Symptom guide
Dog Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Moist, red, painful lesions that appear quickly and spread fast — usually triggered by allergies, moisture, or minor irritation.
Triage
Good fit for telehealth
Most hot spots respond well to cleaning, drying, and topical treatment. Recurring hot spots signal an underlying allergy. Telehealth can prescribe antibiotics and address root cause.
Common causes
- •underlying allergies (food or environmental)
- •moisture trapped in coat (post-swimming, rain)
- •flea bites
- •minor skin irritation from grooming or scratching
- •matted fur trapping bacteria
When to call the vet now
Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.
- ⚠hot spot is very large (palm-sized or bigger)
- ⚠obvious pus or deep infection
- ⚠dog is lethargic or not eating
- ⚠multiple hot spots appearing at once
Breeds most prone to hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
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What can help
Products and services matched to this symptom.
Dutch
24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered
- •Unlimited vet chats
- •Rx delivered to door
- •$11/month
- •Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
Vetster
Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals
- •Licensed vets online
- •24/7 appointment access
- •Video, chat, and voice
- •Prescription support where permitted
Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune
Seasonal allergy + immune support chews
- •NASC Quality Seal
- •Seasonal allergy support
- •Salmon oil for skin
- •Chewable, dogs love them
Related symptoms
Barkly is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.