What's the best at home treatment for my Golden Retreiver's emerging Hot Spot?
She had a raging infected hot spot earlier this summer and one seems to be popping up again. How do I stop it in its tracks before incurring another fierce vet bill and having to pay for prescription medication?
Answers ( 1 )
Treatment starts with clipping away the matted hair over the hot spot. This reveals the extent of the lesion and will allow the area to dry out. Cleaning with a mild antiseptic then aids in removing the discharge and surface bacteria. A topical antibiotic/anti-inflammatory cream is then applied to clean and soothe the lesion. Systemic antibiotics are often prescribed in order to best resolve infection within the deeper layers of the skin. Cortisone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory, is often prescribed to reduce the itchiness of the hot spot and break the itch-scratch cycle, giving the lesion a chance to heal.
Hot spots can be very sensitive and painful, and some dogs will not tolerate treatment. Depending on the severity we may recommend a general anaesthetic. This means the entire procedure will be painless and less traumatic for your dog, while allowing a thorough treatment of the hot spot.
Another treatment option is
1. Wash with soap
The most common home treatment involves using antibacterial soap on the wound and washing it once daily. This method is most effective on small or mild hotspots, and pet owners should expect to see an improvement in three to five days.
2. Steep tea
About Puppies recommends steeping a tea bag in hot water, cooling it thoroughly and then placing it against the hotspot. This can be repeated several times a day.
3. Apply herbal remedies
Homeopathic expert Dana Scott of Dogs Naturally Magazine recommends remedies such as "belladonna, graphites, mercurius and rhus tox." "You could also spray calendula tincture on the hotspot," she says. "I've found these remedies to be so effective that shaving is rarely necessary."
4. Run a bath
Dr. Bern recommends oatmeal baths. "They can be very soothing to the skin and are a good treatment for mild cases," he says.
5. Break into the medicine cabinet
To help keep dogs from licking or otherwise continuing to agitate the hotspot, put a small amount of vaporising rub around the affected area. To relieve itching, a small amount of witch hazel spray is a topical option.