Swimming and Hot Spots: Why Water-Loving Dogs Are at Risk

Many dogs love splashing in lakes, pools, and even backyard sprinklers. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Newfoundlands are natural-born swimmers. While water play keeps dogs cool, happy, and fit, there’s a hidden downside: hot spots.

Why Swimming-Loving Dogs Are at Risk

For many dogs, swimming is more than just fun—it’s pure joy. Water-loving breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs dive into lakes, rivers, pools, and even the backyard sprinkler with boundless enthusiasm. Swimming keeps them cool, helps them burn energy, and offers excellent exercise.

But along with this joy comes a hidden risk: hot spots. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are painful, fast-developing skin infections that thrive when a dog’s coat stays wet for too long.

Dogs that spend hours in the water are at higher risk because damp fur provides the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the truth behind it—all are designed to keep your dog healthy while enjoying the water.

What Are Hot Spots in Dogs?

Hot spots are localized, inflamed, infected patches of skin that develop rapidly. A dog may go from healthy skin to a large, painful sore within hours.

Characteristics of Hot Spots:

• Red, raw, and inflamed skin

• Moist, oozing lesions (sometimes with pus or discharge)
  
  

• Foul odor due to bacterial growth

• Hair loss in and around the infected area

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing at the spot

• Warm to the touch

They typically appear on:

• The neck (especially under collars)

• The hips and thighs

• The chest or belly

• Around the ears

Left untreated, hot spots expand quickly and cause extreme discomfort.

Why Swimming Increases the Risk of Hot Spots

Swimming exposes dogs to unique skin challenges. Here’s why water-loving dogs are so vulnerable:

1. Prolonged Moisture in the Coat

Thick-coated breeds take hours to dry. Moisture trapped close to the skin softens and irritates the surface, breaking down its natural protective barrier.

2. A Warm, Humid Breeding Ground

When moisture is trapped against the skin, combined with body heat, it creates a humid environment where bacteria thrive.

3. Irritants in Pool, Salt, or Lake Water

• Chlorine dries out and irritates sensitive skin.

• Salt water can cause itchiness and abrasions.

• Natural water may contain parasites, algae, or harmful bacteria.

4. Post-Swim Licking

Dogs often lick themselves dry after swimming. This increases irritation and spreads bacteria, worsening the problem.

5. Matting and Poor Grooming

Matted fur holds water close to the skin. For long-haired breeds, this is one of the biggest hot spot triggers.

Seasonal Risk Factors: Swimming and Hot Spots

Swimming isn’t just a summer activity—many dogs swim year-round. But seasonal conditions affect the risk of hot spots.

Summer Swimming Risks

• Warm weather + humidity = prime conditions for bacterial growth.

• Dogs swim more often in summer, increasing exposure.

• Outdoor water (ponds, lakes) may harbor bacteria or algae.
  
  Related: Summer Hot Spots on Dogs

Fall and Winter Swimming Risks

• Dogs with double coats (e.g., Newfoundlands) stay damp longer in cold weather.

• Indoor heated environments may dry the skin after cold swims, causing itchiness.

• Reduced grooming in colder months can worsen matting.

Spring Swimming Risks

• Seasonal shedding can leave patchy coats, making skin more exposed to irritation.

• Pollen and allergies in spring may increase licking and scratching, which exacerbates hot spots.

Breeds Most at Risk (with Case Studies)

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are notorious for hot spots because of their thick, water-resistant coats. After swimming, water gets trapped under the dense fur, especially near the hips and neck.

Case Study: A 5-year-old Golden Retriever named Daisy developed recurring hot spots every summer. Her owner discovered that towel-drying wasn’t enough—using a blow dryer on a cool setting prevented further infections.

Labrador Retrievers

Labs love water and have dense coats that hold moisture. They’re also prone to skin allergies, which makes them double-risk candidates.

Newfoundlands

These gentle giants were bred for water rescues. Their heavy coats can stay damp for hours. Without thorough drying, hot spots can spread quickly.

Portuguese Water Dogs

Although their curly coat looks protective, it tangles easily. Without regular grooming, mats form, trapping water and creating hotspot risk.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are not considered “water dogs” but often develop hot spots due to dense undercoats and sensitive skin—especially in humid regions.

Symptoms of Hot Spots in Swimming Dogs

After water play, watch for:

• A red, raw patch of skin

• Hair loss in circular areas

• A foul smell

• Excessive scratching or licking

• Sudden behavioral changes (irritability, sensitivity)

Hot spots can grow alarmingly fast—a nickel-sized spot can become a palm-sized sore overnight.

Treatment Options for Hot Spots

Home Remedies (For Mild Cases)

• Clip hair around the lesion to allow airflow.

• Clean with diluted chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine.

