Skin infection (Hot Spot) question

[jmpromo]

Can anyone offer a natural remedy or preventative for "hot spots"...or a place that can offer good information on this subject?

[clement's golden rule]

I just wanted to say, that my daughter works as a vet tech, and she knows my predisposition to conventional therapies, but it is the ONE thing, that she is adamant about, with me.. that the dogs need to be seen, if they develope a hot spot, besides the obvious, accident,,injury, shock... that being said, I have been blessed with two dogs, actually my other golden never had one either, so three goldens, that haven't had any... I wonder if nutrition or genetics come in to play, or is it totally environmental issues, that trigger them. hoping that you are doing your homework, before the issue presents itself, if not... hope that you are getting the appropriate treatments.. ask your vet too.. I have been blessed with vets, that arent' so full of the drug companies, that they have been open to all avenues, and would only supplement, the big guns, when absolutely necessary. would love more info, as you get it.

[jmpromo]

You really are fortunate to have had 3 goldens and no issues with "Hot Spots".
Foster has only had 2 in 4 years, but I'd still like to be able to find a natural preventative if one exists.

[clement's golden rule]

I'll check with my daughter, and see what she might be able to tell me about thenature of such things...I'm not sure what provokes (sp) them, so I'm lost as to how to prevent> If I find anything out, I'll pass it along.

[Jo Ellen]

Extra Strength Gold Bond Medicated Powder.

It WORKS.

I have used it myself, several times. The last episode was several years ago when one hot spot turned into half a dozen over a large area in just 2 days. I was trying hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil, Wonderdust (which was AWFUL by the way) -- not working. I was just that close to going to the vet and having her shaved, steroids, the whole 9-yards when I ran across a suggestion to use the Gold Bond. I tried it. I poured it on liberally, on all affected areas, patted it down and prayed. Not 12 hours later, I could see a huge noticeable improvement. The redness was gone, the pus was dried, the wounds were drying. It was practically miraculous. I swear. The hot spots were all gone, all of them, completely, in less than a week.

I am never without the Gold Bond during the summer months. I don't keep her collar on her when she's indoors or when she's wet. I brush her daily and am very aware all the time what her skin is doing. I use the gold bond when she's hot or when she's just generally itchy, after she comes out of the pond she likes to fish in....she hasn't had a hot spot in over two years. I used to dread these things like nothing else, but not anymore.

Try the gold bond first. Be liberal with it, it's not going to hurt. Stay away from wet ointments as they don't promote the drying that is needed, not the same way the Gold Bond does. If you don't notice an improvement within 24 hours, then you're best bet is the vet. But I'd bet money it won't be necessary.

Do yourself and your golden a favor -- get the Gold Bond. It's got a strong smell but you get used to it after a while. And if there ever comes a time when you need it and you see how well it works, you won't care anymore how it smells. It's just a godsend, pure and simple.

That's my testimony :003

[clement's golden rule]

hey, jo ellen, thanks for that.. always good to have a plan, in the back of your mind.. especcially with these guys, wet everyday of their lives.

[Beach Blonde]

I have to chime in, I found the Gold Bond recommendation in another thread and tried it this weekend on a group of 3 hotspots my baby has on her tummy. I use the spray the vet prescribed first (Betagen $20), let it dry and cover the area with Gold Bond (generic $2). HUGE improvement in only a day and a half! I still have to discourage her from licking the area but the redness is almost gone. Once I'm out of the Betagen I'll just try Gold Bond and see if it is as effective (hopefully there aren't too many recurrences).

[Andi]

I am not sure if Cooper has a "hot spot" or just an irritation on his throat/neck from his collar.

It is about a quarter-sized area and scabby....bumpy, brown scabs. Where there isn't scabs....it's red....really red.

I was thinking of trying the Gold Bond powder on him to see if that would help. When you use the powder, do you shave the area first??

Opinions and info please!

[GoldenJoy]

I usually cut the hair away from around the spot before applying Gold Bond. I apply it to the area often.

[Andi]

Okay...I actually took my husband's beard trimmer thing and trimmed his hair off of his neck to get a better look at the thing.

It's definitely bigger than a quarter. There is a really scabby quarter-sized area but it extends out in a line in either direction that is more like a heat rash with what appear to be a tiny scab on each bump.

It's also itchy. I don't know if it's just irritation from his collar or a "real" hot spot. The vet tech will be calling me back. I made an appointment for Tuesday to see what it is but am going to try to treat it at home until his appointment.

[Jo Ellen]

Are you using the gold bond right now? Try this first.

