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Hot spots and yeast infections are two of the most common skin problems UK dog owners face, and both conditions respond well to proper grooming habits. The good news? Many flare-ups can be prevented with simple changes to how you care for your dog's coat and skin.
Both conditions share a common enemy: trapped moisture. Whether your dog has been rolling in puddles on the Kent Downs or caught in a downpour on a beach walk, moisture left in the coat creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.[1] This guide covers the practical grooming steps that help keep your dog's skin healthy—and what mistakes to avoid.
If you're dealing with recurring skin problems, always work with your vet to identify underlying causes. Allergies, parasites, and hormonal conditions often sit behind repeated flare-ups, and grooming alone won't fix those issues.[2]
Disclaimer
This article provides general information for dog owners and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog has a hot spot, yeast infection, or other skin condition, please contact your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Key Takeaways: Dog Yeast Infections & Hot Spots
Hot spots (the medical term is acute moist dermatitis) are patches of inflamed, infected skin that appear quickly and spread fast. According to the PDSA, they typically look red, wet, smelly, and sore, sometimes with a scab on top.[3]
The trouble usually starts with something minor—an insect bite, a small graze, or an itchy patch from an allergy. Your dog starts licking or scratching, and this self-trauma opens the door to bacterial infection. Within hours, a tiny irritation can become a painful, weeping sore.
Some breeds are more prone to hot spots. The American Kennel Club notes that Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, St. Bernards, and Rottweilers face higher risk due to their thicker coats.[1] Hot spots also crop up more often in warm, humid weather—so summer months in the UK need extra vigilance.
Yeast dermatitis happens when a naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia pachydermatis multiplies beyond normal levels. This yeast lives on every dog's skin in small numbers—it only becomes a problem when something disrupts the skin's balance and allows numbers to spiral.[4]
Yeast infections look and smell different from hot spots. According to veterinary specialists at Willows Veterinary Centre, common signs include:[5]
Certain breeds face higher risk. The North Downs Specialist Referral hospital notes that Basset Hounds, American Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Boxers, and Shih Tzus seem particularly susceptible to yeast overgrowth.[4]
Good grooming habits won't cure an active infection, but they can reduce the chances of one developing in the first place. Here's what actually helps.
This is the single most important thing you can do. Moisture trapped in the coat is a known trigger for both hot spots and yeast overgrowth.[1] After swimming, bathing, or getting caught in the rain, dry your dog as quickly and completely as possible.
Use absorbent towels to remove as much water as you can, then follow up with a pet dryer on a cool or warm setting. Avoid using high heat, which can irritate the skin and damage the coat's natural barrier function.
Pay special attention to:
For help with choosing a suitable dog dryer, we've covered the options in a separate guide.
Matted fur traps moisture, dirt, and debris against the skin—exactly the conditions bacteria and yeast thrive in. Regular brushing keeps the coat free of tangles and allows air to circulate to the skin.[6]
How often you need to brush depends on coat type:
For detailed guidance on brushing tools, see our guide to the best brushes for shedding dogs.
During hot, humid weather, keeping long or thick coats trimmed helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped close to the skin. This is particularly useful for breeds with heavy feathering or dense undercoats.
For dogs prone to yeast infections, ask your groomer about clipping the hair between the toes and under heavy ear flaps. This improves airflow to areas that commonly harbour yeast overgrowth.
A Professional Dog Groomer can advise on the best approach for your dog's coat type. Check our guide to groomers in Folkestone or groomers in Dover for local options.
Human shampoos—even mild ones—aren't formulated for canine skin. Dogs have a different skin pH than humans, and using the wrong products can strip natural oils and compromise the skin barrier.[7]
Stick to shampoos designed specifically for dogs. For dogs with sensitive skin or those prone to skin issues, hypoallergenic formulas are a safer choice. We've reviewed options in our guide to dog grooming shampoos.
Hot spots can appear and spread within hours, so catching problems early makes a real difference. Get into the habit of running your hands through your dog's coat during brushing sessions, checking for:
Pay extra attention to ears, paws, armpits, and any skin folds—these are hotspots for… well, hot spots and yeast.
Breeds with facial folds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Shar Peis) need regular cleaning between the folds to prevent yeast and bacterial buildup. The PDSA recommends keeping these areas clean and dry as part of routine care.[8]
Use a damp cloth to gently wipe between folds, then dry thoroughly. Your vet may recommend specific medicated wipes if your dog is prone to skin fold infections.
For dogs prone to hot spots or yeast infections, using the right medicated shampoo between vet visits can help maintain healthy skin. Chlorhexidine-based products are the gold standard for topical management of both bacterial and yeast overgrowth.
Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo contains 3% chlorhexidine and is clinically proven to reduce bacterial and yeast levels while supporting the skin barrier. It's widely available in the UK from vets and pet retailers. The formulation is gentle enough for regular maintenance bathing when needed.
Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo - Available on Amazon UK for easy ordering. A trusted choice for maintaining healthy skin between vet visits.
Clorexyderm 4% Shampoo offers a higher chlorhexidine concentration for more stubborn cases. It's available from UK veterinary pharmacies and online pet suppliers like VetUK. This stronger formula is particularly useful during active flare-ups.
Clorexyderm 4% Shampoo - Available on Amazon UK for convenient delivery. The stronger formula makes it ideal for managing more severe cases.
Note that some medicated shampoos (such as Malaseb) are prescription-only in the UK and require veterinary authorisation. Always follow your vet's guidance on which product is appropriate for your dog's specific condition.
For a detailed comparison of antifungal options, see our guide to the best dog shampoos for yeast infections.
Just as important as knowing what to do is understanding what not to do. These common mistakes can make skin problems worse.
