Table of Contents
Hot Spot Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
* Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
1 YEA
[YEA] 11/20/2008: Carol from Hanmer, Ontario, Canada writes: "My German Shepherd suffered from hot spots. I was constantly shaving the areas, washing with disinfectant and applying solutions.
Then I heard about using black tea in a way that made the shaving, washing and applying anything else completely unecessary. It had the added benefit of reducing the number of hot spots until he was completely free of them.
It is very important to follow this exactly. Boil about two cups of water and add 10 black tea bags. As it steeps gently squeeze the bags with a spoon. Allow it to cool to until it's just SLIGHTLY warm to the touch and then pour it generously over the affected area so that it soaks through the hairs.
I have no idea why but this brew of tea becomes ineffective if it's too warm or after it cools completely, so if you have any left over just throw it out. Each application has to be made fresh.
It provides immediate relief for your dog, heals rapidly, no discomfort, no exposed bald spot to grow in, and it's cheap and easy to do.
The sooner you begin to treat the hot spot the faster it will heal, so even if you just suspect a hot spot treat it right away. It's cheap and does no harm even if you end up treating a simple itch.
At first you may have to repeat this twice a day for a few days but with any subsequent hot spots it works faster. My dog's hot spots began to dwindle until he was free of getting them completely."
EC: Thanks, Carol. Looking forward to trying this one on our dog Max!
09/03/2009: Daniela from Chino Hills, Ca United States replies: "okaii well my golden has hot spots in his armpits on his legs one some on his back and a huge hot spot on his neck i bought a 100 pack of black tea and im hoping it works.should i trim some of his hair when i apply the warm tea on his skin or should i just leave him like that?
the reason he got hot spots is because he gets in the pool by himself and sometimes lays in the sun and walks around and i dont want to tie him up i feel bad so what does earth clinic suggest??? help!!!"
09/04/2009: Daniela from Chino Hills, Ca United States replies: "okaii hi earth clinic and my doggy max is a golden and he loves to get in the pool (we have an underground pool) and its been really hot and sometimes he lays in the sun and he cant stay dry for at least 24 hrs to let the flea protectant work and i think that is wat made the hot spot the heat humidity and the itching of the fleas and he has red on his skin it looks wet when u see it irritated and i wanted to try the black tea and i was wondering if it will really work cuz i just want him to get better i am feeding him and all natural no preservatives or artificial favolirng or coloring food and i bathed him with a flea shampoo and groom him reagularly but i have been paying close attention to his skin since i saw that"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/19/2009: Jory from Berwick, Nova Scotia, Canada writes: "Bailey's Skin Rescue is a special combination of tea tree, lavender essential oils and acidophilus in an all natural botanical cream base which also includes extracts of chamomile, avocado, echinacea, green tea, cucumber and sea kelp and various plant oils.
Tea tree and lavender essential oils have anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties and have inhalant properties which are also said to help boost the immune system. The acidophilus provides friendly normal bacteria at the skin's surface to assist as well, and the special cream base keeps the skin supple and helps with cutaneous delivery of the essential oils.
The great thing about this formula, is that it stops itching almost on contact and the healing process starts right away. Anyone who has ever had a dog that has developed an itchy skin condition like hot spots, etc. knows that the itching causes the dog to lick or scratch and keep irritating the site -- this stops the itching, so the dog is not licking or scratching and the healing can begin. This also relieves a lot of stress on the dog. "
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2 YEA
[YEA] 07/04/2006: Theresia from Roswell Georgia writes: "Our yellow lab gets hot spots every year. Normally she has been taken to the vet for corticosteroid shots and benadryl orally. It always comes back. This year I bought hair trimmers, trimmed the areas and made a mixture of burrow's solution - DOMMEBORO, available at drug stores (mix 1 package with 10 ounces of water) and about 10 drops of tea tree oil. I placed this mixture in a spray bottle and sprayed the areas twice a day (morning and evening). In about 4-5 days the black 'scabs' began to fall off revealing healthy skin underneath. I continued to spray the area until all traces of the hot spots were gone."
[YEA] 06/09/2009: Lauren from Sagle, ID replies: "After trying so many things for my Lab's hot spot this year, burrows solution was the best. I agree!!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/31/2007: Vince from PA writes: "Have you tried cayenne and salt on the hot spots? Never had one with the problem, but from what I understand it is an infection, or gets to be one, with bacteria and puss. The cayenne should heal it and take away any pain, so he doesn't play with it, and the heat would probably stop him from licking it, except for a chihuahua.)) I put it on cold sores as soon as they show, and it seems to stop them from continuing. It should if they contain a virus."
