Hot Spots in Puppies vs. Senior Dogs

Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are painful, inflamed patches of skin caused by excessive licking, chewing, or scratching. These skin lesions can become infected quickly and spread if not treated promptly. While hot spots can occur in dogs of all ages, puppies and senior dogs face unique risks and challenges due to their age-related immune and skin conditions.

hot spots on dogs

Hot spots on dogs can begin as a single, localized lesion but may spread or multiply if not treated promptly.

[ Stage 1 ] → [ Stage 2 ] → [ Stage 3 ]

Localized Enlarged Multiple

Lesion Lesion Lesions

Small, red inflamed Moist, weeping Widespread, infected

Stage 1: Initial hot spot appears as a small red patch.

Stage 2: Area expands due to licking and scratching.

Stage 3: New hot spots may form; the condition becomes more serious.

Hot Spots in Puppies vs. Senior Dogs

Many dog owners may think that older dogs are more susceptible to infection, but this is not necessarily the case. The likelihood of a dog developing a hotspot infection is not necessarily determined by age. According to the data, puppies are more likely to be infected than senior dogs, although senior dogs with compromised immune systems are also at risk. This is because older dogs are usually calm and live in a stable environment and on a stable diet. Puppies with developing immune systems, on the other hand, are relatively active due to their age, like exploring their environment, and are exposed to different diets for odour enrichment. Consequently, young dogs are exposed to more irritants than older dogs. The below provides a more detailed explanation of the different triggers for hot spots in young and old dogs.

what cause hot spots on dogs

Puppies can develop hot spots. Factors that make puppies more prone include:

Allergies: Young dogs may begin showing signs of food or environmental allergies.
Teething-related discomfort: Puppies often chew or lick excessively to soothe their gums or skin irritation.
Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can easily irritate a puppy’s skin.
Grooming issues: Moisture trapped in dense fur or a dirty coat can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Aging dogs have a weaker immune system, thinner skin, and may suffer from other underlying health issues that contribute to skin breakdown and inflammation.

Age-Related Factors in Older Dogs:

Weakened immune response: Older dogs are less equipped to fight off infections that can develop from minor irritations.
Mobility issues: Difficulty grooming can lead to skin matting or moisture buildup.
Chronic health conditions: Arthritis, incontinence, or diabetes can create situations that increase the risk of skin irritation.
Skin thinning: With age, a dog’s skin becomes less elastic and more prone to tears and infections.

Hot spots in senior dogs may also take longer to heal due to slower cell regeneration and existing medication side effects.

Here are common signs of hot spots present on puppies and senior dogs:

Common Signs of Hot Spots in Puppies

Red, raw, or moist patches on the skin
Oozing or crusty lesions
Frequent licking, biting, or chewing at a specific spot
Foul odor from the infected area
Whimpering or sensitivity when the area is touched
Rapid worsening due to constant movement and play

Note: Puppies may unintentionally aggravate the spot more due to restlessness, teething, or curiosity.

Common Signs of Hot Spots in Senior Dogs

Inflamed or hairless patches (often slower to heal)
Lethargy or reduced interest in grooming or activity
Wet, weeping skin with a sticky or scabbed texture
Strong, unpleasant odor from the sore
Rubbing against furniture or excessive scratching
Signs of pain or reluctance to be touched in affected areas

Note: Older dogs may develop hot spots silently due to limited mobility or dulled pain response, making regular skin checks essential.

How to Treat Hot Spots on Puppies and Senior Dogs

While the underlying causes of hot spots may vary between puppies and senior dogs, the core treatment approach is quite similar. Treating hot spots in both puppies and senior dogs follows a similar step-by-step approach. However, age-specific considerations—like immune system strength, medication tolerance, and skin sensitivity—can affect how the treatment is applied.

General Treatment Steps (for All Ages)

Clean the Area Gently
Trim the surrounding hair to expose the wound and allow airflow. Clean with a vet-approved antiseptic (like chlorhexidine) to reduce bacteria.
Apply Topical Medication
Use vet-recommended sprays, creams, or gels containing antibiotics, antifungals, or corticosteroids to reduce infection and inflammation.

Puainta® Quantum Silver Anti-itch & Antifungal Skin Spray (Safe for all ages ) can help soothe, dry out, and heal damp “Hot Spots”. It deodorizes and helps relieve fungal and bacterial skin infections, relieves itchy skin, and helps control the spread of lesions. This spray provides immediate relief from itching for your dog's hot spots without stinging.
Prevent Further Irritation
Use an e-collar (cone) to stop licking or chewing. Keep the dog cool and dry, as moisture worsens hot spots.
Monitor Healing
Watch for signs of improvement within 48–72 hours. If the area worsens, consult your veterinarian.

Special Considerations for Puppies

Use puppy-safe products only (avoid strong corticosteroids or harsh antiseptics).
Avoid oral antibiotics unless prescribed, as their systems are still developing.
Provide distractions or training to stop overgrooming behavior.
Check for allergies as many hot spots in puppies are triggered by food or the environment.

Special Considerations for Senior Dogs

Be cautious with medications due to possible interactions with drugs for arthritis, heart, or kidney conditions.
Evaluate for underlying conditions (e.g., arthritis, incontinence, chronic infections) that may cause or worsen hot spots.
Ensure comfort and cleanliness — use orthopedic bedding and clean the environment often to avoid pressure sores or moisture buildup.
Pain relief may be necessary — consult your vet for age-safe anti-inflammatories.

Vet Treatment May Include:

Oral antibiotics (if infection is severe)
Prescription-strength topical treatments
Anti-itch medications
Allergy testing or flea/tick control plans

Age-Specific Treatment Challenges

In Puppies:

Many medications are not recommended for dogs under 12 weeks.
Over-the-counter products can irritate sensitive skin.
Puppies tend to lick wounds more persistently.
Need constant supervision to avoid overgrooming.

In Senior Dogs:

Healing may take longer, requiring more intensive wound management.
Existing medications may interfere with topical or oral hot spot treatments.
Pain relief must be carefully managed to avoid liver/kidney stress.
More likely to experience secondary infections due to immune suppression.

Hot Spot Prevention by Age Group

For Puppies:

Regular grooming with gentle products
Ensure clean, dry fur after baths or rain
Monitor for allergies or signs of irritation early
Train your puppy not to overgroom or scratch excessively

For Senior Dogs:

Support mobility to encourage self-grooming
Provide a balanced diet with skin-supporting nutrients (like omega-3s)
Use orthopedic bedding to prevent pressure sores
Schedule routine vet visits to manage chronic illnesses

When to See a Vet

Regardless of age, a hot spot that grows rapidly, emits pus or odor, or doesn’t improve within 48 hours requires veterinary attention. Puppies and seniors are especially vulnerable to infections, and delayed care can lead to complications.

Conclusion

Hot spots can affect dogs at any age, but puppies and senior dogs face specific challenges in both risk and recovery. Puppies struggle due to their developing immune systems, while senior dogs deal with aging skin and underlying conditions. Understanding these differences allows you to provide age-appropriate care, ensure quicker recovery, and prevent recurrence.

By：Emily Carter,DVM