During the summer, many dog owners face the reality that their pets develop blood blisters and inflammation on their skin after insect bites. This is especially common in hot, humid weather. How can you identify the problem and prevent the development of dermatitis?

Traumatic dermatitis in dogs (also known as “hot spots” or acute moist dermatitis) is a common yet troublesome skin condition. It essentially involves self-inflicted skin damage, typically triggered by initial itching or pain, which rapidly worsens through persistent licking, biting, scratching, and rubbing, creating a vicious cycle.

1. Primary Causes of Disease and Self-Inflicted Trauma

The formation of traumatic dermatitis occurs in two stages:

1. Primary Trigger (Initiating Factor)

This is the initial cause of the dog's discomfort, including:

l Allergies:

Flea Allergy Dermatitis: The most common trigger, even from just one or two bites.

Food Allergies: Sensitivity to certain proteins (e.g., beef, chicken) or grains.

Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis): Reactions to pollen, dust mites, mold, etc.

Parasitic Infections: Mites (e.g., sarcoptic mange mites, demodex mites), lice, etc.

Skin Infections: Bacterial infections; fungal infections (e.g., dermatophytes).

l Pain or discomfort:

Arthritis pain may cause dogs to repeatedly lick the affected joint.

Anal gland issues, urinary tract infections, ear infections, etc.

Foreign object irritation: Grass seeds or debris lodged in fur.

l Environmental factors： 

Skin moisture (after bathing without drying, swimming, rainy season), overheating.

Behavioral or psychological issues: Anxiety, stress, boredom leading to compulsive licking (commonly on paws, belly).

2.Self-Inflicted Trauma (Vicious Cycle)
When a dog feels itchy or painful, it will start licking, biting, or scratching that area. This behavior:

Damage the skin barrier.

Keep the area moist (saliva).

The introduction of bacteria causes secondary infections.

resulting in more severe inflammation and more intense itching/pain.

This triggers more frequent licking and biting, creating a rapidly worsening cycle that can develop into a red, swollen, moist, hairless, and sometimes pus-filled lesion within hours.

2.Treatment and Home Care

Treatment principles are: seek immediate veterinary care, control infection, and address the underlying cause. If exudative dermatitis has developed and the course is acute, treatment should include antimicrobial therapy, resolution of inflammation, and relief of pain and itching. Do not administer medications without a veterinarian's prescription prior to your clinic visit—especially those containing steroids—as they may be toxic to dogs or mask symptoms.

Home Care and Management (Critically Important).

Apply an Elizabethan collar to your dog promptly: This is the most critical step in treatment! If necessary, keep it on 24 hours a day until the affected area fully heals to prevent your dog from continuing to lick or bite, breaking the vicious cycle.

Keep the area dry and clean: Clean the affected area as directed by your veterinarian.

Control the underlying cause: Strictly implement flea prevention.

If food allergies are suspected, conduct a food elimination trial.

Manage environmental allergens (e.g., vacuum frequently, use air purifiers, bathe regularly).

Relaxation and Distraction: For anxiety- or boredom-induced licking, increase exercise, provide puzzle toys, and engage in positive reinforcement training.

Regularly brush your dog's coat to keep the skin dry, especially for long-haired and thick-coated breeds.

3.Preventive Measures

To prevent dogs from developing pyoderma, it is essential to monitor indoor air temperature and humidity. This is particularly crucial during flare-ups. The temperature should not exceed 22-23°C, and humidity should remain below 50-60%, as warm, humid air is one of the primary triggers for recurrence.

During hot weather, promptly treat your pet for ticks and fleas and use insect repellent. If your dog frequently swims in rivers or reservoirs, bathe it regularly with medicated shampoo.

Monitor your dog's behavior and mental well-being: Provide ample exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation (such as scent-based games and puzzle toys) to prevent boredom. Identify and address sources of stress, such as separation anxiety. Seek assistance from a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist if needed.

4. Key Points Summary:

• Traumatic dermatitis is a “symptom” rather than an “underlying disease”; treatment must identify and address the primary cause.

• Immediately stopping self-trauma (using an Elizabethan collar) is the first step toward healing.

• Do not delay—the condition deteriorates rapidly and causes severe distress to the dog.

• Consult a veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis and prescription medication, avoiding mismanagement that could worsen the problem.

If your dog exhibits symptoms suggestive of self-inflicted dermatitis, the best course of action is to seek veterinary care promptly and initiate systematic treatment.