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07/03/2009: Robyn from TRi Cities, TN writes: "Here is a link where I found a reader who has healed her dogs of hot spots by using cornstarch or babypowder with cornstarch by putting it on the spot 4 or five times a day. I also have found fish oil, one pill for small dogs, and two pills for big dogs, and benadryl which is 1 mg to 2 mg per pound of body weight works well too. The cornstarch is great, although I have not tried it....it is a natural cure.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54318240.tip.html
Robyn"
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 09/21/2009: Christi from Morris Chapel, Tennessee, Us writes: "My lab has a sore next to his eye, I guess what would be his cheek. I am trying to decide if this could be a hot spot. I dont have the money now to take him to the vet, but dont want this to go untreated for long. His sore showed up all of a sudden and he has scratched it til it looks awful. In the center, about dime size or so, it is really dark almost like tree bark but smooth. All around that is like a normal sore, oozing and bloody. Can someone please help me decide if this is a hot spot. If not, any suggestions on what it is? Thanks!"
EC: They aren't pretty to look at, but have you checked out photos of hot spots on google images? Here's the link: http://images.google.com. If you search "hot spots for dogs", you'll see some good photos.
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EPSOM SALTS, POVIDONE IODINE, FLEA CONTROL
02/14/2007: Deirdre from Atlanta, GA writes: "Turns out that all the things I was doing to treat Max (tea tree and lavender oil, cayenne, ACV, etc.) made the hotspot much worse -- poor guy! Mea culpa! In fact, the hotspot turned into a bad staph infection and I had to treat it with antibiotics. My holistic vet told me to keep the area shaved and next time, to use a solution of epsom salts dissolved in water with a drop of Povidone iodine by holding a soaked piece of gauze to the area. I also have to keep Max on flea control year round since hotspots are most likely caused by flea bites. 3 months of Advantage, then 3 months of Frontline, back and forth, since fleas become "immune" to one brand if you use it too long. If the hotspot was not caused by an allergy, the vet told me, it's possible his hips are painful and he is biting that area to get at the pain."
[YEA] 06/26/2007: Deirdre from Atlanta, GA replies: "Max hasn't had a hotspot in months. I am assuming now it is because he has constant flea control (Frontline 3 months, Advantage 3 months) and because the weather in very, very dry. No rain in Georgia for a long time now. When I lived in Los Angeles, his hotspots similarly happened during the rainy season starting January. The epsom salts and povidone iodine worked great though, I have to say."
06/22/2008: Deborah from Cartersville, Georgia replies: "I'm curious what type of dog Deidra has. I have two full blooded black labs, brother and sister, a half black lab, 1/4 blue heeler, 1/4 australian shepard, and a 1/2 newfouldland a 1/2 great pyrenees. One of my full blooded black labs, Belle, has come down with horrible hot spots, I thought it was from fleas, which we have shampooed her for and treated with frontline, and spray, she loves to swim in our in ground pool so I worry it is washing off , we also have horses and it's almost impossible to keep her out of their watering trough. I am desperate to get him some relief, so I coated her in babyoil and put her back to bed. all four dogs stay in the pasture all day with our horsres and then come in at night to our basement where it is always 70 degrees year round. i keep there bedding clean and washed so not to have any flea problems. Just Belle has the hot spots, Max(her brother), Rocky and Mapalo are fine."
05/29/2009: KDenise from Stone Mountain, GA replies: "PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN USING TEA TREE OIL ON PETS*** While tea tree oil has many desirable qualities, it can be highly TOXIC to pets, particularly cats and birds. Do your research first. Don't assume it won't be harmful to your dog."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/12/2009: Marianne from Chepachet, Ri writes: "hi everyone!! i have seen many unfortunate dogs over the years; who for many different reasons, have suffered from severe itching, red bellies, and inside of ears, and horrible hot spots on legs, base of tail, and bottom of paws. what i find works best is; go to the pharmacy, and ask the pharmacist for gentian violet, they mix it up fresh, or have to order it, it has a very short shelf-life. it`s a viricide, fungicide, and a bacteriacide. i start out by giving the animal a warm bath, with any moiturizing anti-bacterial soap; rinsing well, and using a vineagar rinse. i rip up an old towel in squares, that can be thrown away after one use. apply the gentian violet with a damp towel square, making sure it has soaked in well to all of the wounds. it`s ok to lick, they used to put it in baby`s mouths for thrush, it`s bright dark blue, but you`ll learn to live with it. wash, rinse, and reapply to areas when the beight color has faded out, about once a day, and bathe as you feel you should, about once a week. using a grain-free food, keeping an anxious dog calm, and well-exercised and busy also helps. i have seen this work wonders, and no steroids, or invasive meds are involved. just passing along what i have seen help these poor dogs, it`s just awful to see them suffer so."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/14/2009: Sarah Reyburn from Brewster, Massachusetts USA writes: "Gold bond Powder helps my Silky terrier when he chews and licks hot spots which he tend to get on his lower back and near his tail."
