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Dogs · Skin & coat

Hot spots—what are they and how to treat them?

Hot spots are rapidly developing, moist skin lesions associated with intense licking or scratching.

Hot spots are rapidly developing, moist skin lesions associated with intense licking or scratching. Assessment addresses both the wound and the cause of itching.

Editorial overview based on the linked VCA resource; this is not the complete original handout. Prepared 2026-10-03; not veterinarian-reviewed. Diagnosis and treatment, including medication choice and dose, require veterinary guidance.

References

For learning and care planning. Articles cannot diagnose your pet or replace veterinary advice.

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