Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 04/29/2015:
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.
Shannon (Rockport, Tx) on 02/20/2015:
I have a rat terrier with struvite stones that has caused me to search out help for her without expensive prescription diets. She also has had flea and seasonal grass allergies. Long, long internet searches has brought lots of help. (am excited about this site I just found). Anyway, on the garlic, it must be finely chopped and needs to sit about 10 min. before adding to food. After about an hour, it no longer has the power to help. This is my 3rd month without flea medicine and my dogs are doing good. I also give them a teaspoon of ACV (must have the Mother in it to be effective). I have never had a sick animal and after spending close to $1000 for surgery and vet bills I found that if you love a pet, you will find the time to help them - not give them away........ View Entire Thread
Laura (Bryan, Tx) on 12/12/2013:
I tried ACV for a hot spot on my dog's paw, and within a few days it was gone. All I did was put some ACV on a cotton ball with just a tiny bit of water, and rubbed the spot twice a day. By the next day, it was not oozing, and appeared to be drying up. After about another 2-3 days it was gone. It saved me a trip to the vet and the cost of prescription topical spray.
Betsy (Toluca, Il) on 11/26/2012:
I just want to say thank you for your website! A couple of years back, I had to take my golden retriever to the vet for hot spots, which of course necessitated an injection of an antihistimine as well as medications to heal the spots. The second time I went, the vet threatened to charge me over $200 to put him out so they could shave the spot and treat it. Luckily, we ended up not having to do that. But I vowed we weren't going to go through that again! We have since discovered on your site the wonders of ACV to treat this! It works wonderfully. We make sure to keep his coat short in the warm months, and if he does develop the hot spots, we treat it with the diluted ACV. The ACV works like a charm every time to dry up the hot spots. I highly recommend it!
Salina (Sumner, Ga United States) on 06/26/2012:
I tried ACV for hot spots on my 150lb lab and it works great! I have a little advice. My lab was absolutely raw with chewing and licking her back and tail area. I was terrified to use Apple Cider Vinegar on it because she was biting me just when I was cleaning it. I gave her benadryl 3 times a day for 2 days before starting the acv. It was instrumental in stopping the extreme itch all together and allowed her to heal enough so I could use Apple Cider Vinegar without the extreme burning. You can use Benedryl up to 3x a day in pill form. 1mg/for each lb of weight, exp 20lb=20mgs I didn't excede 5omgs. My lab 150lbs=50mgs. You can look up Benedryl for dog online! It stopped her itch all together with the use of a hydracortisone spray! This has been a godsend. Thank you so much.
Rex (Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca Mexico) on 05/06/2012:
thank you for this treatment!!! What a life saver..... My red nose pit bull suffers / suffered from terrible cronic hot spots on her but & tail... With in 3 days of using A C V it is well on it's way to being healed the hair is growing back and no more chewing or scratching she yelpped at first but now when she sees the spray bottle she wags her tail knowing it's working WOW I will pass this info on to any dog owner I can. How come vet's would never let you know about something so easy and cheap to use?? this by far is a god send for me........ REX in puerto escondido OAX. Mexico
Cj (Jackson, Tn) on 04/29/2012:
I came to the internet searching for options to help remedy my dog of her hot spots. Every few years she will get a hot spot (she's a pug). So, I decided to try the vinegar and water method. First of all, I gave her a bath in an oatmeal shampoo for dogs to help her overall itching. I made sure she was completely dry. Then, I used a solution of half ACV and half water. I had an old spray bottle (a previous "hot spot" medicine) and put the solution in this bottle. I sprayed this on her twice yesterday and put a cone around her neck overnight. This morning............... WHAT A DIFFERENCE! She has two hot spots, both of which are dry this morning. Yesterday, they were draining and red and inflammed. Today they are no longer red and dried out. I'm a believer! Thanks! View Entire Thread
Elaine (Frankfort, Illinois) on 04/04/2012:
My Schnoodle has allergies and now has developed hot spots on his entire back!
I mixed ACV & water (1/2&1/2) and put it in a spray bottle. ( I used tepid water)
Day 1 Skin red and irritated. Used anti itch first, then sprayed ACV 3 times thru out the day.
Day 2 NO REDNESS and looking promising! Whoo Hoo!! Sprayed 3 times but no anti itch today.
Day 3 OMG we have nothing but scabs left!!
I will continue the spray for another day then I will give him a gentle bath with oatmeal shampoo.
I gave him a special treat after treatment cause he let me do this and I know he was hurting.
PLEASE NOTE: IF RED & RAW YOU SHOULD DILUTE MORE CAUSE YOU ARE APPLYING ACIDIC WATER ON OPEN SKIN. THIS HURTS!
Lia (Eugene, Oregon, Usa) on 01/22/2012:
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.
