Kat has a hotspot :(

[Dekka]

I have NEVER in my life had a dog with a hot spot. Its huge! 2 inches in diameter maybe a little more (it is large lol remembering how small she is). The spot is on top of her shoulders.

I cleaned off the crusty bits and hair so now its naked. I have taken off her collar as it was likely part of the culprit. She doesn't seem to be worrying it. I put teatree oil on it last night. Anyone have experience with hotspots? Tips?

I assume its due to the heat/humidity and lots of swimming.

 

[Xie]

I like to shave the area, scrub it with chlorhexadine solution, rinse with same sterile saline, then keep it as dry as possible and use Gold Bond powder. If it doesn't start to clear up within a couple of days, or gets worse, that usually means a trip to the vet for antibiotics because it is probably infected.

 

[Dekka]

the hair all fell out and it doesn't seem to go past the edge where there is no hair.. should I try to shave it larger? The teatree oil seems to be doing a good job off keeping it dry.

 

[SizzleDog]

I wouldn't put straight tea tree oil on it - that could irritate it further.

You'll need to keep it dry, and probably use something to help dry it out. A Chessie breeder I knew always used teabags - get one wet and press it on the hotspot for a few minutes, three times a day. It helped dry the hot spot up.

Good luck - hotspots are a bitch!

 

[Buddy'sParents]

The only suggestion I have to is to dilute the tea tree oil, straight up tea tree is way too strong. Good luck, though, tea tree oil works wonders!

 

[Dekka]

I don't think its straight, its the oil I use on me, the dogs, the horses and its never caused any irritation (though now that I have said that... )

I think I shall have some tea later and use the bag on her. Tannins do have a drying effect thanks Siz.

 

[stardogs]

I've always kept a bottle of Miracle Mist spray (by Miracle Coat) on hand for hot spots - it always dries them up in just 2 days or so. It has tea tree in it so I figure that is part of the reason it works so well.

 

[PWCorgi]

Are you in contact with Redyre at all? She had a treatment that was absolutely amazing!

Worked better than anything I've found before or since. If you want I can ask her about it for you...