Hot spots on dogs . . . any home remedies?
 

Buddy has been chewing on hit back end and tail. It is not fleas.

I took him to get groomed the other day and they used some shampoo that was supposed to heal the skin, but reality is, he is just chewing elsewhere.

I have tried Bitter Apple spray, but that doesn't seem to be helping much.

Anyone have anything to do to help prevent chewing due to hot spots? Do I need to get him one of those big white cone collars?

Hot spots usually develop as a result of a dog passing through it's "itch threshold". It is most often a problem on large dogs and caused by fleas or food alergies.

Food alergies, insect bites and fleas can lead to hot spots. In the case of my dogs, one is allergic to beef and too much will make him break out in hot spots.

What I am saying is you'll want to prevent further outbreaks. Feel free to contact me if you want, I have a lot of experience with this from rescue dogs.

In this specific case, you may need to use a collar like you suggested. Make sure it is clean and shave the hair in the area to keep the moisture from spreading the affected area.

get one of those lampshade things that go around the neck

http://www.beeceuticals.com/store/

I have a friend that swears by this stuff. I guess it's supposed to help all kinds of shit but the hot spots on dogs is just a lucky bi product.

Well, like I said, I haven't spotted any fleas on him, and the groomer said she did not spot any.

As far as food allergies, I don't give him people food. IAMS and Milkbones are it.

I guess I can have the groomer shave his ass on Monday. I know he will hate that though.

My puppy had that too. I got her an oatmeal based shampoo and it seems to help! Hope this helps you Baddog!

Interesting . . . just trying to figure out what a "Cell of Approval" is.

http://www.beeceuticals.com/store/images/cell.gif

Usually you just need to shave right on top of the actual hot spot, and not all hot spots require it. Just if it's weeping moisture that's collecting in the hair around it. That damp hot hair will allow an enviroment for bacteria to strive in.

Beef allergies are the most common allergies. I wouldn't worry about it unless hot spots continue to develop.

Aloe vera always worked great with our Golden Retriever, without adding unneeded chemicals to his system.

There was some sort of powder I bought when I had 2 retriever mixes with hot spots. Try calling the vet. Whatever it was, it worked great.

If you can't find anything, then the collar is the answer. Plus it's great entertainment while they're wearing it ;)

I have heard of oatmeal's healing abilities . . . wonder if I can just make a bowl and cake it on his ass.

I may just go buy a plant. That stuff works good for everything.