Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Hot Spots in Dogs

ACV, great healing remedyA, but now what?

I have a 10 year old Bichon who has a hotspot on his front leg. I have treated it with all the the home remedies mentioned. It has healed and the hair has grown back. He has been wearing a collar during his treatments. Our problem is now, even though it has healed, whenever I take off the collar he goes right back to licking the same healed spot. He has had some problems almost like ptsd.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can wean him of having to wear the collar forever?

Hi Gina,

Sounds like he has still has pain in that leg. Could it be arthritis or something going on in the bone or joints? Have you tried turmeric capsules in a pill pocket? How about a daily massage. He could have referred pain from another area of his body. If he has ptsd, I think that will help as would rescue remedy.

Posted by Theresa

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Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

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(Mpls., Mn) on 05/26/2017

Hey Gina,

2 things come to mind. First, are you feeding a grain free diet? Make sure ALL treats and anything eaten is grain free and free of red dyes and other chemicals. Next, consider a chiro for your dog. Dogs that lick their front feet or front legs may have neck pain - so consider checking that out.

I was just reading Dr. Tobias (vet) about hotspots some times coming from spinal problems. https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/11015137-choke-prong-and-shock-collars-can-irreversibly-damage-your-dog

I need help with article on apple cider vinegar applied to hot spots on dogs. Can you use apple cider vinegar from the grocery store because that is all I have? Desperate to help my chihauhau.

Gina, I can't remember where I read this but coconut oil mixed with lavender oil or liquid probiotics rubbed into hot spot can help.

Does vinegar harm my dog, when I spray he licks it?

I have a chihuahua who hates having anything done to him. He had a hot spot that I just barely touched with some ACV and water on a paper towel before he squirmed away. I figured I'd have to take him to the vet because I am not one to force an animal to do something they don't want to do. I just can't do it.

Anyway, the next day, the hot spot had scabbed over and the scab was already falling off with no evidence of the awfulness that had been there the day before, under the scab. I was floored. A couple of months later, he had another hot spot and I did the same thing as soon as I noticed - just touched it with some solution on a paper towel, and the next day it was gone. No scab or anything as it wasn't all gooey like the first one which I didn't notice because it was right up under his chin. The second was right on the back of the neck, so I noticed it right away.

So, now he has been shaking his head and having trouble with one of his ears. So, I mixed up some ACV and water - with more water than ACV, about 2:1 - I rolled up a piece of paper towel, dipped it in the solution so that the end of it was soaked but not dripping, snuck up behind him and just sort of poked it into his ear. It was just a paper towel, not tightly rolled so no problem, right?

He hopped around and shook his head a bit and then came over to me as if to say "do that again", so I did, and he yelped and ran off again but hasn't scratched or shaken his head in a couple of hours.

I used to have a Lhaso Apso that had terrible hot spots for months and months until we found a food that didn't bother her. I wish I'd known about the ACV then.

I haven't changed the wawa's food or done anything other than just touched the hot spots with a paper towel dipped in the ACV/water. And when I hit that first hot spot, I used ACV with just a tiny bit of water, so it was mostly ACV, and he took off like a shot! But I had just barely touched it so it worked out anyway.

I want to know how to use this on my dog she mixed and I have apple cider vinegar. How much to used and how many days because she won't wear no guard or nothing on her foot need help now please

Don't worry about them licking off the Apple Cider Vinegar ("ACV"). It's good for them! Just make sure you get the organic kind, the one that begins with "Br".

Read up on this site about all the benefits of ACV for dogs and people.

You probably can't keep your dog from licking off the apple cider vinegar, unless you use an e-collar, which I am not suggesting. Apple cider vinegar is safe for your pet internally, so it is okay if he licks it off. You may want to apply it more often if he does though. Remember to dilute it - 1/2 water and 1/2 apple cider vinegar.

Do I apply it full strength in spray bottle or diluted? She has little reddish spots on tummy but is icthing all over.