[Andi]

I was planning on picking up some of the Gold Bond tonight. The vet also said that I could give him some Benedryl to help with the itchiness. I don't think that I will be giving him the Benedryl though. Just Gold Bond for now.

[Jo Ellen]

Use the gold bond liberally and often. Even as often as every half-hour. I recently tried some on myself for some thorn bush scratches on my arm and it helped alot, even with the pain, but I needed to reapply, like I said, every half-hour.

Use the extra strength in the green bottle.

:003

[rthomas]

I had just heard that food with corn in it can cause hot spots. likely because it is a food that causes an increase in body temperature as it takes more energy to digest it. (High in calorie...etc) We took Cady off of the food that the breeder had her on and put her on solid gold wolf cub and we seem to have less ear buildup and less scratching. A little more expensive but she likes it and her poops have firmed up nicely.

[Jo Ellen]

Yes, corn is a culprit -- cheap to produce, a cost-effective filler but our dogs are not ruminants !!!

[Luke's Mom]

I had never heard of using Gold Bond until today......wish I had! I will try it first the next time I need it,, but I also just used Panalog (an ointment from the vet and probably expensive......don't know because it was old). Two applications worked near miracles on an "oozy" sore that was not a true "hot spot". If the Gold Bond doesn't work, you might ask your vet about Panalog or some equivalent. I was grateful to have it available and have it work so very well.
Second thoughts about causes: a Golden we had from years ago was allergic to flea bites (this was in the days before Frontline and the pills to control fleas) to the point where even one bite could turn into a huge hot spot (usually right above her tail) in a matter of a few minutes. Could this be a problem with your dog? Or perhaps other allergies?

[JakesDad]

My Jake used to get those on his front legs, wouldn't heal. Last year his face, around eyes and under mouth. He had blood drawn, turned out to be mange mites. Took several trips to be dipped. Mites are not contagious, but if immune system is not good, they get out of control.

We developed Cushings Disease this March, buried him May 16th, just over 7 years old. I would recommend blood test for the mites. Good Luck from a grieving Dad.

[Andi]

The Gold Bond powder definitely seems to be helping but he will still have his vet appointment on Tuesday just to check it out.

Cooper is on Natural Balance Ultra....just checked the ingredients....no corn.

[messano]

Diet is definitely part of the reason that dogs develop hot-spots, we have proven this ourselves by switching diet and not having had any hot-spot issues since (this used to be a big problem).

The biggest 'culprits' are grains and maize, which a dogs digestive system is not designed to handle. Colourings and preservatives can also be offenders, so the more natural diet that can be fed, the better.

Messano

[GoldenJoy]

I'll let you know if it is diet in Shadow's case. He's been on DVP Fish and Sweet Potato. I made the switch to see if it would help with his ears and stop the hot spots. So far, he still has ear problems, but he hasn't gotten a hot spot. I'm waiting until he's been on it for at least 6 months before I make a judgement. They both love it and their stools are firmer and much smaller since switching.

[GoldenParadise]

Not only corn, but wheat and soy are a big problem with many allergy prone dogs. Possibly wheat more than corn.

That's why many have their dogs on a corn/wheat/soy free diet. Most super-premium foods have none of the above!!

Make sure the treats and table scraps don't either...or you're defeating the purpose of the specialized food!

[KING]

In between King's pads and toes he has been licking it non stop. There is nothing stuck in it. I think it is an allergy. I am thinking about Gold Bond. Powder or ointment? Which works best. After applying I will sit with him so he doesn't like it off.

[Jo Ellen]

Use the powder, I do. You may find that once it quits itching, your dog will stop licking and chewing at it.

There's a reason this stuff is sold in the foot section of the grocery store :)

[KING]

Thanks,
I am so glad I read this post. It might have just saved me alot of $$$$$$$$$$$

[denalipup]

After reading this thread, I just want to make sure that I am doing the right thing. Denali has a red and irritated spot between his toes on his back foot. He was licking it a bunch last night (apparently while we were asleep) and this morning. I went to the store and got the Gold Bond in the blue bottle, because it was the only thing they had. I dried off his paw and poured the powder on his foot in between his toes. I am a little concerned, because he acted like it was stinging. After a few minutes he calmed down and now he is asleep under my feet.

I guess my question is, does the Gold Bond sting for a minute and then have the soothing effect? Also, will he stop licking the area as soon as it stops itching? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

BTW, he has never had anything like this before. He will be two years old in April and he eats Nutro.

