can worsen in a matter of hours. They’re warm, moist lesions—often circular and red—that may ooze, scab, or emit a foul smell. While dogs are more prone to hotspots, cats can develop them too.
Scientifically, hotspots are a secondary skin infection, often caused by opportunistic bacteria such as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. These bacteria live harmlessly on your pet’s skin until the surface is damaged by licking, biting, or scratching—creating the perfect environment for infection.
🧪 What Causes Hotspots?
Hotspots aren’t a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue. They’re the result of an “itch-scratch cycle” that spirals out of control. Here are some science-backed causes:
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Food sensitivities or allergies: Studies show that certain ingredients like dairy, beef, or wheat can trigger systemic inflammation and pruritus (itchiness).
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Environmental allergies (atopy): Pollen, mold, and dust mites are known allergens that can irritate the skin barrier.
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Dry or imbalanced skin microbiome: Just like the gut, the skin has its own delicate ecosystem. Disruption of this balance can lead to flare-ups.
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Humidity and heat: These can trap moisture against the skin, especially under thick fur, allowing bacteria to flourish.
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Stress and boredom: Chronic licking or chewing may be linked to anxiety-related behaviors or compulsive tendencies.
🧬 Fact: Research published in the Veterinary Dermatology Journal suggests that chronic stress can lower a pet’s immune response, making them more prone to recurring skin infections like hotspots.
👀 Symptoms to Watch For
Knowing what to look for can mean faster relief for your pet. Common signs include:
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🔴 A red, raw, or oozing patch of skin
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🌡️ Swelling or warmth in the area
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🐶 Constant licking, chewing, or biting
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🧩 Localized hair loss
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🧼 Scabbing, crusting, or a moist feel
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👃 A sour or pungent smell due to infection
🛎️ Note: Hotspots can grow rapidly. Early detection is key to avoiding larger infections that require more aggressive treatment.
❌ Common Myths About Hotspots
🔍 Myth: Only dirty pets get hotspots.
💡 Truth: Cleanliness isn’t the issue—underlying inflammation and the pet’s response to discomfort are the root causes.
🔍 Myth: You can fix it by drying it out with powders.
💡 Truth: Powders can cake on the skin, trap bacteria, and delay healing. It’s more important to gently cleanse and support skin recovery.
🔍 Myth: Letting your pet lick the sore helps healing.
💡 Truth: Licking introduces new bacteria, spreads infection, and prolongs irritation.
💊 Treatment Tips That Work
Your first goal should be to interrupt the cycle and restore the skin barrier—gently and holistically. Here’s what science and experience say:
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✂️ Trim fur around the lesion to allow the skin to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.
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🧴 Cleanse the area with a gentle, antimicrobial, pet-safe solution. Look for products with hypochlorous acid or natural botanicals like calendula and aloe vera.
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❄️ Soothe irritation with chilled chamomile tea compresses or natural balms formulated for pets.
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🧬 Support healing from within by addressing gut health. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to stronger skin resilience (Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition).
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🚫 Prevent further licking using a soft recovery collar or distraction techniques like lick mats or interactive toys.
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🧘 Reduce stress with calming routines and safe space creation. Anxiety can worsen skin conditions and impede healing.
🧠 Insight: Nutritional deficiencies—especially in essential fatty acids like omega-3s (EPA and DHA)—can predispose pets to chronic inflammation and poor skin health.
🛡️ Preventing Hotspots Naturally
Taking a preventative approach goes beyond managing symptoms. It involves nurturing your pet’s skin, immune system, and overall well-being. Here’s how:
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🐕🦺 Regular grooming: Keep fur brushed and mats under control, especially in high-friction areas (behind ears, thighs, neck).
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🌿 Skin-healthy diet: Feed food with real animal protein, balanced fats, and anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, green-lipped mussel, or nettle leaf.
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🧬 Gut support: Use a trusted probiotic formulated for pets, like Adored Beast’s Fido’s Flora, to strengthen their skin’s first line of defense.
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💧 Hydration matters: Both inside and out. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water and consider adding hydrating toppers to meals.
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🧠 Enrichment: Keep your pet mentally and physically engaged to prevent boredom-driven behaviors like excessive licking.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Hotspots are loud messages from the body—signals that something deeper needs attention. They may start on the surface, but healing begins from within.
With the right approach, rooted in science and nature, you can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of hotspots. It starts with identifying the trigger, restoring balance, and supporting your pet’s unique biology.
If you’re looking for food, supplements, or natural skincare that genuinely supports healing—I’ve got the good stuff here at Purrs McBarkin’. I hand-pick every product based on quality, integrity, and results.
🐾 Because your pets don’t deserve to suffer through preventable pain—and you deserve answers that make sense.