The Best Hot Spot Treatment For Dogs
Hot spots are unfortunately common for dogs, ranging from mildly inconvenient to extremely painful. Their causes vary greatly, from concerns as small as overlicking to as large as fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Thankfully, treatments are available over the counter for immediate relief.
What to Look For
When searching for the best hot spot treatments for dogs on the market today, we focused on three main aspects: safety, effectiveness, and gentleness. We were first interested in the Bexley Labs spray for its ability to solve almost any skin condition. We also appreciated the Veterinary Formula mixture for its affordable price and promising results. Read on to learn more about each of these, as well as our other favorites.
Bexley Labs Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs
The perfect cure-all
This medicated spray can help with hot spots from several causes, including current skin infections, allergies, rashes, and more. It’s designed to prevent stinging upon contact, so your pet shouldn’t mind the application. Once the spray is in place, it begins to soothe itching and pain with the help of aloe vera and vitamin E. The spray eliminates bacteria, fungus, yeast, and ringworm, so you can treat problem spots even before you know what they are.
Pros:
- Strong formula
- Made and recommended by veterinarians
- Available in 4 and 8-ounce bottles
- Each batch is tested for purity and safety by a third-party laboratory
- Also safe for use on cats
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
Vetericyn Antimicrobial Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs
Pain free application
Veterinarians recommend this hot spot spray for a variety of skin concerns. It keeps the affected area clean and moist, so the skin underneath heals more quickly. Plus, it doesn’t contain antibiotics, so it’s gentler than the medicated varieties. Even better, it’s antimicrobial, which means it can still help with several types of skin infections. The exact formula is used in many human skin products, so you can trust it’s completely safe for your pet. Also, its Ph-neutral, FDA-approved formula is gentle enough that your pet shouldn’t mind the application process.
Pros:
- Serves as a great first step for skin concerns
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Can provide relief from pain and itching
- May reduce allergy-related skin discomfort
- Safe for animals of all kinds
Cons:
- Isn’t guaranteed to cure bacterial or fungal infections
Veterinary Formula Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs
Affordable care
This hot spot treatment for dogs provides safe and trusted relief without the high price tag. It’s recommended by veterinarians for reduced itching, swelling, and redness, as well as to support the wound healing process. Specific problems that the spray help treat include allergies, insect bites, scrapes, injuries caused by matted coats, and more. The ingredients include lidocaine and hydrocortisone, so you can feel comforted knowing your pets are being treated with human-grade medications.
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Provides relief quickly
- Leaves behind a nice, subtle scent
- Pain-free application
- Also safe for cats
Cons:
- Not safe for puppies under 12 weeks of age
Vet’s Best Natural Dog’s Hot Spot Spray
Safe and effective
This dog hot spot treatment is made with natural ingredients, including aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil. Veterinarians recommend to help soothe painful and itchy areas and aid in the natural wound-healing process. The application doesn’t burn, as there is no alcohol or other strong ingredients included. You can spray it directly on the affected area or mix it into water and use it during bath time as part of a soothing massage.
Pros:
- Eight and 16-ounce bottles are available
- Reasonably priced
- Safe to combine with other hot spot treatments
- Leaves behind a pleasant scent
- Safe to use with topical flea and tick prevention
Cons:
- Not to be used more than twice in 24 hours
Forticept Dog Hot Spot Treatment Set
Everything you need
This set comes with everything you need for hot spots of all kinds. The first product is called Maxi-Wash, an antimicrobial soap that stops skin infections in their tracks. This soap can relieve pain while supporting natural healing and eliminating bacteria and fungus. The second product is Blue Butter, which is a gel that you apply directly to the affected area to serve the same purposes. And last but not least, the included dog bandage ensures your pup doesn’t lick off their treatment before it has time to soak in.
Pros:
- Helps with the root cause behind almost all hot spots
- Can be used in and out of the bath
- Fast and pain-free application
- Can be used several times per day
- Saves money compared to buying each item separately
Cons:
- Smaller skin concerns may not require this level of treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dog hot spots caused by?
Hot spots can be caused by various situations, some of which require immediate medical attention while others do not. These causes include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, cuts and scrapes, allergies, and matted hair skin injuries.
Do hot spots need to be treated?
Some hot spots need immediate care, while others will go away on their own. That’s why it’s best to use a multifunctional treatment. You can apply these sprays and gels right when your pet is uncomfortable without finding the root cause first. This can get them healthy quicker and save you from unnecessary trips to the vet. But if your pet’s skin does not improve, an appointment is always the next best option.
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