[ej+cj]

I used gold bond on my newfie on the stomach area/groin area with great success. I also have used it on my puppies when they got wet from dew, wet grass, etc. I would check to be sure this is not an interdigital cyst, just a thought..

[denalipup]

He is going to the vet tomorrow, unless it is cleared up completely. Hopefully, the Gold Bond will work as well as everyone said it does. It is hard not to worry about them...of course!

[Jo Ellen]

I don't think the gold bond stings. It does feel icy sometimes, especially if the area is moist, like between your dogs toes. It probably alarmed him. And paws are generally very sensitive anyway.

Aside from the gold bond, you should get into the habit of taking a dry washcloth or something and drying between his toes, try to keep them as dry as possible. The gold bond will help with that too.

I'd be interested to know what your vet says it is.

[KING]

I never noticed he acted funny when I put it on. I think it feels good, because I touch the container, he rolls over for me to put on his belly.

[bella123]

Thank you so much for the Gold Bond advice,(Jo Ellen and all)
Charlie got a hot spot right under his ear it was awful. Big and red. In just 24 hours I cannot believe what a difference the gold bond made.
He is doing so much better. Question is there any way to prevent these? This is his second one. D'Mitri never gets them. I think Charlie hair is much thicker than Mitri maybe thats it, Aside from keeping them dry (as much as possible) any think else. :054

[CaynCher]

Question is there any way to prevent these? This is his second one. :054

Find out the cause of the itching which produces the scratching & biting leading to the irritation which, if untreated, leads to the development of the hotspot. Once you can cure or control that, the dog shouldn't have a problem. Some possible causes of the itching--fleas, other insect bites, skin and/or food allergies or a compulsive behavior disorder.

.
:dogbark :reddogx

[Jo Ellen]

The cause of hot spots can be illusive.

Where are the hot spot occuring? Is he getting them in the same general area more than once? If so, you can use the Gold Bond as a preventative in those areas, just be careful that he's not licking it off. Use it where you notice him scratching or biting, or on areas that tend to stay warm and moist.

[konabear]

Can anyone tell me what this looks like? I think Nani has one in her paw. She's been licking at it and limps, and tries not to put much weight on it if she can help it. I've looked at the underside of her paw and the fur is moist, paw warm and red. It looks like there is a raw spot as well. If I put Gold Bond on, how do I keep her from not licking it? I guess I could tape a sock onto her foot!!!

I've also flexed her entire leg, paw area, squeezed...and no reaction, so I don't think its a sprain.

[Jo Ellen]

Dogs don't usually get hot spots on their paws. What it sounds like to me is that Nani has a sore on her paw somewhere. Licking it would be natural if it's sore but her saliva has enzymes that turn the fur red. Licking excessively will also cause a raw spot.

Look at her nails, are her nails okay? Any cracks in the paw pad?

I don't think gold bond is going to help in this case. You might try soaking a rag in epson salt and then wrapping it around her paw for awhile?

Sounds like there's a sore there somewhere, or a torn nail perhaps.

[bella123]

The problem is he never sratches,licks or bites at all, the first one was small on the top of his head. The second 5 months later on his face. I ask the vet (he had no clue) I thought maybe his skin was dry, we have had alot of rain so maybe from not being completly dry????

This is day 3 and the scabs are alomost all gone.

[konabear]

Thanks JoEllen. Nails and pads are fine, its the underside between the pads that are red (yes, from licking). And she does seem to have a raw spot inside. Will try epsom salt, I've been trying to keep it dry and have sprayed Hydrocortisone on it. What about neosporin?

[fridaylove]

I tried the gold bond on Miller and his stuff got worse. It has worked for me in the past on little bumps and itchies...but this time Miller had one huge disgusting looking thing. I thought the gold bond made it worse.
We went the route of the vet...steriods...and spray and cone. Not completely convinced it's a hot spot..but it sure has caused some issues.

[KING]

I am a huge fan of gold bond. This time, I used it immediately and it packed on nicely after the area was shaved. Next day didn't look good I knew he had to have antibotics and cortizone. The doctor told me that the gold bond was preventing the air from getting to it. So he shaved the area more (it was so raw and bubbling little specks of blood) and told me to stop the gold bond. He gave us an ointment that is steriods. I was REALLY leary of using it, becuase I know the whole idea is to dry it out. He wants us to put some mixture of peroxide and water on it a couple times a day and then the ointment 2 times per day. He has to take a bunch of antibotics and antihystime or itching.
King has not had a hot spot in a year, I believe the gold bond saved us many times. The doctor recommends kayopectate on an area you see him licking. After it dries and flakes off, keep re-applying. He says it prevents hot spots. I dont know. I woul.d say the best thing I have used this past year, consistently was 200mg of benedryl per day. The past couple weeks, I didn't see him itch, so I thought he was okay.
So, I just thought I would tell you what happened this time.

