Summer is a fantastic time for dogs. Longer walks, days at the beach, adventures in the countryside, and plenty of opportunities for swimming all make the warmer months exciting for our four-legged companions.
Unfortunately, there's a downside that many owners don't see coming.
As temperatures rise, so does the risk of hot spots on dogs.
What often starts as a small itch, a minor irritation, or even an insect bite can quickly develop into a painful wound that leaves dogs uncomfortable and owners wondering what went wrong. The reality is that hot spots on dogs can be one of the fastest-developing skin problems veterinarians encounter, especially during periods of warm weather.
Understanding why summer creates the perfect conditions for hot spots can help owners act quickly and, more importantly, focus on preventing hot spots before they become a serious problem.
What Is a Hot Spot?
A hot spot on a dog, also known as acute moist dermatitis, is an area of inflamed skin caused by excessive licking, chewing, scratching, or rubbing.
Veterinary professionals often describe hot spots as self-inflicted wounds. A dog experiences irritation, begins licking or scratching the area, and the repeated itching and scratching creates further trauma to the dog's skin. Before long, a small irritation becomes a much larger wound.
Many canine hot spots appear suddenly and can spread surprisingly quickly. Owners often notice:
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Significant redness
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Moist or oozing skin
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Hair loss around the affected area
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Constant licking or chewing
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Sensitivity when touched
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An unpleasant smell
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Possible discharge in more severe cases
Because dogs naturally try to soothe irritation by licking, the cycle can become difficult to break without intervention.
Why Warm Weather Increases the Risk of Hot Spots
One reason hot spots in dogs become more common during summer is that several major triggers are more prevalent at this time of year.
Moisture Creates the Perfect Environment
Dogs love water.Period.
Whether they're playing in paddling pools, running through wet grass, or spending time swimming, moisture can become trapped against the skin and coat.
Warm, damp conditions create an ideal environment for skin irritation and bacterial growth. This is particularly true for dogs with thick coats or dense undercoats where moisture can remain hidden close to the skin.
This is one reason hot spots on dogs are frequently diagnosed during the warmer months.
More Insects Mean More Irritation
Summer also brings an increase in biting insects.
A simple insect bite may seem harmless, but for some dogs it can trigger intense itching. Once licking begins, the risk of developing a hot spot increases significantly.
Dogs with sensitivities or allergies may be particularly vulnerable.
Allergies Often Flare Up During Summer
Seasonal allergies are another major contributor.
Pollen, grasses, mould spores, and environmental allergens are all more common during periods of warm weather. This is why effective management of allergies plays such an important role in reducing skin problems.
For many dogs, the underlying cause of a hot spot isn't actually the wound itself—it's the allergy that triggered the licking in the first place.
The Underlying Cause of Your Dog's Hot Spot Matters
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is focusing entirely on the visible wound.
While effective hot spot treatment for dogs is important, identifying the underlying cause of your dog's hot spot is equally critical.
Common triggers include:
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Environmental allergies
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Flea bites
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Parasites
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Skin infections
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Poor grooming
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Trapped moisture
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Anxiety or boredom
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Joint discomfort
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Ear infections
Many owners are surprised to learn that recurring ear infections can contribute to excessive scratching around the neck and face, which may eventually lead to hot spots.
Without addressing the root problem, recurring hot spots often become an ongoing challenge.
Why Hot Spots Can Become Serious So Quickly
The biggest danger isn't the initial irritation.
It's the cycle that follows.
A dog licks because the area feels itchy. The licking causes additional irritation. That irritation leads to more licking.
This repeated cycle of itching and scratching causes increasing trauma to the dog's skin, creating ideal conditions for infection.
In some cases, untreated hot spots can be complicated by secondary bacterial infections, which may require veterinary intervention.
The longer the behaviour continues, the harder recovery can become.
Hot Spot Treatment: What Actually Works?
Effective hot spot treatment usually involves a combination of approaches rather than a single product.
Veterinarians commonly focus on:
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Cleaning the affected area
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Clipping surrounding hair
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Reducing inflammation
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Preventing further licking
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Treating infection where necessary
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Identifying the underlying cause
Depending on the severity of the wound, hot spot treatments may include prescription medications, medicated washes, or topical products with anti-inflammatory properties.
For dogs experiencing allergy-related irritation, a veterinarian may also recommend an antihistamine as part of the treatment plan.
More severe infections may require oral antibiotics to control bacterial growth and support healing.
The most successful hot spot treatment for dogs combines wound care with long-term management of the factor that caused the irritation in the first place.
The Role of Grooming in Preventing Hot Spots
Regular grooming is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of summer hot spots.
Brushing helps remove trapped debris, improves airflow to the skin, and allows owners to identify potential issues before they become serious.
For breeds with thick coats, proper grooming is particularly important after swimming or exposure to wet weather.
Keeping the coat clean and dry can significantly reduce the likelihood of moisture becoming trapped against the skin.
Can Nutrition Help Support Healthy Skin?
While nutrition alone won't prevent every hot spot, healthy skin starts from within.
Many veterinarians recommend diets containing omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which support skin health and may help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Combined with effective parasite control, good grooming habits, and appropriate allergy management, nutritional support can play a valuable role in reducing the risk of future skin issues.
Why Recovery Protection Matters
One of the most overlooked aspects of recovery is preventing continued licking.
Even the most effective hot spot treatments will struggle to work if a dog can repeatedly reach the wound throughout the day.
This is why many owners use recovery sleeves and recovery suits during the healing process.
By creating a physical barrier between the dog and the affected area, these products help reduce further irritation, support healing, and allow treatments to work more effectively.
For many dogs, especially those prone to recurring hot spots, this additional layer of protection can make a significant difference.
Preventing Hot Spots Before They Start
When it comes to preventing hot spots, early action is always better than treatment.
Simple steps that can help include:
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Maintaining regular grooming routines
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Drying your dog thoroughly after swimming
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Managing allergies effectively
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Treating ear infections promptly
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Using flea and parasite prevention
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Monitoring for excessive licking or scratching
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Protecting irritated areas before they worsen
Because hot spots on dogs can develop rapidly, recognising the warning signs early is one of the best things an owner can do.
Final Thoughts
While summer brings plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure, it also creates the perfect conditions for hot spots on dogs.
The combination of warm weather, moisture, allergies, insect activity, and increased outdoor exposure means many dogs are more vulnerable during this time of year.
Fortunately, most hot spots in dogs can be managed successfully when owners act quickly, address the underlying cause, and follow an appropriate hot spot treatment plan.
By combining good grooming, effective allergy management, prompt treatment, and sensible recovery protection, you can help keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and free from painful hot spots all summer long.
References
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VCA Animal Hospitals – Hot Spots in Dogs (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
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American Kennel Club (AKC) – Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes and Treatment
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Blue Cross UK – Caring for Dogs with Skin Conditions
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PetMD – Hot Spots in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Skin Health and Preventative Care
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WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines – Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Skin Health
