Hot Spot Remedies

My labrador / rottweiler cross male suffers from dry itchy skin as well as hot spots. There are times when he looks rather strange with shaved spots all over him. I agree, early detection is vital, and I noticed the 'smell' from his ears and feet befor he begins scratching and chewing at himself. I am convinced it is psycological as well as allergy based. I use a 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water solution to wash the affected area and keep dry with a over the counter anticeptic powder. Once the spot has dried up, I use a sorbolene based topical cream to keep the area suptle. The treatment usually takes a week, providing the 'pooch' leaves the area alone. GOOD LUCK