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How to tell if my dog's scratching is from fleas or a hot spot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How do you know the difference between fleas and dog having hot spots?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

Hot spots are superficial bacterial infections of the skin that often happen secondary to trauma such as a dog scratching itself - so it is possible that a flea infestation could *lead* to hot spots. With flea infestations, dogs often focus their scratching/chewing at the base of the tail, but tend to scratch everywhere. Fleas themselves may be found if you look closely, particularly on the belly and thighs where the hair is thinner and they may be easier to see. An experienced observer looks for evidence of "flea dirt", which is the digested blood fleas pass in their feces. It looks like tiny black dots (almost like black dandruff) but if you smear it on a damp paper towel it becomes rusty red. Hot spots, again, may occur secondary to the scratching with fleas, but also very commonly happen secondary to allergies. If the problem is a hot spot alone, the dog will focus their scratching/chewing at the hot spot. Hot spots tend to cause focal areas of hair loss and the skin will be moist, a bit stinky, and very irritated/tender. When in doubt, it is *always* a good idea to make sure your dog has a high quality flea/tick preventative (Nexgard, Bravecto, Advantix, Revolution are my personal top choices). Hope this helps!

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The presence of adult fleas on the pet or the presence of flea dirt which looks like ground black pepper are sure signs that fleas are present. Usually a lot of scratching and biting/chewing goes along with fleas but can also be present with hot spots. Hot spots are just areas of intense itching which can become very raw and infected from licking/scratching by the pet. Of course some hot spots can be caused by fleas especially if the dog is allergic to the saliva of the flea bite. Best advice is to see your vet and let them examine your dog. They can then advise you as what course of action is the best for your situation and what flea/tick products are available. Good luck and I hope this helps.

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