What Are Hot Spots and How Can You Help Your Hound Naturally?

Hot spots can appear suddenly and seem to get worse overnight. If your hound has ever suffered from one, you will know how uncomfortable and distressing it can be for both of you.

First, let’s look at what causes hot spots and how natural approaches can support recovery and help prevent future flare-ups.

What is a Hot Spot?

A hot spot, also known as acute moist dermatitis, is an inflamed area of skin that appears red, moist, and often oozing. These spots are typically very itchy and painful, leading dogs to lick, chew, or scratch the area, which only makes things worse.

They can appear anywhere on the body and are often found on the neck, chest and hindquarters.

What Causes Hot Spots?

Hot spots can be triggered by a range of underlying issues, including:

• Flea bites or insect stings
• Allergies, either food or environmental
• Moisture trapped under the coat after swimming or bathing
• Underlying skin conditions
• Stress or boredom that leads to excessive licking

Once a dog starts scratching or licking, the skin breaks down, bacteria takes hold, and a hot spot quickly develops.

A Natural Approach to Hot Spot Care

At Holistic Hound, we believe that the best care is gentle, natural, and effective. Here are some simple, supportive steps to take if your dog has a hot spot:

1. Clean the Area Gently

Use lukewarm water and our gentle Grooming Bar to clean the area without stripping the skin. It creates a light, natural lather that helps lift dirt and soothe irritation.

Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based products as these can sting or further dry out the skin.

2. Soothe with a Natural Soak

A calming soak can help ease itching and reduce irritation. Our Paw and Skin Soak contains soothing oatmeal, glacial clay, chamomile and kawakawa and can be used to target small, irritated areas as well as general skin discomfort.

3. Follow with a Nourishing Salve

Once the skin is clean and dry, apply a natural balm to protect the area and support healing. Our Paw and Skin Salve contains soothing oils and butters that create a protective barrier while helping to calm and care for the skin.

4. Keep the Area Dry and Exposed

Moisture feeds bacteria, so it is important to keep the hot spot as dry as possible. Trim surrounding fur if needed and ensure good air circulation.

5. Discourage Licking

Your dog’s natural instinct is to lick the sore spot. If needed, consider using a cone or soft recovery collar or a onesie while the skin settles.

6. Support Skin Health Ongoing

Once the hot spot has healed, look at long-term ways to reduce the chances of it happening again. That could include:

• Regular natural grooming to remove dirt and loose fur
• A diet rich in skin-supporting nutrients
• Reducing exposure to known allergens
• Daily walks and enrichment to reduce stress-related licking

Why Natural Matters

Conventional treatments often involve steroids or antibiotics, which may be necessary in severe cases. But for mild to moderate hot spots, natural topical care can be incredibly effective without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

All Holistic Hound products are made using gentle, plant-based ingredients. We leave out the irritants and focus only on what is needed to support the skin’s natural recovery.

Erica & Suzanne x