Holistic Treatment for Hot Spots in Dogs

When seasons change we get asked, “What do you do for hot spots?” This is commonly from our pitbull mixes, German shepherds, golden retrievers, and sensitive-skinned dogs.

What are hot spots on dogs?

A hot spot is often referred to by veterinarians as moist dermatitis or damp heat. It’s a superficial common skin infection that happens when there is damage to the skin’s surface. At the beginning stages of it, you may notice the skin becomes moist, red, itchy, and infected. These spots can grow quickly. DR. LEILANI ALVAREZ

Common causes

  • Environmental or food allergies

  • Fleas and insect bites

  • Boredom that looks like overgrooming and over-licking.

  • Arthritis: lack of movement may cause your dog to be more irritated easily.

How to treat your dog’s hot spots at home

I prefer to go the holistic route first before bringing in the heavier chemicals. Consult your veterinarian before using any medication intended for humans as they are often toxic to dogs.

1. Clean the spot, with warm soap and water on a washcloth or hand towel.

2. Clip back hair, if any. This helps reduce inflection.

3. Disinfect by dabbing diluted apple cider vinegar on the spot. This also helps reduce the chance your dog licks off the seal (coconut oil). Apple cider vinegar has enzymes and good bacteria to fight naturally. See more ways to use apple cider vinegar on your pets.

4. Seal with coconut oil to hydrate and stop bacteria from getting to the spot. If it’s a spot your dog can lick off, coconut oil is not harsh for them to ingest. You can cover it with a nonstick gauze patch or an old sock (like the mismatched one).

4. Lastly, an oral Antihistamine or Benadryl (baby Benadryl would work for smaller dogs) to reduce itching. Portion based on dog’s weight. Take with some food to help settle their stomach.

If arthritis is the culprit, consult your veterinarian for medication.

Other Preventative Measures

Hot spots have striking similarities to atopic dermatitis in humans in their clinical and immunopathological features, therapeutic approaches, and responses to treatment. Dietary components are now recognized as flare factors. Article NCBI.

  • Limit different protein types in high-value treats to 2-3 max while reward training to lower potential allergies.

  • Consider an elimination diet. Change the protein of your dog’s food from chicken to turkey, pork, or salmon. Check out our Pet Nutrition blog post. They have higher fats that your dog needs and digest better. If still higher irritation or constant management, switch from kibble to fresh food and try Farmer’s Dog on us.

  • Bathing with oatmeal shampoo to help clean and soothe your dog’s skin at least once a week. Too much frequency of bathing can be too harsh on your dog’s skin.

  • Cleaning off your dog’s paws every time they come in from a muddy playtime or at least once a day.

  • Daily vitamin or Probiotic treat.

Tell us what has worked for your pup by emailing allearspetcare@gmail.com.

Pawsitively,

Brianna Maurer

All Ears Petcare