Apply a first-aid cream, such as Neosporin (the cream, not the ointment). For healthy dogs, a generic 1% hydrocortisone cream from the human first-aid shelf is safe and usually effective. It will need to be applied 3-4 times a day.
The lesion should be disinfected with a chlorhexidine solution that kills bacteria. Topical antibiotics, desiccating sprays, and soothing reagents will be more effective when applied to a clipped, clean skin surface. Oral antibiotics and steroids/antihistamines may also be in order for serious hot spots.
As soon as you notice a hot spot, it's best to contact your family veterinarian. Since a hot spot results in the scratch-itch cycle, it's important to stop further self-traumatization (licking, scratching, and biting).
For small spots that can be treated at home, you need to first cut the fur around the spot. Gently wipe it with benzyol peroxide or benzalkonium chloride, which are non irritant skin cleansing solutions for dogs. Pat the spot dry and apply betadine that has drying and healing properties.
Clean the skin with a mild, water-based antiseptic spray or wipe (like Douxo Chlorhexidine 3% PS pads) or an antibacterial shampoo. Apply a veterinary-recommended hot spot treatment spray that is safe if ingested. One example is Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Hot Spot Spray.
Hot spots may start as small red spots but when left untreated, or if your animal is continuing to lick at the area, they can quickly become painful lesions as infections worsen.
Apply a first-aid cream, such as Neosporin (the cream, not the ointment). For healthy dogs, a generic 1% hydrocortisone cream from the human first-aid shelf is safe and usually effective. It will need to be applied 3-4 times a day.
However, apple cider vinegar can work well on a dog's skin when it comes to mild itchiness and irritation like hot spots because it has anti-inflammatory properties due to its acetic acid and alpha hydroxy acid, Dr. Jackson says.
Morgan recommends mixing equal parts vinegar with water and spraying the mixture on your dog's hot spots. “You can massage it into the areas,” Morgan says. “If you have a raw hot spot, it could sting a little.
Because hot spots can be painful, you need to be very cautious if treating them at home. Some dogs also need prescription antibiotics if the infection is severe. Therefore, it's always best to have a hot spot evaluated by your veterinarian.
After starting treatment, you should expect most hot spots to improve rapidly over about three to seven days. For more severe hot spots, it may take about one week for the skin lesion to dry up and look more like a scab. Then it may be about two weeks before you would begin to see hair regrowth.
Hot spots are itchy, painful, and messy, and can appear suddenly in both dogs and cats, but are seen more frequently in dogs. With appropriate treatment, they can be resolved quickly.
Once properly treated, the hot spot should scab up and heal in a week to ten days. There are some things you can do to help your pet avoid this painful condition: Brush your pet to get rid of the extra fur and prevent matting. Use a good flea medication on a monthly basis.
Oral antibiotics. The best way to deal with a deep skin infection is to deliver antibiotics to the site of the hot spot via the blood stream. If a hot spot is quite advanced, at least a 10-14 day course of a broad spectrum antibiotic is required to prevent immediate recurrence.
“Bacitracin has been deemed safe for use on animals, as has polymyxin B. However, neomycin has been linked to loss of hearing,” she says.
If your dog allows you to touch the affected area, you can temporarily treat hot spots at home by cleaning the area with warm water and applying a saltwater solution to the lesion to gently draw out pus.
Topical Benefits – It's been known to help skin conditions like hot spots, bites, stings, or itchy, dry skin. Shampoos made with organic oils such as coconut oil can improve damaged skin and reduce allergens. Some pet owners have even made a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.
After applying the aloe, ensure that your pet does not ingest it, as this can cause digestive upset and lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Try Baking Soda: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a little bit of warm water to make a paste. Gently apply to the spot for fast-acting itch relief.
Hot spots are not likely to go away on their own, but the good news is that they can be easily treated.
Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of water. Apply solution with a soft cloth or gauze to the hot spot to relieve itching and fight bacteria. Clean the hot spot and area with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution every few hours, to remove discharge.
The solution of equal parts Listerine, baby oil and water for dogs' hot spots is the most fantastic remedy I've read about in a long time! The minute my dogs start "worrying" a spot, I get out my spray bottle, spray the area thoroughly, massage the solution into their skin, and the problem stops immediately.
A hot spot is caused by an initial traumatic incident, usually the result of conditions which prompt pets to scratch. Underlying causes include allergic skin disease, anal sacculitis, demodicosis, or other itchy skin conditions.
What causes hot spots? Hot spots are usually caused by self-trauma when a dog scratches an itch so vigorously that it creates an open wound. Many things can cause the initial itch in dogs including: Allergies including food allergies or inhalant allergies that cause itching.