The most common underlying cause is an allergic dermatitis. Treatment of the allergy will often reduce the frequency of the hot spots. Hot spots are a bacterial infection of inflamed skin. The dog licks and chews at the area and makes it moist allowing the bacteria to grow. Reducing the cause of the inflammation should reduce the frequency of the problem.

At the shelter we test these dogs for allergies and treat with a desensitization serum to treat the allergy. In addition we may also need to use antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications on a constant low dose program to prevent inflammatory flare ups. You may need to seek to assistance of a Veterinary Dermatologist to make some progress.