A matted coat isn't just a cosmetic issue. Mats hold moisture, restrict airflow, and create the perfect environment for both bacterial and yeast infections to develop. Groomers regularly see hot spots hidden beneath severely matted fur.[6]
If your dog's coat is already matted, don't try to brush them out aggressively—this is painful and can damage the skin. Speak to a professional groomer about a reset clip if mats have become severe.
Hot water strips natural oils from the coat and can irritate already sensitive skin. Lukewarm water is gentler and just as effective for cleaning. Similarly, avoid using hair dryers on high heat—cool or warm settings are safer for your dog's skin.
If you notice your dog has a sore or inflamed patch, resist the urge to scrub it clean during bath time. Vigorous scrubbing traumatises already damaged skin and can spread infection. If your dog has an active hot spot or yeast infection, follow your vet's specific cleaning instructions.
Self-trauma is what turns a minor irritation into a full-blown hot spot. If you notice your dog obsessively licking or scratching one area, intervene quickly. A buster collar (cone), protective body suit, or even a t-shirt can prevent them from accessing the area until you can see a vet.[3]
Standard shampoos and grooming products aren't designed for treating infections and may make things worse. Active yeast infections typically need antifungal products containing ingredients like chlorhexidine or miconazole, used as directed by your vet.[5]
For dogs with recurring yeast issues, we've covered medicated options in our guide to antifungal shampoos for dogs.
This is crucial. Hot spots and yeast infections often occur secondary to underlying conditions like allergies, hormonal imbalances, or parasite infestations.[2] If your dog keeps getting skin problems despite good grooming habits, there's likely something else going on that needs veterinary attention.
Grooming can help prevent skin problems, but it can't replace veterinary care when things go wrong. Contact your vet if you notice:
Your vet can diagnose the specific problem (a simple skin scrape can identify yeast under the microscope) and recommend appropriate treatment. For hot spots, this often means clipping the fur around the lesion, cleaning with antiseptic, and prescribing antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. Yeast infections typically require antifungal shampoos or, in severe cases, oral medication.[5]
DO:
DON'T:
Hot spots should be seen by a vet, not treated at home. The PDSA advises contacting your vet if you think your dog has a hot spot, as these lesions worsen quickly and often need prescription medication to clear the bacterial infection.[3] While waiting for your appointment, prevent your dog from licking the area using a buster collar or protective suit.
Yeast infections produce a distinctive musty, cheesy, or sometimes corn-chip-like smell. This odour is quite different from the smell of a dirty coat and is often one of the first things owners notice. If your dog's skin or ears have developed an unusual, persistent smell, yeast overgrowth could be the cause.[4]
There's no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your dog's specific condition and your vet's recommendations. Dogs with yeast dermatitis often benefit from more frequent bathing with medicated shampoos, sometimes two to three times per week during flare-ups. However, over-bathing with regular shampoos can strip the skin's natural defences. Always follow your vet's guidance on bathing frequency and product choice.
Recurring hot spots usually point to an underlying issue that hasn't been addressed. Common culprits include allergies (environmental or food-related), flea infestations, ear infections, and anal gland problems.[1] Good grooming helps prevent moisture-related flare-ups, but if your dog keeps developing hot spots despite proper coat care, your vet needs to investigate what's triggering the initial itch.
Yes, breed plays a role in both conditions. Hot spots are more common in thick-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors.[1] Yeast dermatitis affects breeds like Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and Shih Tzus more frequently.[4] If you have one of these breeds, being vigilant about grooming and skin checks is especially important.
Dogs get yeast infections when the naturally occurring yeast Malassezia pachydermatis, which lives on every dog's skin in small numbers, multiplies beyond normal levels. This overgrowth happens when something disrupts the skin's natural balance. Common triggers include allergies (environmental or food-related), hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism, excessive moisture trapped in skin folds or ears, antibiotic use that disrupts normal skin flora, and underlying skin diseases that compromise the skin barrier.[4][9] The yeast thrives in warm, moist environments—which is why ears, paws, and skin folds are the most commonly affected areas.
While some home remedies are discussed online, active yeast infections require proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Diluted apple cider vinegar (mixed 1:1 with water) is sometimes suggested for mild cases, as its acidic properties may help create an environment less favourable for yeast growth.[10] However, you should never apply vinegar to broken, irritated, or infected skin as it can cause pain and further damage. Coconut oil is another popular remedy, but evidence for its effectiveness against canine yeast infections is limited. The safest approach is to see your vet for diagnosis—they can prescribe proven antifungal shampoos like Malaseb or chlorhexidine-based products that actually treat the infection rather than just masking symptoms.
Yes, yeast infections can affect multiple areas of your dog's body simultaneously. If your dog has a yeast infection in their ears, they may also develop overgrowth on their paws, in skin folds, or on other areas of their body—particularly if there's an underlying cause like allergies that affects the whole system.[5] The characteristic musty smell and greasy, thickened skin can appear anywhere yeast takes hold. If you notice your dog has recurring ear infections along with itchy paws or skin problems elsewhere, mention this pattern to your vet as it often indicates a systemic issue that needs addressing.
Hot spots and yeast infections are uncomfortable for dogs and frustrating for owners, but the right grooming habits can make a real difference. Keep your dog's coat dry, mat-free, and well-maintained. Check their skin regularly for early warning signs. And if problems develop, get veterinary help promptly rather than hoping things will clear up on their own.
For dogs with recurring issues, work with your vet to identify and address underlying triggers. Good grooming supports healthy skin, but it works best alongside proper veterinary care for any conditions driving the cycle of inflammation and infection.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information for dog owners and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog has a hot spot, yeast infection, or other skin condition, please contact your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
This guide is based on verified sources from UK veterinary organisations and pet health charities:
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