• Dry thoroughly after cleaning.

• Apply a vet-approved soothing spray or cream (aloe vera-based, hydrocortisone sprays, etc.).
  
  Hot spots, itching, and allergies can turn your dog’s happy days into constant discomfort. Puainta® Quantum Silver Skin Spray is designed to help. This gentle yet effective spray supports skin renewal, calms irritation, and helps maintain a healthier skin environment. Whether your dog struggles with hot spots after swimming, seasonal allergies, or occasional flare-ups, this spray provides fast, comforting relief—making it a smart, pet-safe addition to every dog parent’s care routine.
  
  

Note: Never use human creams (like Neosporin) without vet approval—they can be toxic if licked.

Veterinary Treatment (For Moderate to Severe Cases)

• Prescription antibiotics (oral or topical).

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching.

• Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.

• Medicated shampoos for long-term management.

Home Remedies vs. Vet Care – Which Is Better?

• Mild, early-stage hot spots may be resolved at home with proper cleaning and monitoring.

• Severe or rapidly spreading hot spots always require veterinary intervention.

Think of it like this: If the hot spot worsens within 12–24 hours despite home care, call your vet.

Grooming Routine for Water-Loving Dogs

A consistent grooming routine is the best prevention.

Also Read: Grooming Mistakes Leading to Hot Spots on Dogs

Before Swimming:

• Brush the coat to remove tangles and mats.

• Apply a light leave-in conditioner to protect skin from chlorine/salt.

After Swimming:

1. Rinse with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or dirt.

2. Towel dry thoroughly.

3. Blow dry on a cool setting for thick coats.

4. Brush again to prevent tangles.

5. Check the skin for redness or irritation.

Weekly Maintenance:

• Bathe with a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo.

• Trim hair around ears, belly, and paws.

• Check ears—moisture can cause ear infections too.

Diet and Supplements for Healthy Skin

A strong immune system and healthy skin reduce hot spot risks.

Skin-Friendly Nutrients:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, salmon oil): Reduce inflammation.

• Vitamin E: Supports skin healing.

• Zinc & Biotin: Improve coat quality.

• Probiotics: Strengthen immunity against infections.

Foods That Promote Skin Health:

• Salmon

• Sardines

• Sweet potatoes (vitamin A)

• Blueberries (antioxidants)

Consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.

Step-by-Step Preventive Checklist

✅ Always rinse your dog after swimming (remove chlorine/salt).
✅ Dry thoroughly—use towels and cool blow drying.
✅ Brush regularly to prevent mats.
✅ Trim fur around problem areas.
✅ Monitor skin daily during swim season.
✅ Provide a diet rich in omega-3s.
✅ Avoid letting your dog swim in dirty or stagnant water.
✅ Use an Elizabethan collar if licking becomes excessive.
✅ Schedule regular vet checkups for skin health.

Quick Safety Tips: Where Dogs Shouldn’t Swim

Not all water is safe for dogs. Even strong swimmers can face risks if the water itself is harmful. Dog parents should avoid letting pets swim in:

• Blue-green algae (toxic algae blooms): Found in ponds and lakes during hot weather; can be deadly if ingested.

• Stagnant or dirty water: Often contains bacteria, parasites, or chemicals that irritate skin and cause infections.

• Water with strong currents: Rivers, fast-moving streams, or ocean riptides can exhaust or sweep dogs away.

• Chlorinated pools (without rinsing): Occasional swimming is fine, but always rinse and dry afterward to prevent skin irritation.

When in doubt, choose clean, fresh water sources and always supervise your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do all water-loving dogs get hot spots?

Not all, but breeds with thick coats or skin sensitivities are much more prone.

2. Can I prevent hot spots without grooming?

No. Grooming and drying are essential preventive steps. Without them, hot spots are almost guaranteed in water-loving breeds.

3. Can swimming dogs with allergies be more prone?

Yes. Allergies increase scratching and licking, which makes hot spots worse.

4. Can hot spots heal on their own?

Rarely. Most worsen quickly without intervention. Early treatment is always recommended.

5. Should I stop letting my dog swim?

Not at all. Swimming is healthy and fun—as long as you take preventive steps to dry, groom, and check for skin issues.

Conclusion

Swimming is one of the best activities for dogs—it keeps them fit, cool, and happy. But for water-loving breeds, the risk of hot spots is real and significant. These painful skin infections develop rapidly when moisture stays trapped in the coat.

The good news? With the right post-swim care, grooming, and preventive measures, your dog can enjoy the water safely. Drying thoroughly, brushing regularly, feeding a skin-supportive diet, and monitoring for early signs of irritation will go a long way.

Swimming and hot spots don’t have to go hand-in-hand. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your dog stays both happy in the water and healthy on land.