EC: FYI -- the active ingredients of Gold Bond Powder (an over-the-counter skin irritation powder) are Menthol (0.15%) and zinc oxide (1.0%).
06/19/2009: Mary from Springfield, MO replies: "The GREEN bottle. Works Wonders, and Caladril CLEAR only. Absolute. Even for ears, very lightly with tissue. Been trying all for years."
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/26/2009: Lucrec from Wantagh, New York writes: "I just came across this site so I haven't tried the ACV or any of the other natural remedies yet. Max, a 6 year old mini schnauzer is really suffering, so I will try this immediately. But what does seem to help, which is strange is a coat. I put a light weight jersey coat on him and for some reason he stops licking the hot spots. I know they cannot heal just because of the coat, but it does provide him relief and he doesn't have to wear a collar which has to be so frustrating to an itchy animal."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/04/2009: Anita from Rochester, MN writes: "Dog with Hair Loss, Severe Skin Allergies:
I received a Great Pyrenees on Christmas Day 2008 and was shocked at the inflammation, loss of hair, itching and brittleness of her hair. I was told that she had severe food allergies (and I did immediately switch her to a premium grain-free dog food) but in addition, I started ading apple cider vinegar to her drinking water and bathed her in it several times. I have proof-positive pictures that within one month this situation took a 360 degree turn for the better. She is happier now, more energetic, has a zest for life and no more itching and inflammation. I recommend apple cider vinegar wholeheartedly.
On her ankles and her elbows she has dried crusted spots and for those I looked up home remedies for hot spots and saw several people had success with plain Listerine, mixed with baby oil and water and spritzed on these spots. Within 2 weeks, those dried spots clearedup and new skin grown and hair growth is happening there."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/25/2007: Meg from Coromandel, New Zealand writes: "I have little faith in vets and I try to find things that work and have some luck - manuka honey is really good as antibiotic internally and externally for animals and they like it. Chamomile teabag soak for any eye problems. These are 2 tried and trusted ones for me."
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1 YEA
1 WARNING!
[YEA] 10/24/2006: Mitch from Edmonton, Alberta writes: "A Melalucca product called Melagel, stops hot spots almost immediately, scabbed over by next day and healing. Trimming hair around spot is necessary to create Like a "fire break" if you will, then I apply some Melagel 2 or 3 times in a day, by the next day, the spot has scabbed over and it soon starts healing. Amazing stuff!"
07/02/2008: Chris from Long Beach, California replies: "Where can I buy Melagel? Pharmacy or health Food Store?"
EC: Here it is on the company's website: http://www.melaleuca.com/ps/index.cfm?f=ps.contentPage&sCatID=100275
07/14/2008: Yvonne from Dallas, Texas replies: "Regarding Melagel - it's great for people too! In order to shop direct from Melaleuca you need to be referred by an existing customer. I'd be happy to refer you and give you additional information on all the amazing healthy products (at wholesale prices) they have.Contact me at ypadgett@tx.rr.com for more information. Thanks Yvonne"
[WARNING!] 12/12/2008: Mandy from Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada replies: "A word of warning:
Do NOT use Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca oil) on hot spots. Tea Tree Oil can cause neurological damage and even death when absorbed directly into the blood stream.
At one point in time, it was commonly recommended for hot spots, but I learned a hard lesson that just because something is 'all natural' doesn't mean it's at all safe.
I had a dog with a hot spot, and applied tea tree oil to the area. The next day, Vinne was paralyzed from the neck down. The emergency vet's initial diagnosis was degenerative disk disease, which is a death sentence for Frenchies. Luckily I insisted on a second opinion, rather than following the vet's advice to put him down immediately. The specialist vet inquired about his hot spot, and told me about the neurological side effects of tea tree oil on dogs, cats and small children. Thankfully, Vin recovered with no side effects.
