Best DIY Hot Spot Remedies for Your Dog

Is your best friend troubled by hot spots? Canine hot spots, also known as “acute moist dermatitis” can be triggered by a number of different things, including insect bites, inadequate grooming, allergies, and skin infections, and then made worse by your dog’s chewing, scratching, and licking. What can you do to help your dog get some relief from this annoying skin irritation? Besides addressing the underlying cause, you can also make some simple, effective hot spot treatments to apply to your dog’s skin. Here are a few of our favorite home remedies:

Black tea bags: The tannic acid in regular (not herbal) black tea will help dry out the hot spot. Soak a tea bag in hot water and then let it cool. Apply to the hot spot for about 5 minutes. Repeat 3 times a day until you see improvement.

Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a cooling and soothing astringent. Apply to a cotton ball or get some pre-moistened pads and use on hot spots.

Apple cider vinegar: This is popular with many dog owners. Just be sure to make a diluted 50/50 water/apple cider vinegar solution before applying to your dog. If the hot spot has an open wound, dilute even more.

Vitamin E: Open up a vitamin E capsule and apply the gel directly to the hot spot.

Gold Bond Powder: Many dog owners swear by Gold Bond Powder to treat their dog’s hot spots. Apply the powder to your dog’s hot spot and try to cover or use an e-collar to discourage licking.

Coconut oil: Popular with people and pets, coconut oil can be applied directly to your dog’s skin and won’t harm her if she does some licking.

Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial. Be sure to look for a particular type of honey called “manuka” which has stronger healing properties than other kinds of honey.

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