How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs During Grooming Without Causing Discomfort

You’re brushing your dog like usual when you suddenly notice a red, irritated patch under their fur. It’s warm and moist, and your dog flinches when you touch it. This is what we pet grooming specialists call hot spots. It’s a common but uncomfortable skin issue in dogs that often shows up during grooming.

Hot spots can seem to appear out of nowhere. They’re painful, itchy, and can worsen quickly if not handled with care. And if you’re not careful during grooming, you might unintentionally make things worse.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to treat hot spots on dogs during grooming, so your pup feels better, not more stressed. Whether you groom at home or work with a professional, these tips will help you handle hot spots the right way.

What Causes Hot Spots to Flare Up

Hot spots are inflamed skin lesions that usually start from scratching, licking, or chewing. Common triggers include allergies, bug bites, poor coat ventilation, or underlying skin conditions. Once irritated, the area becomes moist and prone to bacterial infection.

Dogs with thick coats or underlying allergies are particularly susceptible. Without regular grooming, moisture can get trapped close to the skin, which leads to irritation and inflammation.

Regular brushing and bathing help prevent hot spots by keeping your dog’s skin clean and coat-free of tangles. Professional groomers, like those at Adogable Pet Services, are trained to recognize early signs of irritation so you can treat the issue before it worsens.

What to Do When You Spot a Hot Spot During Grooming

First, stop what you’re doing and assess the area. If the skin looks raw, wet, and inflamed, grooming around it needs to be paused or done with extreme caution.

Clean the affected spot with a gentle, vet-approved antiseptic solution. Avoid heavily perfumed products or anything with alcohol, which can sting and worsen the irritation. Pat the area dry and clip the fur around it (if safe to do so) to allow air circulation.

In many cases, it’s best to leave further cleaning or treatment to a vet, especially if the area is large or already infected. But if the spot is small and you’re confident, you can continue gently brushing or trimming around the area without pulling on the inflamed skin.

This is also where professional groomers shine. Many pet owners in Ruskin and Riverview prefer bringing dogs with hot spots to us at Adogable Pet Services because of our ability to navigate delicate grooming needs with a calm and experienced hand.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable During Grooming

Hot spots are painful, so it’s important to make your dog feel safe and relaxed. Use calm voice cues, avoid excessive handling of the inflamed area, and take frequent breaks.

Pain or discomfort can cause dogs to become fearful or aggressive during grooming, so patience is key. Using lukewarm water, gentle brushing, and minimal handling in sensitive areas will help reduce stress.

If your dog struggles with grooming due to skin issues, you might also consider mobile grooming. Many pet owners find that in-home services, like those offered by Adogable Pet Services, reduce anxiety and allow for more personalized care, especially when skin flare-ups are involved.

Preventing Hot Spots from Returning

After the hot spot heals, prevention becomes your top priority. That means sticking to a regular grooming schedule, brushing frequently, and checking for early signs of irritation after outdoor play or during seasonal changes.

Keep your dog clean and dry, especially after swimming or getting caught in the rain. Address any allergies or parasites promptly, and work with your groomer to develop a care plan that includes coat maintenance and proper hygiene.

Ending Note

Knowing how to treat hot spots on dogs during grooming can make a major difference in your pet’s comfort and overall health. With the right approach, you can help your dog heal faster, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and make grooming a more positive experience.

And when you’re not sure how to proceed, turning to skilled professionals like Adogable Pet Services can give you peace of mind that your dog is in good hands. Because a clean coat shouldn’t come at the cost of irritated skin, book an appointment with our specialized groomers today.