Home remedies can provide initial relief for our dogs if they are plagued by an initially harmless ailment.
What you should definitely note, however, is that in many cases these home remedies are not a substitute for going to the vet and medication.
That also applies to them home remedies for one Hotspot in the dogwhich we will now take a closer look at.
What is a dog hotspot and where does it come from?
A dog hotspot is a red and weeping eczema that can appear anywhere on the dog’s body.
Since the inflamed area of skin is often very hot, it is called a hotspot.
Veterinarians also speak of pyotraumatic dermatitis. This can be triggered by a variety of reasons, such as the following:
- Ectoparasites such as fleas and mites
- joint and bone problems
- food intolerance
- anal gland problems
- contact allergies
A distinction is also made between a superficial and a deep hotspot.
It is important that the cause of the hotspot is found so that it does not appear again and again at regular intervals.
Good to know
In some cases, you won’t recognize the hotspot until the pus discharges from the wound. This gives off a particularly unpleasant smell.
You can also recognize a hotspot when the surrounding fur is stuck together by the wound secretion
Hotspot in the dog – 7 home remedies that help
Does your dog suffer from a so-called hotspot, i.e. a red, hot spot on the ear? Then calendula, St. John’s wort oil and chamomile can help.
Air, trimming the fur around the hot spot, hygiene, and socks are also effective home remedies when your dog has a hot spot.
In addition, some homeopathic remedies can be home remedies for a hotspot in the dog. Among other things, Apis D12, which you administer to the dog as globules, is suitable here.
What exactly do you do with these home remedies against a Hotspot in the dog should pay attention to and how to use them correctly, we will now look at them.
Calendula/marigold
Calendula or marigold is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
You can apply this to the hotspot as an ointment or cream so that it slowly recedes.
Please note that the ointment does not have a high fat content. Otherwise, this forms a barrier between the hotspot and the air and prevents the wound from drying out.
St. John’s Wort Oil
St. John’s wort oil has a dual effect that can provide initial relief from a hotspot in dogs.
On the one hand it works against itching, on the other hand it has a disinfecting effect.
chamomile
Chamomile or a chamomile tincture can also help to relieve the itching. The medicinal plant also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Already knew?
There are dog breeds that are prone to hotspots. These include Collies, Nordic breeds, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers and Saint Bernards.
socks
Wondering how socks can help with weeping dermatitis? Very simple – by putting them over your dog’s paws.
Hotspots itch – and if your dog keeps scratching them up, the wound cannot heal.
Socks can help stop scratching.
Air
Air is a home remedy for a dog hotspot that really everyone has at their disposal. In the case of a hotspot, it is important that the wound can dry in the air.
We do not recommend bandaging, otherwise the wetness will remain under the bandage and aggravate the inflammation.
hygiene
A particularly high level of hygiene is also a home remedy that is important for hotspots in dogs.
This is the only way to ensure that no other pathogens get into the hotspot.
trim fur
Trimming the fur around the hot spot can help the inflammation heal.
This means that a) it cannot constantly stick together and b) no hairs get into the wound.
Home remedies don’t help – what else can help if my dog suffers from a hotspot?
The home remedies for a hotspot in the dog don’t all help? Then can special creams that you can get at the pharmacy or at the vet’shelp.
Another option is a neck brace, which every dog really detests. This makes the hotspot disappear indirectly.
Like the socks mentioned, the neck brace prevents your dog from repeatedly scratching the hot spot.
You can also use a mild antiseptic to disinfect the inflamed skin and render possible pathogens harmless.
Last but not least, zinc ointment, which you may have in your own medicine chest, also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
When should I go to the vet?
We recommend you go to the vet as soon as possible. Because a hotspot can become a serious health problem that needs to be treated.
It is therefore important to find out the cause of this weeping dermatitis in the foreseeable future. This is the only way treatment can be carried out that does not just treat the symptoms.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation, antibiotic or steroid therapy may also be necessary.
And these medications are only available to the vet, who can also tell you how to use and dose them correctly.
Conclusion
Does your dog have a hotspot? Then help as Home remedies chamomile, calendula, St. John’s wort oil, air, hygiene and socks.
Trimming the coat around the hot spot and using the homeopathic remedy Apis D12 can also provide initial relief.
If these home remedies do not help, special ointments can be used in hotspot treatment, such as zinc ointment.
We recommend that you see your vet as soon as possible to find the cause of the pyotraumatic dermatitis.
Has your dog ever had a hotspot? What helped, what was the cause? We’d love for you to share your experiences and tips with us in the comments!