[TrooperandMike]

Hot spots are such a bane! We have two Goldens, same parents/different litters...Trooper suffers every summer...Ella has never had one...they both are on Nature's Variety Instinct with some of the wet Merrick...both grain free varieties..

I believe it is heat and insects for Troop...although he may have other allergies..the poor fella...Gold Bond is a blessing if you can catch 'em early...but they happen so fast!

[Dogrunner]

Berr had a HUGE one on his tummy (from the potato and duck). I covered it with gold bond ONE TIME and 2 days later, it's gone. The stuff is totally amazing! Thank you Jo Ellen!!! :029 :029 :029

[Abby'sMom]

I'm going to the store this morning to search for Gold Bond, but I wanted to be sure on one issue. Abby has hot spots - I know what they are and she has them. But there is one on her back that is oozy, the others are starting to dry up if she would leave them alone! :mad: Anyway, can the Gold Bond be put on the oozy hot spots too? She needs a bath right now, but I'm not sure if giving her a bath before I put the Gold Bond on would help or hurt?:confused:

Abby has never had a hot spot before, but I think I know what happened. She was swimming in our pool and I rinsed her off with the hose, but she had not blown her winter coat yet, so all that undercoat was staying wet even though she appeared dry. Learning experience for me, but now I have to help my baby!:dogbark

So bath or no bath, and is it okay to put on oozy spots.
Thanks!:ddog

[Tink_019]

Well for one thing shave the hair where the hot spots are so she will leave them alone i heard the hair folicles can aggravate it that may be why she keeps licking at it. I was just at walmart last night browsing through the dog aisle and noticed they sell a yellow liquid for hot spots kinda looks like watery syrup u might wanna check that for her hot spots. My step mom just took her pit to the vet for one and his was oozing also and she told me that they washed it with antibacterial soap dried it good then shaved the hair and gave her antibotics but was also told if he gets another one to do what the vet did and also put some cortizone spray on it. They also said he was allowed to bathe so im assuming u can bathe her sorry for the long reply LOL

[Dogrunner]

I've put gold bond directly on wet hotspots--no problems. I don't shave the hair around them, but I do (gently) comb the fur away from the spot before I put the powder on.

[Kareny]

My poor Golden has these on his hind legs. I came home to notice fur on the floor where he has chewed it off. I just bathed and brushed him. He did not have any matted fur.
The hot spot is not oozing any liquid (thank God) but, what is causing this and what can I do? He is 4 and never had this before. I have central air and he is an indoor dog. We take him out to play and then right back in. He does not have fleas either. I'm reading different remedies on the net and thought this would be the best resource for us.
The only thing that comes to mind is switcjing dog food, however it's been a litttle over 2 months. If it were a food allergy wouldn't he have had a reaction sooner?
Please, any advice would greatly be appreciated. I'd really like to know the cause and the remedy to help Buddy! :confused:
TIA

[lhuemmer]

We had a golden/lab mix a few years ago and she was allergic to fleas. One flea bit and she would get hot spots-first on tummy-then need cortisone. In one way it was good because we always knew as soon as a flea was around. This was in the days when the only recourse was an ineffective flea collar and bath. I put tea trea oil on any cuts , hot spots etc. It is a natural antibiotic and tastes really bad so they do not lick it.
Could also be a food allergy.
Best to ask the vet.

[Tink_019]

Gordon would have an allergic reaction to flea bites also until i put him on frontline plus. I heard sometimes when a dog sheds the hair doesnt fall all the way from the folicle and can cause hot spots. They have a yellow oily looking liquid at walmart thats suppose to be for hot spots u can check it out. It could also be food allergies.

[Kareny]

In reading over all of these posts I am was convinced to try Gold Bond. I called my vets office and Buddy can't be seen for another week! :eek: And they could not give any advice over the phone. I am so outraged by this. I asked if my poor dog was supposed to suffer all weekend and got an apology.
I did ask about Gold Bond and they claimed they never heard of using that.
So, I'm at the mercy of fellow Golden owners. Since many of you are seasoned Golden owners I am going to take the advice here and try Gold Bond. I found a few items specifically for "hot spots" at petsmart, but am going with Gold Bond first.
I'm also leaning toward a food allergy, so I'll be gradually changing foods.
Also, what about using Benedryl? I really only want to rely on that as a last resort. He is doing pretty good during the day, but seems worse at night.