Laura (Cape Coral, Fl, United States) on 10/22/2011:
My dog started out with a mild eye redness and discharge, so I tried the ACV on the back of her neck and paws. Within a day, she was almost back to normal, and day 2 no more problem. I did this with half and half mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water on the paws and between shoulder blades twice daily. It seems tho that the discharge had caused a big chunk of matter in the fur below the eye. Before I could properly wash her face, she had pawed it off and caused a dime sized hot spot. She wouldn't let me near her face, but after a few days and patience, I soaked a round cotton pad in acv/water in held it to the eye as long as I could and the next day she was healing. Its been 2 days and still healing. I did this only twice, am and pm for one day. Hot spots on the face are challenging, and I didn't want to have to use a cone. I am a huge believer in ACV... Thanks to EC.. View Entire Thread
Cherie (Birmingham, Alabama) on 07/22/2011:
I read the suggestions for apple cider vinegar and water to cure hot spots on dogs. I mixed water and Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle and applied liberally 3 times a day and within 3 days the hot spot was scabbing. I should mention that this pup had 3 earlier spots that he went to the vet for and aside from the cost had a prescription for anti-biotics and a shot. So glad there is an easier and safer remedy.
Betsypear1 (Toluca, Il, Usa) on 07/22/2010:
A few months ago, after reading these successes with ACV, we used some ACV in water in a spray bottle on our dog's hot spot on the side of his face. I'm sorry that I don't know the exact proportions but it was one of the suggestions here. My husband only used it 2 or 3 times because the spray bottle broke. . . But the hot spot healed up very, very nicely and we didn't have to pay the $200 to get him sedated and shaved at the vets, as was being threatened! Very nice. :) View Entire Thread
Diane (Uniontown, PA) on 07/16/2009:
Three nights ago I noticed a severely inflamed quarter-sized oozing patch on my cat's neck. Within an hour, that thing had tripled in size! Of course I came to Earth Clinic right away, where I read about the symptoms of hotspots and the ACV treatment. I used about a tablespoon of ACV diluted with another tablespoon of water, on the first day, three times a day. Now I'm doing it twice a day, morning and evening. It is no longer swollen, oozing, or bleeding, just very crusty where it is drying up. After reading about some of the treatments people have had for hot spots from vets, I didn't want to go that route. (Are you aware that steroids can cause diabetes in felines?) The only con is that as another person said, she does smell like a salad! hehe! Thanks again, Earth Clinic!
Donna (Harrisburg, PA) on 05/26/2009:
Hi, I tried your ACV treatment on my golden Jack who suffered from hotspots for many years. After trying all kinds of drugs from the vet and trying to care for them myself I found your website. The ACV remedy worked on Jack just after three days of applying 1/4 Acv and 1/4 water. I would mix a new batch for every cleaning. Cleaned his wounds with antibactrial soap rinsed well then dried the areas and dabbed the mixture every few hours for the first few days. It is day five now his sores are dry he seems much more comfortable. And now only applying twice a day. And also I'm amazed at all the other topics you cover. Thanks So Much, Sincerely, Donna from Harrisburg, Pa
Helene (Stony Point, Rockland County) on 04/26/2009:
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 View Entire Thread
Tracey (Mechanicsburg, PA) on 04/09/2009:
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!
Ken (Gettysburg, PA) on 11/24/2008:
After much research on the subject, I was AMAZED at the results i got after using ACV to treat my Goldens' hot spot. A problem 3 times in his 6 years, this last time it would just not clear up. Three trips to my highly respected vet over 2 months, 2 different anti-biotics, cremes, even steriods, still left this one annoying spot about the size of a half-dollar on his face which just wouldn't heal, constantly oozed, and looked like he had ebola or something. I came across this site which recommended the ACV and I have to admit I was skeptical at first but was reluctant to give my best friend another round of medicines that appeared to do nothing to solve this problem while the doctor himself appeared to be stymied suggesting allergy testing, change of food, even suggesting that it was the Goldens' lot in life to suffer this affliction.
WELL, after 2 days of ACV application, the hot spot crusted over, but I had seen this before over the prior 2 months only to have it start bleeding & oozing within 2 days. But this time it stopped bleeding/ozzing and a few days later the spot started to heal & decrease. Now 3 weeks into the treatment , the spot is just a bit smaller than the size of a dime. Sadly though, i wonder if it will ever totally disappear as the hair in this small area has not grown back. I'm now using ACV to clean his ears and i even put a small cap full in his food. After reading of ACVs other benefits, I have started to take some myself. Thanks to all who took the time to research and report back on this treatment.
Kelly (Brockville, Ontario, Canada) on 11/10/2008:
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..
EC: The best thing we know of (after 8 years of trying everything under the sun) for hot spots on a dog that licks his wounds obsessively is not a home remedy, but an ointment from the vet called Animax. It starts the healing process immediately and soothes the wound. We apply the ointment to the hot spot and then take the dog for a long walk. The few times that we used the ointment this past year, Max immediately stopped licking the wound, and it healed remarkably quickly. However, turmeric powder (1/8 teaspoon 2x a day) was very helpful in healing a burst benign cyst on Max's paw recently. Took about 2 days to see change, then another 2 weeks for full healing.
John (Ten Mile, Tn) on 07/20/2008:
RONG>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 y
Art (Newhall, California) on 05/15/2008:
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!!
Christy (Waxahachie, Tx) on 06/25/2007:
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
Holly (Nova Scotia) on 08/26/2006:
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.
Patti (Marietta, GA) on 06/28/2006:
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.
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