Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Fleas & Hot Spots on Dogs: Vet-Verified Causes, Signs & Treatment

Hot spot on dog's neck during summer heat.

Hot spots are painful and irritating lesions that can form on your dog’s skin. Hot spots can be caused by a variety of issues, and fleas are sometimes the culprit. Fleas and other insect bites can cause skin irritation, self-trauma, and the development of hot spots.

Although they’re small, fleas are significant nuisances that can quickly wreak havoc on your entire home. If you notice any hot spots on your dog, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for treatment right away, as they can progress quickly.  Here’s how you can help your dog if you suspect fleas have caused hot spots on your dog.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

How Do Fleas Cause Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are skin lesions that can appear on any part of your dog’s body. They are red, inflamed and oozy. They’re itchy and painful and may have an unpleasant odor and contain pus.

Fleas are parasites that survive by feeding on their host’s blood. Flea bites often feel itchy to dogs, and dogs usually scratch, bite, or lick flea bite sites to alleviate the irritation. Many dogs are also allergic to flea bites, and they will have a more severe reaction even to only a few flea bites. The self trauma from the scratching, licking and chewing of the skin can lead to hot spots developing.

If your dog has started scratching or licking themselves more than usual, we suggest booking a consult with a vet for advice on next steps.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

How to Treat Fleas and Hot Spots on Dogs

owner applying flea and tick medicine to a dog
Image Credit: Nick Alias, Shutterstock

The best way to keep fleas at bay is to be on top of preventative treatment. Many different kinds of preventative flea products exist, and it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best kind for your dog. Your veterinarian can help you find the right brand and determine if your dog should use topical treatments, oral medication, or medicated collars.

If your dog does end up with a flea infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Fleas can transfer to other pets and people and infest a home in just a matter of days. Consult your veterinarian for the best form of treatment for your dog. Your veterinarian may recommend flea pills or spot-on products to help kill the fleas on your dog. You’ll also have to clean and vacuum the house and apply a household flea spray. The bedding needs to be washed on a hot wash. Getting rid of fleas is a rigorous process, and it can take around 3 months to eradicate a house of fleas completely.

Your veterinarian can also help you treat your dog’s hot spots. Hot spots are usually cleaned with antiseptic, and your dog may also have to wear a cone until the hot spot heals to prevent further self-trauma. Depending on the severity of the hot spot, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and anti-itch medication. You’ll have to continue to monitor the hot spot and contact your veterinarian if it’s not healing or if it’s getting worse.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Other Signs of Fleas on Dogs

You may be able to notice other signs of a flea infestation before a hot spot appears on your dog’s skin. A common sign of fleas is increased scratching, licking, and biting the skin. You may notice small brown particles on your dog’s coat that look like fine coffee grounds. These particles are also known as flea dirt or flea droppings.

Fleas can also cause skin inflammation and hair loss. In some cases, fleas may cause tapeworm infestations. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and your dog can swallow these eggs while licking or biting their skin.

Other Causes for Hot Spots

Fleas and insect bites aren’t the only cause of hot spots. Anything that causes irritation to the skin and self trauma can cause hot spots to form. Common causes include skin allergies, ear disease, and skin injuries and grazes. Occasionally behavioral issues can cause excessive licking which can lead to hot spots developing.

Poor grooming can also contribute to hot spots forming. Matted fur collects moisture and doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, and hot spots can erupt from the skin underneath these areas. Excessive moisture in a dog’s coat after swimming, bathing, or sometimes even drooling can lead to hot spots in the same way.

Dogs with impacted anal glands often resort to scooting and licking to alleviate the irritation. This can often cause hot spots around the tail.

Puppy Jack russell with scratching himself and bite fleas
Image Credit: Yuliya Evstratenko, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

Dogs can get hot spots from fleas due to the irritation and resulting self-trauma to the skin that they cause. However, hot spots can be caused by many other kinds of health issues. So, if you notice hot spots on your dog, it’s best to get them checked out by your veterinarian since the sore patch can progress surprisingly quickly. Your veterinarian can diagnose if the hot spot is caused by fleas or another health issue. Getting the proper diagnosis will help you provide appropriate treatment for your dog’s hot spots and ensure their skin heals as quickly as possible.


Featured Image Credit: Tienuskin, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

7 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Did you know that food allergies may cause itchy ears? Dogs who develop chronic ear infections may be experiencing an allergic reaction to...

10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in San Jose, CA You Can Visit in 2025

San Jose is located on the south side of the California Bay Area and is part of Silicon Valley, the country’s technology hub....

11 Best Wet Dog Food for Huskies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Every Siberian Husky owner knows that these dogs have tons of energy. Huskies require a quality, high protein diet low in carbs to...

9 Best Dog Foods at Tractor Supply in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Tractor Supply is a fantastic resource for pet care supplies, including food. They offer a wide variety of dog foods, making it difficult...

More related

15 Tips for Staying in a Hotel With a Dog: Get Ready Before You Go

Bringing your dog along on vacation can be such an exciting time! Your dog will be almost as excited as you and your...

9 Mini Goldendoodle Pros & Cons: Considerations Before Bringing One Home

The more you research, the more you understand why Doodle mixes are becoming increasingly popular. Bringing home a dog is a serious decision...

Can Dogs Get Covid? Vet-Verified Health Info & Risk Management

The COVID-19 pandemic may have been declared “over”, and everyone may have returned to normal lives, but that doesn’t mean COVID-19 no longer...

Why Does My Dog Poop in Their Sleep? Vet Explained Signs, Causes & Treatment

You’ve had your dog for years and can count on one hand the number of times your pup has had an accident in...

Keep reading

Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food? Vet-Verified Pros & Cons

Do you ever mix wet and dry dog food together? Many people do, but is it a good idea? Some pet owners believe that mixing the two will provide their canine companions with a more well-rounded diet. However, others think...

Wet and dry pet food made of natural ingredients

Can Dogs Eat Bay Leaves? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Dogs often have a way of charming their way to eating their humans’ table food. While many of us find them irresistible and often give in, feeding them scraps of our own food, it’s important to know if the food...

Can Dogs Eat_bay leaves

9 Best Dog Foods for Pyoderma in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Pyoderma is a serious skin condition in dogs. Often, it involves small pustules developing on the surface of the dog’s skin. However, there are many different symptoms, including hair loss, itching, and dry skin. Different breeds are more prone to...

shiba inu dog scratching its ear

Can You Bring Dog Food on a Plane? 2025 Update & FAQ

Traveling with pets is a stressful experience, and knowing what you can and can’t bring with you is critical to ensuring that your dog receives the best possible care it can get while traveling. You can bring solid pet food...

Bowl of dog food inside the plane

What Is Chicken Meal in Dog Food and How Safe Is It? Facts & FAQ

As a dog owner, you want to provide your pet with the best nutrition possible to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life. There are plenty of commercial dog food options available on the market, many of which have unique...

shar pei dog eating

10 Best Affordable Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

How can you not fall instantly in love with adorable, roly-poly puppies? But puppies and of course, dogs, end up being expensive to take care of, so it’s always helpful to find ways to save money. Considering that one of...

jack russell terrier dog eating from bowl

Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience. Plenty of responsibilities are involved, like ensuring your new pup gets the proper nutrition for a long, happy, and healthy life. But what exactly should you be feeding your puppy? Is...

Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food

8 Best Dog Foods for EPI German Shepherds in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disease that severely impacts the pancreas’ ability to produce digestive enzymes. EPI can be a problematic condition for your canine to deal with, and it can be difficult for you as the dog owner...

german shepherd resting on the grass