[Tink_019]

I heard from our vet u can use gold bond. Karen, what are you feeding ur dog now? I also use to give Gordon Benadryl and was told by the vet you can give them as well.

[Kareny]

I heard from our vet u can use gold bond. Karen, what are you feeding ur dog now? I also use to give Gordon Benadryl and was told by the vet you can give them as well.

Get ready to cringe...Beneful. I know, I know, awful choice!
My story is frustrating with food. Since he was a pup he has had Nutromax large breed(beef main ingredient), then suddenly 4 months ago Nutro discontinued the formula. Ugh! I went with the new food with chicken being the main ing. and Buddy had a terrible time of it. I then switched (gradually) to Wellness and after 4-6 wks of that he still had terrible gas and diarrhea. Frustrated I turned to the grocery store brand and the gas and diarrhea disapperared. I thought this was finally figured out. He's been eating Beneful for around 6-7 wks. now. After some research I read that ground yellow corn is the first ing. and the corn could be triggering an allergic reaction. Sound right?
I just found Nutro with beef the main ing. and started the gradual change.
I found maximum strength Gold Bond and sprinkled some on the hot spot and his belly where he seems itchy.
How often can I use Gold Bond in a 24 hr. period?
Thanks for your reply and any input you have about the food.

[Tink_019]

The corn sounds about right. Most of us on this website feed out dogs Canidae. I found it has worked great, gordon was losing his hair having bald itchy patches to the point where we thought it was mange. It might be kinda expensive, depending on where u live. If u read the back of the gold bond bottle it might tell u how many times u can apply within 24 hours.

[Abby'sMom]

Well, I bought the Gold Bond - what is that scent supposed to be anyway? A cross between Ben Gay and a Wintergreen Livesaver? Yuck!

I gave her a bath because she really needed one and I am glad that I did because when she was wet, I could see that her back had more skin irritations on it that weren't bad hot spots yet. So I dried her with a towel and then let her dry outside. Then I gently brushed her out to remove loose hairs and put the powder on. She immediately stopped scratching and biting those spots! I would like to say it was a miracle cure, but it has not helped dry out the two bad spots yet. We are still working on those, but I would say that it is helping. banana

[Tink_019]

Its funny u say something about the smell of gold bond.. i love how ben gay and wintergreen lifesavers smell :roll2
Good to hear its working for you.

[Kareny]

Hot spots=fleas!! I just got back from the vet and despite looking and looking he finally came across a flea. He said that some dogs are highly sensitive and can chew their skin off with only a few fleas. Go figure! I was late applying Frontline Plus this year. Let this be a lesson to get flea protection early! :)
The Gold Bond did seem to sooth the itching on the hot spots, so I will continue and use Benedryl. Vet also said you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed with water on hot spots and you can try a cortisone cream to relieve itching.
Just thought I'd share in case anyone needs alternaives to help our wonderful Goldens cope.
Thanks for the help and advice!

[Tink_019]

Well glad to hear u found out what the problem is....I always make sure im on top of my dogs frontline so i wont have the irritating flea problems.

[Kareny]

Since I've never had fleas before, (usually treat early) how long after applying Frontline Plus will my poor Golden get relief? I applied it Wed. and he's still scratching and pulling fur out! Frontlines website isn't really that helpful. I am continuing with Gold Bond and Benedryl, but honestly he seems to scratching even more. TIA and Happy 4th everyone!

[Tink_019]

I believe its within 48 hrs everything should be dead but u need to treat your house also with flea spray and if they dog has any dogs beds treat those also.

[MonarchGoldens]

With my 4 goldens I have only dealt with 1 or 2 hot spots, after a trip to the lake where my dogs were all submerged for 3 days straight! I do see them on clients dogs quite a bit. From what I have found diet plays a BIG part in hot spots & ear infections. For my clients dogs with HS I ask what they feed and 9 time out of 10 it's junk... once I give them the name of a high quality food they almost always report back that the hot spots/infections are gone and don't return. For the couple home hot spots I just clean with Hydrogen peroxide 2x day for the first 2 days and then let it dry out. Works very well!

[lhuemmer]

Tea Tree oil is a natural antibiotic that may help with hot spots. It doesn't have a good taste and discourages licking.
We had a lab-GR mix who was allergic to fleas. As soon as Freebie had one flea bit she would get a severe rash so we always knew when the little parasites were around. (That was in the days before the flea treatments we have now!)