Hot Spots

[Gadhelic]

I was wondering if you have any solutions to itchy 'hot spots'. I have one girl who has a strong allergic reaction to any bites or stings she gets and frantically chews at the bitten area. My vet has given her steriods to stop the itch but I would like to find something that was more natural?

[Marcella]

We've had an article in Holland about Hot Spots, I think it was written by a Vet.

Preferable is to shave the area of the hot spot and to wash it with a sort of betadine (don't know if this is the correct word in English as well) or something to clean it with.
Clean it for at least 3 days.

As an alternative for the use of cream with steriods it seems you can use:
a few drops of Teatree oil (diluted), (homeopathic) cream Calendula. In Holland there is also a animal clinic that made a special homeopathic preparation called "Hotspot compositum". Maybe it's available in the UK also. These alternative's seem to have the same effect as the steriods.

You should clean the wound /area for about 2 / 3 days and use one of the above alternatives. You should stop using them when the wound is fully healed.

Hope it helps you..

[Gadhelic]

I've googled betadine and it is Povidone iodine so I'm sure I can find something akin in the UK. I have ben told of the Calendula for broken skin so I think I'll be trying that on her next. I can't find anything in the Uk for hotspot compositum but I have been advised to try sulphur and graphite so maybe they are in the basis.

Many thanks for your help

Carol

[Nicole Wilson]

There is a natural product available called HOMEOPET HOT SPOTS (available from http://www.petcompany.co.uk/acatalog/Homeopet__homo.html)
I've never tried it myself but it seems to be totally natural. A friend of mine uses (diluted) grapefruit seed oil on her Gordons' itchy/hotspot skin with success but I've never tried that either.
Hope your girl will be better soon and good luck!

[Gadhelic]

Thanks Nicole I got some and it does work, she is not chewing at herself at all now

[Nicole Wilson]

That's great news - excellent. I'm glad that your girl is better. Will get some for my first aid kit too. I saw that they do a range of homoeopathic remedies and I might try a couple of the others too.

[Lisa Harman]

Hi Carol, I used to work with racing greyhounds, we used to use flowers of sulphur on them which is very cooling, and also betadine (on split pads) you should be able to buy both from your local chemist. If you now your chemist well they may sell you 100ml of betadine rather than a large litre bottle. The flowers of sulpher cost £2-£3 a box, it is bright yellow, and may end up on your carpets and clothes, but dont worry it doesnt stain!

Lisa

[Wendy Smith ~ Kewstoke]

Just reading through the forums.... on the hot spot subject or any area of skin which is aggravated and causing discomfort for numerous reasons, stings, bites, excema, allergies. In the UK we have an antibacterial wash named Hibiscrub ~ it is marvellous and has a really calming affect. Wash the area first so that the fur/skin is basically clean, then dilute the hibiscrub 1 part to 4 parts water, use it as you would a shampoo but leave in on the affected area for 3 minutes before rinsing with clean water. Then dry the dog, wet or damp fur encourages bacteria... repeat every day for 3 days and then weekly if still necessary. In the grooming business this wash was a real plus for many of my clients pets.

[FranMc Namara]

Hello and good evening , in the past hotspots on our dogs was a problem , but there is a very easy solution that is safe and handy , do you have Sudocream , it is the most powerful of things and is without doubt the best thing for numerous problems , just try it and you will see , Bachs rescue remedy can also be used , we have used both with great effect , try to stay away from steroids , Sudocream will solve the problem .
Regards
Fran

[Gadhelic]

Thanks for the advice. I have found a preventative that seems to be working on her atm. It is a herbal shampoo for head lice in children (I know it sounds horrible) but it is a Tea Tree and Neem Oil shampoo from Dr Johnson and since I started using it last September she hasn't had any trouble with the hot spots (touch wood). I'll keep my fingers crossed it works through the summer and let you know.

I always have Hibiscrub in for cleaning wounds and Sudocrem for my own skin problems so if I do need to cure any spots I've got everything to hand.

Thanks again for the info

[Louise Glaysher]

Yes Carol I have a solution given to me by a cat breeder of all things (I have a Maine Coon cat) - colloidal silver - its the best thing I've ever found for helping wounds, hot spots, bites and slight infections. My Harvey had surgery last year to remove a lump in his shoulders and it wouldnt heal, I was at my wits ends - but I dabbed it every day with silver and it healed in a week. I wont be without the stuff, its especially good for itchy ears in cats and dogs. This is the site I buy it from - give it a try, I think you'll like it. It may be old fashioned but my personal experience is that it works! http://www.perfect-shape.co.uk/product.php?productid=38&gclid=C...

Louise

[Gadhelic]

Hi Lousie

I had forgotten about collodial silver, I used it on a puppy I had with Pyoderma and got fantastic results a few years ago. Thanks for reminding me
Carol