From the Animal Poison Control Center website:
"Clinical effects that may occur following dermal exposure to significant amounts of tea tree oil include loss of coordination, muscle weakness, depression, and possibly even a severe drop in body temperature, collapse and liver damage. If the oil is ingested, potential effects include vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, seizures. If inhalation of the oil occurs, aspiration pneumonia is possible. "
Details on neurological side effects of Melaleuca oil:
http://jvdi.org/cgi/reprint/10/2/208.pdf
http://www.exoticbird.com/gillian/teatree.html
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_ask_misc&s_state=teatreeoil"
EC: Melagel is made from Tea Tree Oil...
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MINERAL OIL, LISTERINE MOUTH WASH
[YEA] 05/13/2008: Jackie from B-ville, SC, USA writes: "Hot spots! use 25% water, 25% mineral oil,5 0% listerene mouth wash. Put it in a spray bottle. Shake it up to mix and then spray on the hot spot twice a day."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/12/2009: William from Grants Pass, Oregon writes: "Hot Spot Remedies:
My dog Terra who is part Sheppard and part Akita, had two large hot spots on her back above her tail. I wasn't sure what to do so I asked the folks at our local herb shop ( called "the Herb Shop") and they recommended using Neem oil. When I got home I poured a little Hydrogen peroxide on them to clean and disinfect the spots and then I applied a coating of the oil, nothing else. After about 20 minutes or so, the skin started drying out and that was it, no more problem , completely healed with in a few days.
Several years later, my Mother was in the last few days of her life, from cancer, and we noticed a rather large bed sore on her back so I applied some Neem oil and the same thing happened. Even though her body had started shutting down the skin was reforming on the bedsore!"
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NEEM, OLIVE, GOLDENSEAL, ACV SPRAY
[YEA] 04/05/2008: Fabian from Nambucca Heads, NSW, Australia writes: "Have had great problem removing flea allergy dermatitis from my poodle and he has constantly itched and has had open wet sores above and around his tail.Have used many natural remedies with some improvement but would soon recur.I recently found a natural recipe from the net and now there is no sign of fleas at all and no rashes or sores at all. He is much happier and relaxed and so am I. The solution is 2 ozs of pure Neem oil, a little olive or coconut oil and tea tree oil,one tablespoon of Goldenseal extract,then make up to 16 ozs with organic apple cider vinegar. Fantastic results immediately.Use daily(spray on)as needed.I also added some lemon lotion but this is not essential."
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08/14/2008: Susan from Dallas, Texas writes: "My golden retriever had constant hot spots and skin allergies. Tried a cheap product called Missing Link. It has omega-3 salmon oil in it and you just sprinkle a tablespoon on their food daily. What a lifesaver. Her skin is great, her hair is silky, overall health is good. No more biting at her skin and being miserable, or hot spots! My vet doesn't sell it, but they recommend it to all their pet owners now due to my dog's results. They tell everyone about my dog and her results and everyone runs to pet her when she comes in cause of her silkiness. Good luck."
05/05/2009: Sandra from Milton, FL replies: "where do you find omega 3 salmon oil?"
EC: Try online or at a good health food store! http://www.google.com/products?q=omega+3+salmon+oil
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/16/2007: Kathy from Toronto, Canada writes: "I adopted a 3 year old golden and he is very prone to hot spots only on his tail. He will chew it until it bleeds But He seems to do it if I work late or am away over night There are other family members in the home But I have switched food cut out all treats and for two months no hot spot, I went away last thursday overnight came home friday and there was a hot spot on the tail. Is this possible? is he afraid that I will leave him? all I know about him is he was dumped at a shelter ."
EC: Kathy, our dog (a rescue as well) also has hot spot issues. We've noticed that they are nonexistent during the spring and summer months with typically dry, hot weather. When the weather gets cooler and starts to rain, the hot spots start appearing, one after the other. After years of going through the same cycle, we are beginning to suspect that it has to do with the weather.
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07/17/2009: Rex from Armstrong, BC writes: "Hello- I just noticed my dog has a small open sore- it is slightly oozing a clear smelly substance. His temperature is normal, he is running around, eating, drinking and seems happy but the sore looks terrible. I cleaned it with water and put polysporan on it. What would you suggest to use to clean it out better. thank-you ann"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/12/2009: Jamie from Campell, Ca writes: "Schreiner's Solution...best thing for Canine Hot Spots ever...sold in Feed Stores...about 20.00, and well worth it, wouldn't be without it. Have Golden Retrievers with occasional Hot Spots...saves a ton a money not going to the
Vets. Exceptional product."
