Why Does My Dog Have Hot Spots?

If you’ve noticed your dog chewing, licking, or scratching a certain spot on their body repeatedly, you may be dealing with a common yet uncomfortable issue—dog hot spots! Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are painful, inflamed areas on your dog's skin that can be caused by various factors. Why exactly do they happen? And, more importantly, how can you help your pup feel better? Keep reading as we dive into what hot spots are, why they occur, and how daily dog grooming—and some specific products—can help keep your dog’s skin healthy and comfortable.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots are essentially areas of the skin that become irritated, red, and infected. These spots are usually caused by your dog’s constant scratching, licking, or biting, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. The moisture from excessive licking or drooling can break down the skin’s natural barrier, allowing germs and yeast to invade. As a result, a small irritation can quickly turn into a painful, inflamed area. Hot spots can appear anywhere on your dog’s body, but are most common on their face, ears, paws, or hips.

Common Causes of Hot Spots

Several factors can contribute to the development of hot spots. Some of the most common causes include:

• Allergies (food, environmental, or flea-related)

• Moisture or humidity (after a bath or swimming)

• Fleas or ticks

• Skin infections (bacterial or fungal)

• Injury or irritation (from rubbing or scratching)

While hot spots are uncomfortable for your dog, the good news is they’re easy to help with the right dog care and products. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about how daily dog grooming plays a significant role in preventing hot spots.

The Importance of Daily Grooming

One of the best ways to prevent hot spots and keep your dog’s skin healthy is daily grooming. Brushing your dog regularly helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, which can prevent matting and reduce the buildup of bacteria. It also helps to improve circulation, keeping their skin healthy and free from irritants. Plus, grooming allows you to check your dog’s skin for any early signs of hot spots, flea infestations, or skin infections.

Daily grooming is especially important for dogs with wrinkled skin, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. Wrinkles can trap moisture and dirt, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. This is where a product like Squishface Wrinkle Wipes come to the rescue!

Squishface Wrinkle Wipes: A Must-Have for Clean, Healthy Skin

If your dog has a wrinkly face, you know how important it is to keep those skin folds clean and dry. But that's not all - Squishface Wrinkle Wipes can be used to keep your pup clean from head to toe, no matter what breed they are. These magical dog wipes are designed to gently clean and wipe away dirt, oils, and bacteria that can build up in your dog’s skin. They are also super easy to use and help prevent the development of hot spots caused by irritation or infection.

Bonus Tip: Squishface also offers Wrinkle Paste, a great follow-up product. If your dog’s hot spots are caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungus, Wrinkle Paste can be a game-changer. Its formula is designed to soothe, cleanse, and protect your dog’s skin, helping to keep those hot spots at bay.

Key Ingredients in Squishface Wrinkle Paste 

Squishface Wrinkle Paste is packed with nourishing ingredients that help to soothe and protect your dog’s skin. Here are some of the key ingredients that make this paste effective:

• Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A, E, and F, shea butter helps to moisturize and soothe dry, irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.

• Coconut Oil: Known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps to prevent infections and keeps your dog’s skin hydrated.

• Avocado Oil: Full of essential fatty acids, avocado oil helps to nourish the skin, promote healing, and reduce inflammation in hot spots.

How to Help and Prevent Hot Spots

If your dog already has a hot spot, here are a few steps you can take to help:

1. Trim the hair around the hot spot to prevent further irritation and allow air to reach the area.

2. Clean the affected area with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to remove dirt and bacteria.

3. Apply Squishface Wrinkle Paste to the hot spot to soothe and protect the skin. If you’re using it for wrinkle care, it can also be applied to the folds around your dog’s face to keep them clean and dry.

4. Prevent further licking and scratching by using an Elizabethan collar or a calming balm if needed.

The Bottom Line:

Hot spots are a common and uncomfortable condition, but with proper dog care tips, regular grooming, and the right products like Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste, you can help your dog feel better fast. Daily grooming is essential in preventing hot spots, and keeping your dog’s skin clean and dry is key. By staying proactive and addressing potential skin issues early, you can ensure that your dog stays happy, healthy, and free from hot spots!

Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and visit our blog weekly for more tips on caring for your adorable doggo, and the latest on all things Squishface!