I have spent thousands on vet bills for skin problems that started after my Westie turned 6 years old - of course veterinarians (Vets) all wanted to go straight to steroids, which are a serious, dangerous drug. None of the vets suggested anything topical, which after being a sheeple long enough, I decided to see if the internet had any suggestions. I tried raw, full strength Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), which did seem to help but after a few days, my dog's skin was one big patch of flaky skin in the affected area. I went to a home show where one of the vendors was selling sea salt in oil exfolients, which she sampled on me. It felt good with no stinging or pain. I went home and put sea salt in olive oil, put it on my dog's scaly skin and then washed her with anti-itch shampoo and conditioner from Petsmart. Most of the scales came off and her skin seemed far less red. She has seemed in comfort the past few days with no trips to under the bed to rub her back raw. I put the ACV on first thing in the AM and in the evening. Her skin seems to really have settled down. I weaned her off the steroids about two weeks ago after slowly tapering the dosage down to a tiny pill once per day. It looks like finally after a totally frustrating two plus years of trying everything, including expensive allergy tests, that my dog is finally going to be healed of her hot spots. She has fuzz coming in all over her bald back and her skin isn't inflamed - all without the help of dangerous steroids.

I think the sea salt works because bacteria cannot live in salt - it just pops/kills them, which I learned in a micro-biology class long ago. Sea salt in warm water to gargle with is an excellent way to get rid of sore throats. The vet told me that oil and lubricants would make the hot spots worse, which is why I wash the saline/oil mixture off soon with a bath. Be sure to use ground sea salt. The chunky sea salt is too course but that's what I initially used and it still helped. Next time, I will use ground up sea salt. I do not keep refined table salt in the house because I believe that the human body cannot handle refined foods. It is refined and hydrogenated foods mainly responsible for heart disease and especially cancer. Refined table salt is devoid of all the wonderful trace minerals in sea salt that are good for one's health.

I will be putting sea salt in olive oil (exfolient plus)on my dog on her problem areas from now on before bathing her and then following with 2X per day ACV treatments until she is all healed and then still do it occasionally there after.

thank you for you for giving the amount of what to mix together.. Very helpfull.... My dog had and still has a couple of hot spots.... His last bad one was in the arm pit... Very bad and pus filled.... I do not know how he could walk because I am sure hit heart like heck.... I would wash it good with hydrogen peroxide... Dry that off good... And then the first day I used powder and the second day I used corn starch and the third day I used neosporin and each time it got better... That forth day it was gone..... Thank you for your input.

Our 6 year old boston terrier developed a few hot spots from some flea bites that got really inflamed. His hair began to fall out, and we realized there was smelly pus beneath the hair. This was our first experience with hot spots on him, so I was searching frantically for a remedy that wouldn't require a trip to the emergency vet (it was Saturday evening). I am so happy I stumbled upon this forum!

After reading feedback, I decided to use ACV on the spots. I mixed equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle, saturated all the hotspots with the mixture and wiped away excess with gauze. Unfortunately, he will eat anything with flavor, and found the ACV delicious. I ended up having to wrap the hot spots that were withing licking reach with strips of an old tshirt to keep him from irritating them more. I applied the ACV 3x/day, and by day 2 they had completely stopped oozing and were scabbed over. By day 5, all the redness was gone, and light pink, soft skin had returned! The spots are still mostly bald, but his hair is growing back in slowly. The treatment didn't bother him at all. I'm glad we were able to use a remedy that wasn't toxic. Amazing stuff!

***If hotspots are caused by flea bites, it's important to make sure that your pet doesn't get more irritating bites. I called the vet to see if it would be okay to apply a dose of Frontline while he had hotspots near the application area. She said it was, an it would be the only way to stop the cycle. We live in an area where fleas are VERY hard to control, so I am doubtful that a less potent option would be effective.

Doesn't it burn your dog?

Not at all, but do half and half.

