Hot Spots – AKA Moist Dermatitis

A hot spot is a spot on your pet that is red, oozing, smelly, painful and irritated. Usually found at the weakest spot such as side of face, neck, chest, hind or top of tail.

Many things could cause hot spots:

  • Flea or bug bites
  • Food sensitivities
  • Liver imbalance
  • Immune disease
  • Injury to body
  • Too much heat in body

Hot spots spread fast, so it’s best to treat as soon as possible.

Suppression isn’t the answer! A traditional vet will tell you they need antibiotics and steroids. They don’t tell you medications don’t fix a compromised immune system.

So how do you treat them yourself?

  1. Clean and disinfect the wound using either Zymox soap or something comparable or even gold Listerine on a cotton ball.
  2. Shave the area, if possible, with an electric razor, getting the area and a little beyond.
  3. Apply Nu-Stock: The Sulphur dries out the hot spot and the pine oil helps disinfect and regrow the hair.
  4. Make sure to wear gloves and massage the tube before applying so it is mixed well.
  5. Try to leave it on for at least 30 minutes or longer, even overnight, if possible. Cover with a t-shirt or bandage wrap.
  6. Wash thoroughly.
  7. Repeat as necessary. You may need to do the above a couple of times until no more oozing.


Want to try some natural hot spot treatments?

Boil fresh Rosemary herbs, strain, cool and apply to clean hotspot with a cotton ball. Do this 3-5 times per day. The Rosemary acts as a natural antiseptic with healing properties, plus it’s an anti-fungal and anti-microbial.

– OR –

Mix 1 drop of Oil of Oregano and 1 tsp. of Coconut Oil (Virgin, Organic), store in an airtight container. This mixture can be saved for future use or multiplied to make an even larger batch, just make sure to use the same ratio. Anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and good for dogs and cats. Credit: Rodney Habib and Planet Paws

The best way to treat chronic hot spots is to heal from within:

  • Diet
  • Remove environmental allergens
  • Build, support and protect the immune system