10/13/2009: Janice from Coloma, Mi replies: "Thanks Jamie from Campbell, Ca. I checked out the Schreiner's on-line and it looks like really good stuff. Do you buy the one for horses? I see they have one for dogs also. My black lab (mix) has a problem with yeast and she is sore around her mouth and her vulva area. She licks and I see the Schreiner's is all natural...Love that. Anyway, I'm hoping that maybe this will work for her."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 11/04/2009: Trisha from Waterford, Ireland writes: "Hi All,
I have British Bulldogs and one of them started geting what I found out to be hot spots... I was horrified...I brought her to the vet, she was diagnosed and given various medication...it seemed to be taking ages to clear, then I got some sea water and applied it 2ce daily, within a few days it cleared up......then out of the blue a few months later I noticed one behind her ear,about 3 inches long 2 inches wide...I went to the sea straight away and got a bottle of sea water, I applied it to the area 2ce daily and in three days it had completely dried up, and within a week you would barely see any sign of it..No vet visit required and No vet bills...Hope this is of help..The main thing is to catch it asap and treat it by dabbing the sea water to the area, no need for shaving,clipping etc..Sea water is Magic!!"
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[YEA] 03/04/2009: Trisha from Waterford, Ireland writes: "Hello. My 9mth old British Bulldog has 2 big, ugly, sore looking hotspots on her shoulder.Iv had her to the vet,she is currently on metacam oral and ampicillin. he also advised to wash the areas with 1 tbsp of salt to a pint of water..she is on this treatment with 5 days.didnt see a great improvement, yesterday I went to the sea and got a carton of sea water and applied it. today the hot spots are dry and crusted over... now i dont know if its the 5 days of treatment or the sea water, or both.but its amazing how over night after using the sea water the sores are drier and crusted...does anyone know if these are going to be a reoccuring problem,a nd will the hair grow back. they just look awful. any info/help is much appreciated.my e.mail is trisha_szucs@hotmail.com Thank You"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/19/2007: jamie from jacksonville, ar writes: "let me start by saying i have 4 english bulldogs . As owners of these breeds know , that they have many health problems that can arise . We just got a 1year and half female from a friend , she had kept her in a cage all day and let her out for a couple of hours at night and then it was back in the cage , now she has free range of the house , just the bedroom kitchen and living area , So she is not confined to one place and not in a cage . But she has the other dogs to contend with and they bully her i think , she is soooo sweet and smart and i don't think she understands that we have to go to work and leave her for 8 hours a day , so i think her hot spots are now being caused by anxiety and lack of attention , i have one that has to be in my lap if i am sitting and another one with my husband - so she is left out sometimes . She has develpoed horrible hot spots and scratches all the time , and i have not changed anything . So it may be weather related also .
My husband encountered a bad hot spot on his last male years ago and it got so bad , in one day that the poor dog had to be in the vets office over night for observation .. the vet gave him Sulphur cream to put on it . Now i can only find sulphur powder and mix with no , perfume , dye or additives lotion . They go away within an hour , no lie an hour they have turned crusty and she isn't itching any longer .. needless to say this is going to be a weekend for her . I am going to take her everywhere i go and love on her as much as possible . Please if all else fails or you have given up and have multiple vet bills then please try Sulphur , it is natures miracle .. thanks for all the suggestions on this site -- i am going to try the oatmeal baths and ACV baths as well . thanks and be well "
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/16/2007: Lyn from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia writes: "Remedy for hot spots - apply dry tinea powder twice a day, stops the' itching, kills the bacteria, and heals within 2-3 days."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/14/2008: Shelagh from PBG, Florida writes: "Hi there! I'm a newby here & thrilled to find your web site. I fostered a 3 month old yellow lab mix (or so my friend thought...) pup came complete with a goopy hot spot on side of his neck. I immediately dusted this with some powdered turmeric, and lo! Two dustings, 12 hours apart & he was cured. I impressed myself.
And ended up keeping this guy; now named Ronin, & found to be a Rhodesian Ridgeless. Yikes.
A neighbor's white retriever, Chloe, used to get horrible hot spots which she used to lick until she was bloody & bald on these areas. I used a medieval remedy of whole cloves steeped in alcohol (I used cheap vodka). Dabbed clove tincture onto hot spots to ease the pain; once the pain was gone (immediately!) she stopped the licking & my friend could move onto healing the hot spots. She was a vet tech & could not believe my remedy worked.
Love your site, am glad to be 'here'..."
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