I'm applying cider vinegar on my golden retriever dogs for hot spots. I hope it's worth it for she is suffering with that itch. Please give another tip for this. She is going to the vet and money money & nothing- please help...

Hello, My name is Maria. I recently adopted a yorkie terrier from North Shore Animal League. I was told by the vet there that he has a hot spot & he needs to take the medication COSEQUIN every day for the rest of his life. I,ve been breaking the capsule & putting in his dog food every day as the vet told me to do. Now today it seems to have inflammed. I went online to look @ some home remedies & I notice that Apple cider vinegar seems to do the trick. I read how you can put it in a spray bottle. Should I dilute the vinegar w/ water & if so how much? Thank you, Maria

to "did you know steroids can cause diabetes in felines?"

just thought you all might want to know that those "safe" and "effective" steroids (medrol dose pack, prednisone, etc) can also cause diabetes in humans!

My rottweiler mix samson recently had a terrible hot spot on his neck. He was tearing himself to pieces and it was terrible watching because I felt so helpless. I tried so many things, nothing worked very well. A friend told me about apple cider vinegar. i thought it sounded like a wives' tale, but figured I can't lose by trying. I applied a diluted mixture of ACV and water and he has completely healed inside of a week. The benefits are truly incredible. I have been mixing a teaspoon in his food everyday, and he has started speaking English. Just yesterday he recited his ABC's flawlessly. Thanks apple cider vinegar!

My Aussie mix had a hot spot on his back paw that he had licked open for three monts. I tried steroids, antibiotics, homeopathic bandages supposed to deter licking, and even gave him allegy medicine everyday to stop the activity. All to no avail. I then saw the Apple Cider Vinegar post last Saturday and began applying a diluted amount ot his paw three times a day. I also have a "cone" on him so he doesn't mess with the paw until its completely healed. It is now four days later and I can not believe how quickly the wound has almost completely healed! No more open readness and the fur is even coming back. I am very thankful for everyone's feedback regarding the powerful effects of ACV on hot spots!

Thank you for reminding me of acv. I have been using it in our pets h2o for years it helps control fleas plus gives them a shiny coat. Just a teasp.in a bowl of h2o.Today I found a hot spot on our german shep.under his rt.armpit about 3in.by 3in. I I used 1 tablespoon epsom salts and 1 tablespoon acv in 16 oz, h2o. After 3 treatments 2 hours apart the hot spot no longer is oozing and the angry redness is much less. Nero, our G.S.appears much more comfortable. Thank you Thank you, Helene

WHAT is ACV?

My German Shepherd has a huge hot spot on his flank which had healed, but has now broken out again. I am putting real Aloe Vera on it but it's very difficult as he won't let me touch it, so I got a small syringe and filled it with Witch Hazel and have been using that, but I have not tried the tea bag or ACV yet. I will see how it goes. Prednisone does help hugely, but you have to administer it correctly.

I am encouraged to try ACV on my Golden's hotspot after reading about its success. However, I am afraid to put it on as I think it will really sting. She won't let me touch it with even plain water. What would be a tolerable dilution yet still effective?

To Barbara in Massachusetts: If the hotspot looks raw/red/oozing do NOT use the apple cider vinegar (ACV) because it will sting. Heal it first with an antibiotic from your vet. Then, for future hotspots (when they first start and when they are NOT oozing), mix the ACV with filtered water 1/2 and 1/2, and apply it on the hotspot with a clean paper towel.

Also, put a teaspoon of ACV into his food each and every time you feed him. This will help prevent the hotspots in the first place.

REMEMBER to ONLY get the organic Apple Cider Vinegar, the one with "the mother" which is the nutrient-rich sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Just shake the bottle before using.

Is the Apple Cider Vinegar the kind you buy off the shelf at any grocery store or do you have to buy the kind at a health store?

My Chihuahua is broke out with "Hot Spots" but I kinda think it might be "Shingles" I'm going thru a case of Shingles on my head & face. I have heard from people that had shingles & had small dogs in the house that have broke out with Shingles. I was told that dogs can not get it but I really think Rudy has shingles.

