{"id":58,"date":"2024-10-26T05:12:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-26T05:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/2021\/01\/03\/hot-spots-on-dogs-diy-remedies-that-work\/"},"modified":"2021-01-03T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-01-03T16:00:00","slug":"hot-spots-on-dogs-diy-remedies-that-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/26\/hot-spots-on-dogs-diy-remedies-that-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot Spots On Dogs: DIY Remedies That Work"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may think of hot spots as a condition on their own. But most of the time they\u2019re a symptom of a more serious condition \u2026 like chronic stress, food sensitivities, energy stagnation or liver imbalances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Known as acute moist dermatitis or pyoderma, the dreaded hot spot should be called the \u201cred, gooey, inflamed, hairless spot varying in symptoms, size and severity\u201d spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So what really causes hot spots on dogs and how can you<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">treat them naturally<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What Causes Hot Spots On Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hot spots happen for a reason. Some of the most common causes of hot spots are:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fleas and other bug bites<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Food sensitivities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Summer heat&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Environmental allergens<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But there are underlying causes too:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Liver disease and imbalance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Immune disease&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Injury or instability in the body<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hot spots are damp and bring heat and inflammation to the skin. Most hot spots are a result of too much heat in the body \u2026 blocking the movement of energy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hot spots can appear anywhere. But you\u2019ll usually find them in areas where your dog has a weakness or chink in her energy flow. The most common places you\u2019ll see hot spots:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Side of the face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Neck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hind-end<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Top of the tail<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acute Or Chronic?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The allopathic view of hot spots is that they\u2019re an acute condition. They\u2019re usually diagnosed as allergens or flea bites. But hot spots on dogs can also be chronic.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acute or chronic, hot spots need immediate attention because they spread fast. They kick out hair and become a sticky, painful, sometimes itchy mess. This can happen within hours.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your dog\u2019s hot spots keep coming back, muscle tension, injury and pain could be the cause. This is common if you find a hot spot on the spine. Look for tension in the area under the hot spot moving downward or slightly left or right of the area. With this type of hot spot you might see several hot spots over a short period of time. There will be excessive licking in most cases as well.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For these types of hot spots, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture or acupressure may help. They can clear stagnant energy and bring much-needed circulation to the area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Problem With Conventional Treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conventional treatment involves the suppression of a dog\u2019s symptoms. This method of treating hot spots on dogs usually includes steroids and antibiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allopathic veterinary care follows the \u201cmoist skin lesion standard of care.\u201d This starts off with chemical disinfection, steroids and sometimes antihistamines. Most owners get&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">oral antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and steroid creams to deal with the spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When you give your dog steroids and antibiotics to treat hot spots, this affects the whole body \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2026 But these treatments won\u2019t stop the hot spots from coming back. The meds don\u2019t treat food sensitivities or a compromised immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They don\u2019t address the underlying cause of the hot spot and can end up putting your dog into a cycle of sickness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s really important to try to figure out and treat what\u2019s causing it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is an exception to this \u2013 although the situation is quite rare. When a hot spot leads to 40% to 50% of your dog\u2019s fur falling out, a trip to your (preferably holistic) vet is a good idea. This usually happens with immune-compromised dogs or those with severe thyroid issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Herbal Hot Spot Treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When treating hot spots on dogs at home, to be effective you need to take a two-fold approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The first step is to treat the hot spot externally to relieve painful symptoms. You want to keep the hot spot from scabbing and avoid bacteria overgrowth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">And herbs are a great natural hot spot treatment. After you secure your dog, gently trim the hair around the area. Then rinse with this mild rinse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hot Spot Rinse<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10 drops crab apple flower essence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1\/2 tsp Himalayan salt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">8 ounces boiled, cooled filtered water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">20 drops Self-Heal (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prunella vulgaris<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10 drops of echinacea tincture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Optional: replace 4 oz of water with witch hazel or rose water for extra drying or cooling support.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mix the ingredients together and then flush the area or gently mist and let dry. Do this 3 or 4 times for the first 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Next, combine 1\/4 cup of powdered bentonite clay with 1\/8 cup of powdered echinacea, plantain leaf or yarrow. Bentonite clay is okay by itself if you don\u2019t have access to the other herbs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sprinkle this mixture on the lesion and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water or the Hot Spot Rinse. Do this 2 or 3 times per day.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When the hot spot starts healing, you can use a salve made with calendula or St John\u2019s wort oil. Both of these herbs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Calm skin&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Remove itchiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Disperse inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Calendula is both antibacterial and antifungal. It heals tissues quickly (but be careful, it can heal too quickly if an infection is present). If the hot spot seems to be infected (with drainage or excessive scabbing), wait to use the calendula. You want the hot spot to start healing and have minimal drainage before using it. Otherwise you could clog the hot spot.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some hot spots lack moisture and remain dry with limited bacteria growth. You can apply a simple calendula salve or infused oil to quickly heal tissues and calm the itch with these.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For painful, dry or healing hot spots use a calendula and goldenseal spray. To make your own spray, add 15 drops of each tincture to one cup of water. Use the mixture to mist your dog\u2019s hot spots 3 to 4 times a day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Healing From The Inside Out<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The second step in healing hot spots involves internal treatment. There are 3 main areas you want to focus on.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Diet&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A diet of fresh whole foods is better for your dog\u2019s total health and help reduce hot spots.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make sure it includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antioxidants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Digestive enzymes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prebiotics and probiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Omega-3s<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Organ support<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You also want to support the elimination organs to help balance out the body and support whole body healing. This includes the digestive tract, kidneys and liver.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To support the liver, try milk thistle, dandelion, and St John\u2019s wort. They can help cool your dog\u2019s system as well. For the kidney, use a tincture of whole burdock. This also helps clear out heat and cool your dog from within.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a general guide, you can give your dog 1\/2 drop of tincture for each pound of body weight. Use a full drop if you\u2019re using a glycerin extract instead of an alcohol extract. You can give this to your dog twice daily.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Support The Lymphatic System<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You also need to keep your dog\u2019s lymphatic system moving. It\u2019s responsible for:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Removing toxins and cellular waste<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Transporting white blood cells to fight infection&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The lymphatic system can also help decrease inflammation, which is important with hot spots.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I recommend calendula for dogs who are cool to neutral. Cleavers work well for dogs that are usually warm or hot. Dogs with hot spots who have immune or organ imbalances usually fall into this category. The general dose for lymphatic support is one drop for 10 lbs of bodyweight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suppression Isn\u2019t The Answer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The skin is an organ of elimination like the colon, kidneys and liver. The suppression of symptoms should only be a last resort, saved for extreme cases.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Holistic treatments look to ease symptoms and keep hot spots from spreading. Suppressing the body\u2019s response can drive inflammation deeper into the tissues. This eventually contributes to chronic disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the most effective ways to avoid multiple lesions is by being proactive. Don\u2019t look at hot spots as a one-off issue. Instead view them as a chronic condition caused by a deeper underlying condition. You need to address this condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Effective preventative care involves establishing a relationship with a homeopathic or holistic vet. Skin lesions like hot spots function as a warning beacon. They\u2019re telling you to treat from within. Strengthen your dog\u2019s digestive and immune function while supporting internal organs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many natural modalities prove effective for healing hot spots. This herbal regimen gives your dog relief while allowing her body to respond.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your dog\u2019s hot spots are an issue, work on the inside. Support her immune system and get her energy flowing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may think of hot spots as a condition on their own. But most of the time they\u2019re a symptom of a more serious condition \u2026 like chronic stress, food<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-natural-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}