Hotspots

When you Dog Has Hotspots

Hotspots are a common and frustrating skin issue for many dog parents. These irritated, moist, and often painful areas can seem to appear overnight and quickly worsen if not addressed. This guide will help you understand the causes of hotspots, how to treat them effectively, and what you can do to prevent them in the future.

What Are Hotspots?

Hotspots, also called acute moist dermatitis, are inflamed areas of the skin that are red, moist, and sometimes oozing. They often develop due to excessive licking, scratching, or chewing, leading to irritation and infection and making the issue worse!

What Causes Hotspots?

Hotspots are the result of several underlying issues, including:

• Allergies & Food Intolerances: Environmental, food, or seasonal allergies can irritate the skin.

• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites are common culprits. Even the topical treatments can trigger flair-ups.

• Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can lead to hotspots.

• Moisture: Wet fur from swimming, bathing, or humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for hotspots.

• Stress or Boredom: Anxiety or lack of stimulation can lead to excessive licking or chewing.

• Pain: When areas are painful the dog will often chew to soothe causing hotspots.

• Detoxification: The skin is one of the body’s natural detox pathways. Hotspots may signal an internal imbalance that needs attention.

How to Treat Hotspots at Home

Treating a hotspot involves cleaning, protecting, and promoting healing. Here’s how:

1. Clean the Area

• Trim the Hair: Carefully trim the fur around the hotspot to allow air to reach the skin and reduce trapped moisture.

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a natural, dog-safe cleanser such as:

  • Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Mix equal parts ACV and water. Avoid raw or open wounds.

  • Chamomile or Green Tea Wash: Brew a cup, let it cool, and use it to gently clean the area.

2. Soothe and Protect

• Natural Remedies: Apply one of these soothing options:

  • Manuka Honey: Provides antibacterial benefits and forms a protective barrier.

• Prevent Licking and Scratching:

  • Use an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) or a soft recovery cone to stop your dog from licking or chewing.

  • Keep the hotspot protected from dirt, debris, and other dogs during healing.

3. Allow the Hotspot to Dry Out

• Avoid using heavy creams or ointments that trap moisture. The goal is to keep the area dry and exposed to air to promote faster healing.

• It is not advised to use antibiotic oitment or cream.

Why Essential Oils Are the Gold Standard for Hotspots

Essential oils can provide powerful healing and antimicrobial benefits when properly diluted. Add Essential Oils to the tea mixtures referenced above to help promote healing.

Some of the best options include:

• Lavender: Soothes irritated skin and calms inflammation.

• Helichrysum: Aids in skin regeneration and reduces scarring.

• Tea Tree Oil: A natural antimicrobial (only use under expert guidance to ensure safety).

• Copaiba: reduce inflammation

• We can look to essential oils for antibiotic properties as well to also treat from the inside out to address and avoid infections.

• Do not use synthetic products of any kind.

It’s crucial to dilute essential oils appropriately for dogs to avoid irritation or toxicity. Work with an expert (like me!) to create a safe and effective blend.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Future Hotspots

• Regular Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat clean and free of mats, especially in humid weather.

• Balanced Diet: A fresh, species-appropriate diet supports healthy skin and immune function.

• Parasite Prevention: Use natural flea and tick prevention methods to minimize skin irritation.

• Address Allergies: Identify and manage food or environmental triggers.

• Enrichment: Provide mental and physical stimulation to reduce stress-induced licking.

• Relieve Pain: Evaluate sources of Pain through understnding the merdians that area associated with the location of the hotspot.

The Importance of Addressing Root Causes

Remember, hotspots are often a symptom of a deeper issue. They may be your dog’s body’s way of signaling an imbalance or the need to detoxify. If your dog experiences recurring hotspots, it’s time to look at the bigger picture.

Need Personalized Support?

Hotspots can be frustrating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. As a holistic pet health coach, I can help you identify the root causes and create a customized plan for your dog. Reach out to me today to schedule a consultation or join our private forum for expert tips and community support.

Join the community forum for a more extensive guide, Q&A and discussion on the deeper elements of these topics.

Let’s work together to keep your dog happy, healthy, and hotspot-free!