Can ACV help Shingles on me & Rudy?

WARNING!

People, People, Please try and remember that if the dog or cat in question has open, bleeding sores from chewing...IT WILL STING LIKE HECK if you spray ACV on your animal. This has been proven by my poor chow cross...

Also...does anyone know what is the best way to sooth freshly bitten ,bloody hind quarters...it seems as soon as she has healed and all the hair has grown back...take off the cone for a second and forget about her....BAm....chewed to heck again...bleeding...poor thing. I was thinking a poltice?

Thanks..

please help: i just found your site. my dog is suffering with hot spots been using cortizone cream and spray . it helps but have to use alot. used acv today with some water added. could give me the right ratio of water and vinager? buster is acting less itchy. also how many times can you use this or other methods in one week if necessary. thank you janice

ACV for Hot Spots: Our 50 Lb cinnamon retriever/lab mix was itchy & licking herself to death this summer - losing hair in spots and just plain miserable. Already took care of flea concern. This afternoon washed down with ACV and instant relief. Outside dog who swims, but washed down again in 4 hours and yep - just stopped. Will apply regularly as needed - so easy and quick and cheap! Thank you!!

Just wondering if I should dilute the apple cider vineger for hot spots...and what the ratio is. Thanks, Karin

Hot Spots in Dogs: my 2 year old wirehaired fox terrier mix, had a hot spot on his right front paw and was going to take him to the vet but i was told to try this site and had to say was very,very sceptical about about what i read (i have been in the medical field for 13 years as a emt) but read about ACV , and wow did it work in under three days!! i bought a organic brand at T----- J---. this stuff really works!!

I just wanted to thank all of the people giving feedback on what has worked and not worked for healing hot spots on their dogs. I have just started the apple cider vinegar treatment today, so we will see how it goes. Thanks again the all of the helpful information.

I have a 12 year old dog named Shelby.She has suffered with hot spots and has lost quite a bit of her hair .I also have a 4 yr old named Madyson. The fleas at my house were taking over. Since trying the Apple Cider Vinegar, our lives have become better. No more fleas on my dogs or in my house. Shelby's hair has started to grow back. It has been fabulous!!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information. I have passed it on with hopes that many pets will live happy lives

Can you tell me how to do it. My email is hale7711(at)gmail.com

My Golden Retriever, Lewey,developed what the vet called a "Hot Spot"..it just seemed to appear out of nowhere. A few days earlier a canine aquainted to Lewey for some reason grabbed him on his left ear where this oozing, inflammed area is. I still question if this could have caused this? I read up on these hot spots and as little as a bug bite can bring it on, so how come a dog nip wouldn't? I had brought Lewey to the vet due to what it looked like. He checked him out and said he'd have to give him a cotizone shot, to relieve the itching, also prescribed an Fuciderm Gel with cotizone in it for a week. I was quite uncomfortable with the cortizone but I accepted it anyway. Well needless to say it did clear up some, but he still has a bit left. A couple of days I caught him itching it, so I immediately put an elizabeth collar on him to prevent him from getting at it. So as you can imagine it did not help it when he scratched it! Then I decided to take matters into my own hands. I have been treating Lewey with a hibitane antiseptic wash, then following that I proceed with the Apple Cider Vinegar. How many times a day should I use the vinegar? I do see some improvement, but my question is how long does it take to heal? Time will tell.

My girlfirend Dee told me she was putting AVC on her dog's hot spots. After 1 day the spots turned white and after a week the hair was growing back from where the dog scratched it out. Had she gone to the vet it would have taken 3 + weeks for the spot to turn white and even longer for hair to grow back (not to mention a lot of money) She & I have Rottweilers and go though the hot spot phase every summer with our dogs. When she told me this, I checked the web and found your site. I forwarded the information to her to read and we now are firm believers in ACV's cures.

Ask Dee if the spots turning white. Was that a dry healthy white or wet all most infected looking white?