Hot spots on dogs—also known as acute moist dermatitis—are inflamed, red, itchy patches that appear suddenly and can quickly become painful and infected. These raw skin lesions are a common concern among pet parents and can make a dog extremely uncomfortable. Hot spots can occur anywhere on the body but are most often found on the head, hips, and chest.
While conventional treatments like antibiotics, corticosteroids, and medicated shampoos are often used, they may come with side effects and only provide temporary relief. Homeopathy offers a gentle, natural, and effective alternative by addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of hot spots without harming your pet’s immune system.
What Are Hot Spots?
Hot spots are localized areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infection that develop when a dog scratches, bites, or licks a particular area excessively. The constant irritation breaks the skin, creating an open wound prone to bacterial growth.
These spots can appear within hours and spread quickly if not addressed. The affected area often looks red, wet, oozing, and painful, sometimes with pus or scabbing.
Causes of Hot Spots in Dogs
✔ Allergies (food, fleas, pollen, dust mites)
✔ Poor grooming or matted fur
✔ Flea or tick bites
✔ Excessive licking or chewing due to boredom or anxiety
✔ Ear infections or anal gland issues
✔ Moisture trapped under the coat
✔ Underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Hot Spots
✔ Red, inflamed skin lesions
✔ Constant licking, biting, or scratching
✔ Oozing or pus-filled sores
✔ Foul odor from the affected area
✔ Crust or scab formation
✔ Hair loss around the lesion
✔ Restlessness or irritability due to discomfort
Why Choose Homeopathy for Hot Spots?
Homeopathy is a holistic healing system that focuses on the entire being—mind, body, and behavior. It not only treats the surface symptoms of hot spots but also helps restore the body’s internal balance, making recurrence less likely.
Benefits of homeopathic remedies for hot spots:
- Safe and gentle for all breeds and ages
- No side effects or drug resistance
- Non-suppressive healing approach
- Helps reduce itchiness, inflammation, and infection naturally
- Strengthens overall immune health
Top Homeopathic Remedies for Hot Spots on Dogs
1. Sulphur – For Itchy, Red, and Burning Hot Spots
- Ideal for dogs who constantly scratch or bite irritated skin.
- Skin appears red, inflamed, and dry, often with intense burning or heat.
- Suitable for dogs that are generally warm-blooded and worse with heat or bathing.
- Helps prevent the recurrence of skin eruptions.
Dosage: 30C potency, once or twice daily depending on severity.
2. Rhus Toxicodendron – For Moist, Oozing Hot Spots With Itching
- Best for hot, red, swollen areas that ooze clear or yellow fluid.
- Itching is intense and worsens with rest but improves with motion.
- Works well when the dog is restless and can’t stay in one place.
- Also beneficial for hot spots caused by over-licking or anxiety.
Dosage: 30C potency, 1–2 times daily.
3. Graphites – For Crusty, Sticky Skin Lesions
- Useful for thick, sticky, honey-like discharge from the lesion.
- Skin is rough and dry, with a tendency to crack and bleed.
- Ideal for chronic or long-standing hot spots.
- Helps in promoting natural healing and scar prevention.
Dosage: 6C or 30C potency, once or twice daily.
4. Calendula Officinalis – For Healing and Preventing Infection
- A top homeopathic antiseptic and wound healer.
- Soothes irritated skin and promotes rapid healing.
- Reduces pain, swelling, and risk of secondary infection.
- Can be used both internally and topically as a calendula tincture or spray.
Dosage: 30C potency internally OR diluted calendula Q (mother tincture) applied externally.
5. Hepar Sulphuris – For Painful Hot Spots With Pus
- Best for painful, infected lesions with yellow pus and foul smell.
- Skin is extremely sensitive to touch.
- Dogs may flinch or cry when the area is touched.
- Useful for hot spots that develop abscesses or boil-like eruptions.
Dosage: 30C potency, twice a day in acute cases.
6. Arsenicum Album – For Hot Spots With Restlessness and Burning Pain
- Ideal for dogs with burning, itching skin that worsens at night.
- The dog may appear anxious, restless, and constantly changing positions.
- Discharge may be offensive or cause hair loss around the lesion.
- Also helps in skin allergies and flea-induced dermatitis.
Dosage: 30C or 200C potency, once or twice daily.
7. Mezereum – For Hot Spots With Thick Scabs and Pus
- Hot spots with thick, crusty scabs and yellow discharge underneath.
- Dogs may experience intense itching and scratching worsens the condition.
- Especially useful for dogs with recurring skin infections or poor wound healing.
Dosage: 30C potency, once daily.
How to Administer Homeopathic Remedies to Dogs
- Pellets or tablets can be crushed and mixed with food or dissolved in a small amount of water.
- Avoid giving remedies with strong-smelling substances like garlic or menthol.
- Choose a quiet time when your dog is calm for best absorption.
- For topical use (like Calendula), clean the affected area first and apply gently.
Always consult a veterinary homeopath before starting treatment to determine the most suitable remedy and dosage.
Home Care Tips for Managing Hot Spots
🛁 Keep the area clean and dry – Gently cleanse with diluted calendula or saline solution.
✂️ Trim the hair around the spot – Prevents further irritation and allows airflow.
🧼 Use hypoallergenic shampoos – Avoid harsh chemicals that worsen the condition.
🧴 Apply soothing herbal sprays – Natural sprays with neem, aloe vera, or calendula can help.
🍽️ Feed a healthy, balanced diet – Include omega-3s and high-quality protein for skin health.
🦟 Control fleas and ticks – Use natural repellents or homeopathic options.
🐾 Distract your dog from licking – Use cones or keep the dog engaged with toys.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Although homeopathy is effective, you should consult a vet if:
🚩 The hot spot spreads rapidly or worsens
🚩 There is a foul odor or heavy pus discharge
🚩 The dog has a fever or signs of systemic infection
🚩 The condition doesn’t improve within 3–5 days of treatment
Conclusion
Hot spots are not just skin problems—they’re signals that your dog’s immune system or emotional state may need support. Homeopathy offers a safe, natural, and holistic solution to treat hot spots effectively by addressing both surface symptoms and deeper causes.
If your dog is suffering from hot spots and you want a non-toxic, non-invasive treatment method, consult a veterinary homeopath at Plank Homeopathy. With the right remedy and care, your furry friend can be comfortable, healthy, and itch-free—naturally!