I keep seeing posts mentioning hot spots on the skin. What are they and what causes them?

Hi
Hot spots are those ugly, infected sores which you can sometimes see on your dog. Also called "acute moist dermatitis," hot spots are wounds dogs inflict upon themselves through excessive chewing, licking and/or scratching of one particular area (typically on the neck, face, chest, back, rump and flanks).
Hot spots can be started off by a number of conditions such as fleas, insect bites, ear infections, anal gland problems, allergies, skin damage, infection or irritants (lawn sprays, harsh shampoos, etc.) Some dogs only have problems during a specific time of the year (shedding season or hot weather) and there may be a definite relationship between hot spots and stress or boredom.
They are not very nice, and can cause dogs a lot of aggrevation. The best thing to do with them is to get the area clipped away completely (often you will be surprised at how much they have spread), and bath the area. Sometimes a buster collar would help to stop the dog from licking it...the more they lick it, the worse it will get. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed which take the infaction and redness down. But, they are best left uncovered as the air needs to get to them to help them get better, also, by wrapping them up, you are increasing the sweat, and the bacteria stays on the skin making it near impossible to get better.
No specific breed is more likely to get them than others. All breeds get them, and although not very nice, they are quite common.
Hope this helps
steph
x

Also known as Lick granuloma??

Hiya
Yes, it is a raised and usually ulcerated area on a dog's wrist or ankle area caused by the dog's own incessant licking. It is usually found on the legs though, as opposed to hot spots/pyodermas etc which can be located anywhere on the body.
Basically, the same as what we call hot spots. It is where the dog has had some sort of irritation, or cut, insect bite etc and has licked it and licked it causing it to become red and moist and pretty much raw. I think most dogs lick when they have some sort of injury or irritation though, which is why vets give buster collars to stop them from reaching the affeted area. (actually, some dogs have been known to have the odd chew, nibble or lick at their legs or paws if they are very bored or stressed...can be nothing to do with an injury) If only dogs could talk...eh! We could just tell them to stop :)

Thanks for that.