Hotspots are a common and rapidly developing skin condition seen primarily in dogs and less frequently in cats. These lesions appear as intensely red, inflamed, and painful areas of skin that are typically moist and may ooze fluid. They are characterized by their speed of onset, sometimes growing significantly in size within a matter of hours due to a cycle of irritation and self-inflicted trauma. This localized surface skin infection causes significant discomfort for the affected animal.
Transmission Risk to Other Animals and People
The hotspot lesion itself is a secondary bacterial infection and is generally not contagious to other animals or people. The bacteria involved are typically normal skin flora that overgrow when the skin barrier is compromised by trauma. Since the infection is confined to the superficial layers of the skin, it cannot be transmitted through casual contact.
However, the primary trigger that initiated the irritation might be contagious. If the underlying cause is a transmissible agent, such as Sarcoptes mites (scabies) or a systemic fungal infection like ringworm, that original trigger can be transferred to other pets or humans. The contagious element is the parasite or fungus, not the resulting inflamed skin wound. A veterinarian can determine the true underlying cause by performing a skin cytology or culture.
Primary Factors That Cause Hotspots
Hotspots result from an animal persistently licking, chewing, or scratching a specific area, which breaks the skin barrier. This self-trauma introduces bacteria and moisture, leading to the rapid development of dermatitis. The initial irritation that sparks this behavior can be traced back to several internal or environmental factors.
Allergies and Parasites
Allergies are a major category of triggers, including flea allergy dermatitis, food sensitivities, and atopic dermatitis from environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites. These allergies cause generalized itchiness, prompting the animal to seek relief by scratching or biting a particular spot. External parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or mites, also cause intense localized irritation, which is a common starting point for a hotspot.
Moisture, Pain, and Behavior
Other significant factors relate to moisture and grooming habits. Matted or thick fur can trap water against the skin after swimming or bathing, creating a warm, moist environment ideal for bacterial growth. Underlying pain, such as from arthritis or an infected anal gland, can also cause an animal to obsessively lick the painful area, leading to self-trauma. Behavioral issues like boredom or anxiety can similarly manifest as excessive licking.
Immediate Treatment and Long-Term Prevention
Immediate treatment focuses on stopping self-trauma and treating the secondary bacterial infection. The first step involves clipping the hair away from the lesion, extending beyond the visible redness, to allow the area to dry and facilitate cleaning. The lesion should then be gently cleaned with an antiseptic solution, such as one containing chlorhexidine, to remove discharge and surface bacteria.
Controlling the itch and preventing the animal from continuing the lick-itch cycle is paramount for healing, which requires the consistent use of an Elizabethan collar or recovery cone. A veterinarian typically prescribes topical or oral treatments, including antibiotics to resolve the infection and anti-itch medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Long-term prevention requires identifying and managing the root cause of the initial irritation. This often involves:
- Implementing a strict, year-round parasite control protocol to eliminate fleas and mites.
- Managing allergies using specialized diets for food sensitivities or prescription medications.
- Ensuring regular grooming for long-haired or thick-coated breeds to prevent matting.
- Thoroughly drying the coat after any water exposure.