Hot Spots
Hot spots are where the skin is inflamed and infected. They can be caused by cuts, puncture wounds, allergies and parasites, which lead to bacterial infection. They typically ooze with a yellow or greenish fluid, and can appear anywhere on the body.
Hot spots are itchy for dogs, and they’ll be tempted to scratch, bite and lick the area, making it worse.
To treat a hot spot, clip the hair away around the infected area as bacteria can spread along the hair. Conventionally, your vet may prescribe topical medications, and may give antibiotics or steroids.
Hot spots are where the skin is inflamed and infected. They can be caused by cuts, puncture wounds, allergies and parasites, which lead to bacterial infection. They typically ooze with a yellow or greenish fluid, and can appear anywhere on the body.
Hot spots are itchy for dogs, and they’ll be tempted to scratch, bite and lick the area, making it worse.
To treat a hot spot, clip the hair away around the infected area as bacteria can spread along the hair. Conventionally, your vet may prescribe topical medications, and may give antibiotics or steroids.
Home remedies for hot spots include:
Wash with neem shampoo. Pat dry.
Spray with a neem antiseptic spray.
Wash the area with a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic, or even baby shampoo, and pat dry.
Using cotton wool, clean around the hotspot using a saline solution (salt dissolved in warm water). Keep the hotspot clean and dry.
Mix some calendula cream with a few drops of Propolis and another few drops of tea tree oil. Only use the tea tree oil if it is on a part of the body your dog cannot lick, as it is toxic to dogs in large doses. (Don’t use at all for cats.)
You may need to use an Elizabethan collar to stop your dog licking the area as it won’t clear up if he does this.
I once saw a very aggressive hot spot dry up and clear after using Emotional Freedom Technique to treat for vaccine damage.
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