Camping with Dogs: Tips to Prevent Hot Spots Outdoors

There’s nothing like heading into the great outdoors with your dog by your side—sniffing the wild air, romping through the woods, and curling up by a campfire at night. But camping during the warmer months also comes with hidden dangers for your dog’s skin, especially hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis.

If you’ve ever come home from a weekend trip and noticed your dog obsessively licking or scratching a red, raw patch on their skin, chances are they’ve developed a hot spot. These painful lesions can appear almost overnight and worsen quickly, especially when left untreated.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to prevent hot spots while camping with your dog.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots are localized areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infection. They often start as a small bug bite, a scratch, or an irritation, but quickly spiral into red, oozing sores due to excessive licking, scratching, or moisture trapped under fur.

Common causes include:

• Insect bites (mosquitoes, fleas, ticks)

• Allergies (seasonal or food-related)

• Moisture from swimming or sweating

• Poor grooming or matted fur

• Minor wounds or abrasions

• Stress or anxiety

In summer, these causes are amplified, especially when dogs are hiking, swimming, or rolling in the dirt.

Why Summer Camping Trips Make Hot Spots More Likely

When you're out camping, you're changing your dog’s environment—and that means new risks. Here’s why camping in summer specifically increases the risk of hot spots:

1. Increased Exposure to Fleas, Ticks, and Biting Insects

• Campsites are full of insect activity.

• Bug bites can trigger allergic reactions or compulsive scratching.

• Flea infestations can cause major irritation and secondary infections.
  
  

2. Humidity and Moisture

• Dogs that swim in lakes or rivers may not dry completely.

• Damp fur traps bacteria and heat, creating the perfect breeding ground for hot spots.

3. Heat and Sweating (Through Paws and Panting)

• Overheating can increase irritation, especially in skin folds or under collars and harnesses.

4. Stress or Excitement

• Some dogs lick or chew excessively due to anxiety, overstimulation, or boredom at the campsite.

5. Lack of Regular Grooming While Outdoors

• Long or double-coated dogs may develop tangles, mats, or trapped debris that irritates the skin.

Real Story: How Caddy Got a Hot Spot on a Weekend Camping Trip

“We took Caddy, our Golden Retriever, on a weekend camping trip to the mountains. He swam, rolled in pine needles, chased bugs—he was living his best life. But by Sunday night, we noticed a wet, red patch on his thigh. By Monday morning, it had doubled in size and was oozing. Turns out, it was a hot spot triggered by an insect bite and worsened by moisture and licking. We had to visit the vet and treat him with antibiotics.”

Sound familiar? These stories are common during the summer months, and they’re a good reminder of how fast a fun trip can turn into a medical issue if you don’t take preventive steps.

How to Prevent Hot Spots While Camping With Your Dog

Here’s your go-to checklist to keep your dog hot spot–free during any outdoor adventure.

✅ 1. Use Flea and Tick Preventatives

• Apply monthly flea/tick treatments before the trip.

• Consider a flea/tick collar or natural insect repellent spray.
  
  Puainta® Pest Control Collar for Dogs/Cats effectively repels ticks and fleas with a pet-safe formula that reduces anxiety, promotes emotional balance, and alleviates stress-related behaviors.
  
  

• Check your dog daily for fleas, ticks, or bites.

✅ 2. Dry Your Dog Thoroughly After Swimming

• Use a towel or quick-dry dog robe.

• Pay extra attention to the armpits, groin, ears, and under the collar.

✅ 3. Brush and Groom Daily

• Pack a travel brush or comb to remove debris and mats.

• If your dog is long-haired, consider a pre-trip trim (especially around the hindquarters).

✅ 4. Keep Them Cool

• Use a cooling mat or vest.

• Offer shaded areas to rest.

• Avoid peak heat hours (10 am – 4 pm).

✅ 5. Watch for Excessive Licking or Chewing

• If you see this, inspect the area immediately.

• Look for redness, swelling, or oozing.

✅ 6. Carry a First Aid Kit With Skin Spray

If your dog starts developing a hot spot, early intervention is key.

One of the best products to pack on any camping trip is the Puainta Antifungal Skin Spray. It can help soothe, dry out, and heal damp “Hot Spots”. It deodorizes and helps relieve fungal and bacterial skin infections, relieves itchy skin in cats and dogs, and helps control the spread of lesions. 

Why We Recommend It:

• ✅ Fast-acting formula to relieve itching, redness, and inflammation.

• ✅ Antifungal and antibacterial properties fight infection at the source.

• ✅ Gentle and non-stinging, even on broken skin.

• ✅ No rinsing required—perfect for outdoor use.

We used this on Caddy (our hot-spot-prone retriever) after noticing early signs—reddening and licking—and it stopped the spread within hours. This spray is now a permanent addition to our dog’s travel bag.

What to Pack for Your Dog’s Skin Health While Camping

How to Spot a Hot Spot Early

Look for:

• Red, inflamed skin

• Oozing or wet appearance

• Foul odor

• Constant licking, chewing, or scratching
  
  

• Hair loss or matting around the area

If your dog is focusing obsessively on one spot, don’t ignore it. Treat early to prevent infection.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets a Hot Spot While Camping

Step-by-Step Care:

1. Clip fur around the affected area to allow airflow.

2. Clean gently with a damp cloth or antiseptic spray.

3. Apply Puainta Antifungal Skin Spray generously.

4. Discourage licking—use a soft cone or distraction.

5. Monitor closely. If the area worsens, consider ending your trip early and visiting a vet.

FAQ: 

Q1: Can I still take my dog camping if they’ve had hot spots before?

Yes, but be proactive! Keep their skin clean, dry, and well-protected. Pack medicated spray and monitor closely.

Q2: Are some dog breeds more prone to hot spots?

Absolutely. Golden Retrievers, Labs, German Shepherds, Bulldogs, and long-haired breeds are more vulnerable due to thicker coats and skin folds.

Q3: Is it safe to use antifungal spray on open wounds?

The Puainta Antifungal Skin Spray is designed for hot spots and irritated skin. It’s safe for minor raw or oozing areas, but avoid deep wounds.

Q4: Can stress cause hot spots while traveling or camping?

Yes. Stress-related licking or chewing can start a hot spot. Provide comfort, routine, and breaks from overstimulation.

Q5: How long does it take for a hot spot to heal?

With early treatment, hot spots can start improving in 24–48 hours. Severe cases may take 7–10 days and need vet attention.

Final Thoughts: 

Camping with your dog is one of the best ways to bond—but it comes with responsibilities. Hot spots are painful, fast-spreading, and common during summer adventures, but with the right tools, grooming routine, and a good skin spray in your first-aid kit, you can prevent them or stop them in their tracks.

Remember: a healthy dog is a happy camper.

Want to stock up on the essentials?
⇒Grab your Puainta Antifungal Skin Spray here before your next camping trip