Dog Hot Spot Treatment Is Challenging For Pet Owners
Treating a dog for hot spots can be one of the
most frustrating experiences for a pet owner.
Dog hot spot treatment is a difficult matter. As
the owner of a dog with hot spots, I understand
how challenging this condition can be. It is
treatable, however, and dog hot spots can be
managed effectively.
Before applying any treatments, clip the hair
around the affected areas if your dog has long
hair. Cleanse the areas with warm water and a
mild cleanser, such as betadine solution. If
that is not available, Ivory soap is very gentle
and non-irritating. Fill a mid-size bowl with
warm water and add a spoon of salt. Soak a wash
cloth in this solution and hold on the hot spots
to help reduce any swelling and remove puss.
A home remedy for dog hot spot treatment can be
made from household items. One homemade remedy
that I found to be effective was four to six
capsules of fish oil and two to three capsules
of garlic oil added to two ounces of tea tree
oil. The mixture should be applied liberally to
affected areas. Garlic is also a natural
deterrent for fleas.
Dabbing witch hazel on the hot spots has a
cooling effect which minimizes itching and will
help to dry out the wounds. Breaking off a leaf
from an aloe vera plant and rubbing the juice
from the leaf is another excellent way to help
relieve itching on your pet. Black or green tea
is also good for treating hot spots. Soak a tea
bag in hot water, remove it and let it cool.
Hold the tea bag on the hot spot for about five
minutes. The tannic acid in black tea leaves
will help to dry the sores and heal them
quickly. Another effective tea remedy is made by
adding a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and
dissolving two aspirin in a cup of warm tea,
then applying to the hot spots. Do this several
times a day for best results.
Applying an over the counter hydrocortisone
cream to the hot spots will reduce itching.
Mixing equal parts of Listerine, baby oil and
water in a spray bottle, then spraying the hot
spots will provide positive results. Dabbing
apple cider vinegar on the affected areas or
applying dry baking soda will also give your dog
relief from the itching. Both are cooling and
soothing to the skin.
While many issues can be treated successfully
at home, some hot spots can be related to flea
or food allergies. Subdermal mites can be
culprits. Dog hot spot treatments should always
begin with a visit to your veterinarian to rule
out more serious causes of this aggravating
condition. Your dog may need aggressive
treatment, such as steroid injections and
antibiotics in the beginning to get the
situation under control. Your vet will be able
to determine whether the hot spots are being
caused by fleas, mites or by his food through
blood tests or skin scrapings.
As soon as your dog begins showing signs of hot
spots, such as constant itching, chewing and hair
loss, address the problem immediately. Any delay
in treatment could lead to a situation that
spirals out of control. The sooner treatment
begins, the easier it will be to heal and the
happier your dog, and you, will be.
If you are not comfortable applying homemade
remedies, there are hundreds of products that
can be purchased from pet stores, feed stores
and even places like Wal-Mart. Some products
will only relieve symptoms while others actually
promote healing. Just like people, some products
will work well on one dog but not another. You
may have to do a little experimenting to find
out what works best for your dog.
----------------------------------------------------
Hot spots can make your dog miserable and can be
frustrating for many pet owners. There are
treatments available that include simple to use
shampoos and lotions. Read more at
http://www.doghotspots.net
EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=259945
0 comments:
Post a Comment