How to Cure Dog Hot Spots with Home Remedies: A 5-Step Guide
Acute moist dermatitis- it sounds BAD, but it is actually a very common skin condition affecting our dogs that can be easy to treat at home. (Unless of course you want to spend $500 at your vet :-))
The KEY to preventing these from happening in the 1st place is by managing the underlying causes of Skin Inflammation.
We have a few supplements which can be GREAT for preventing these!
Our awesome bioflavonoid supplement, Quercetin, is an natural anti-histamine along with having anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties (what you want for this condition)
Dr Jones’ ULTIMATE bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are painful and sudden localized skin infections that demand immediate attention. In this article, you will learn the essentials about what a dog hot spot is, including its causes, and how to effectively treat and prevent these infections at home.
Understanding Hot Spots
Hot spots are surface skin infections that can be extremely itchy, emit an unpleasant smell, and often appear wet or moist. These infections usually involve bacterial-infected hair follicles and commonly occur on the face and base of the ears of dogs. Although they can arise at any time, hot spots are more prevalent during the warm summer months. They typically begin with a scratch or wound that becomes infected.
Early Detection and Treatment
Catching hot spots early is crucial to prevent them from escalating into more severe problems. Initial signs include moist, red, itchy skin that oozes pus, eventually drying and forming a crust. Prompt detection makes treatment more manageable and increases the likelihood of success with home remedies.
Essential Fatty Acids are the most important underlying supplement that you can give DAILY to manage skin disease in our pets. decreasing the chance of your dog EVER getting one of these.
Our Krill oil supplement is high in the anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and being Krill based it is all natural and toxin free
Dr Jones’ ULTIMATE Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats
Step-by-Step Treatment Guide
Step 1: Hair Removal Start by removing the hair around the hot spot. Use blunt nosed scissors or clippers to trim as much hair as possible to prevent further irritation.
Step 2: Antiseptic Clean Clean the area thoroughly using a mild, non-perfumed antiseptic soap like chlorhexidine. Apply gently, lather, and rinse well. Alternatively, you can use an antibacterial soap followed by a clean damp cloth to cleanse the area.
Step 3: Treatment to Dry Out the Infection A homemade remedy of tea and aspirin can be effective. Brew a strong cup of black tea, dissolve a regular strength uncoated aspirin tablet, and apply this solution with a soaked cloth or gauze to the affected area for 5 minutes, four times daily.
Additional Treatments and Pain Relief
- Soothing Herbs: Apply Calendula or Aloe Vera to soothe the skin after the initial drying treatment.
- Propolis: Known as Bee Glue, propolis has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Apply topically four times daily for five days. Oral capsules can also be used to treat the infection.
- CBD for Pain: Administer Cannabidiol (CBD) at a dose of 3mg per 10 lbs twice daily to alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Natural Steroid Alternative: Licorice root extract, used as a ‘natural’ steroid, can be administered at 0.5ml per 20 lbs twice daily.
- Natural Antihistamine: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in apple peel, serves as a safe and effective antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, with a recommended dose of 50mg per 15 lbs twice daily for 7-10 days.
Prevention Strategies Preventing future occurrences of hot spots involves reducing your dog’s likelihood of allergic reactions which can trigger scratching and subsequent infections. This is effectively done with adequate doses of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or krill oil. Recommended dosage for our Krill oil is 500mg per 50 lbs twice daily.
Closing Thoughts By understanding the causes of hot spots and following these detailed steps, you can treat and prevent these painful skin infections effectively at home. Remember, early detection plays a significant role in the successful treatment of hot spots.
P.S. I have treated hundreds of hot spots in my veterinary practice and have found the tea and aspirin remedy to be highly effective!
P.P.S. For additional support in treating and preventing your dog’s skin disease, consider our bioflavonoid supplement, Quercetin, and our Krill oil supplement, both available on our website. These products offer natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, ideal for managing and preventing hot spots.
How to treat and stop lick granulomas.
This is a specific skin disorder in which a dog constantly licks one area of their body (typically the front wrist), producing a red, raised, thickened, infected area of skin.
It often occurs in dogs that are left alone, or have anxiety.
And they like to lick/chew.
Then because the area is irritated, they NEVER leave it alone.
—– So what can you do? —–
Well traditional treatment goes something like:
Antibiotics.
Steroids – topically and orally.
An E -collar to prevent licking.
… But what usually happens?
The lesion comes back when the medication runs out.
Alternative treatment on the other hand involves may options.
But 3 of the more effective ones are:
1. A Bitter Apple spray to deter the licking.
2. A tea/aspirin topical combination to dry out the area, and provide some relief.
3…. Here’s the BIG one… Acupressure.
It involves 4 easy to find acupressure points.