Hot Spots

Hot Spots
Hot spots can lead to serious illness in dogs. They can be caused by allergies to chemicals, food, fleas and other substances, but fleas seem to be a primary source. 

Steps to treat a hot spot

• Shave all hair at the sore out until the skin is healthy (you really must do this or it will fester and grow making it worse)
• Disinfect with Betodine/water solution. Dilute the solution with water unti it looks like ice tea in color. 
• Mark edges of sore with a permenant marker
• Apply aloe to sore to soothe or tea bags can help dry out the wound
• Keep clean and dry.  Disinfect as long as puss is coming out.  Do it frequently the first few days.
• Put an e collor on the dog if necessary to keep him from licking or biting the wound. If the hot spot is where the dog can scratch it, put a tshirt on the dog, or wrap the foot in cotton and vet wrap to lessen the impact of the scratching.

No swimming when dog has a hot spot

Go to vet if it does not improve or is obviously growing past your marker edges

Alternatite to Betodine

This recipe has proven effective for many dogs suffering from Hot Spots.

3 capsules Sage
¼ teaspoon Epsom Salts
2 cups of Water
Combine all ingredients and bring this all to a boil.
Cool to room temperature and then strain out the powdered Sage.
Store in a 2-cup spray bottle or jar in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Spray or wipe on hot spots, insect bites, or any other skin abrasions as many times a day as possible.
It heals in about 3 days, and you should begin to see some hair regrowth in a little over a week.