How to Treat Your Dog’s Hot Spot Naturally: New Recipe

Is your dog struggling with a red, oozy area of skin? This could be a skin infection, commonly known as a hot spot. In this article, I’m excited to share a new, effective hot spot remedy you can make at home. Welcome back to my channel, and if you’re new here, be sure to subscribe for more natural pet health tips. Click the link to get a free copy of my book on pet health. Let’s dive in!

What is a Hot Spot?

Skin infections, especially hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis), are one of the most common reasons pet parents take their dogs to the veterinarian. You might notice a lesion on the side of your dog’s face or neck, where bacteria have settled into the hair follicles. This area becomes red, oozy, and inflamed. Many dogs will scratch it, making it worse, and it can develop into a pus-filled mess.

Hot spots are often triggered by allergies—whether environmental, food-related, or even due to flea bites. The irritation leads to scratching, which opens up the skin and allows bacteria to cause an infection.

Step 1: Topical Treatment with Black Tea, Aspirin, and Turmeric

Let’s start with an easy home remedy, shared by one of my followers. This remedy has three key ingredients that you likely already have at home:

Black Tea

I’m using Earl Grey here, but any black tea will do. Simply steep ½ cup of hot water with a tea bag and let it cool for 20 minutes. Black tea is an excellent topical antibacterial, and it’s also anti-inflammatory. Plus, it acts as an astringent, drying out the oozing from the hot spot.

Aspirin

Take one 325 mg regular-strength aspirin, crush it, and mix it into the cooled tea. Aspirin is a potent anti-inflammatory and will reduce the redness and irritation on your dog’s skin. When used topically in this way, it’s both safe and effective.

Turmeric

Next, add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to the tea and aspirin mix. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It not only helps soothe inflammation but also fights off bacteria that may be causing the infection.

Application

Once your mixture is ready, soak a clean cloth or gauze in it and gently wipe the affected area on your dog’s skin. Do this four times a day for 5 to 7 days. You can also drizzle a bit of the mixture directly onto the hot spot for more coverage.

Step 2: Bee Propolis for Bacterial Infections

For more serious or persistent hot spots, consider using bee propolis, a natural antibacterial product. Hot spots often involve surface bacteria, and while veterinarians usually prescribe antibiotics, propolis is a fantastic natural alternative. It’s safe for dogs and very effective.

Dosage

For a standard dog dose, give 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily. For example, my little dog Tula weighs 25 pounds, so I would give her half a capsule once a day. If your dog weighs 50 pounds, one capsule a day should suffice. Continue this treatment for 5 to 10 days.

Step 3: Licorice Root Extract for Itching Relief

Hot spots can be incredibly itchy for your dog. Instead of using corticosteroids, which have side effects, consider licorice root extract—a natural alternative. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve itching.

Dosage

For dogs, give ½ ml of licorice root tincture per 20 pounds of body weight twice daily. For Tula, I’d give her ½ ml twice a day. If your dog is especially itchy, you might only need to use this for 1 to 3 days to stop the scratching and allow the other treatments to take effect.

Dr. Jones’ Licorice Root Extract – Natural Skin and Allergy Support

Dr. Jones Herbals: Natural Licorice Root Extract

Putting It All Together

Here’s a quick recap of my natural hot spot remedy:

1. Topical Treatment: Use the black tea, aspirin, and turmeric mixture to wipe the hot spot 4 times a day.
2. Natural Antibiotic: Bee propolis to fight off bacteria.
3. Itching Relief: Licorice root extract to stop the itching.

By following these steps, you’ll likely see great results in just a few days—without needing to visit your vet. If you try this recipe and it works for your dog, I’d love to hear your feedback!

Thanks for watching and reading. Be sure to subscribe for more natural pet health tips and click the link below to get a free copy of my book!