Star's had hot spots for years. The can be caused by bug bites and allergies, they aren't really sure what sets them off. But once it starts, get it looked at immediately, they can get really ugly in just a day. The vet said we can catch her licking & stop the irritation before she licks it raw by giving her benedryl. Seems to be working. She gets major hot spots every year, so we're hopeing this helps. I've tried alot of things over the years.