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Fall is the worst for allergy season in Minnesota.
Calvin, Sophie, and I are all suffering from the ragweed and outdoor molds common to fall.
Sophie gets itchy, I get congested, and Calvin tends to lick.
Calvin licks his abdomen area, and the combination of moisture and warmth often results in a gooey gross red hotspot.
It is not unusual for us to battle one or two hotspot flare-ups every fall.
Hotspots are quite unpleasant and uncomfortable for Calvin.
We do anything we can to keep him comfortable while at the same time treating the affected area.
So in this post, we will see how using essential oils for hotspots on dogs works.
My History with Hotspots
Unfortunately, for Calvin, he has to wear his comfy cone (though I don’t think he thinks it’s so comfy) to keep him from licking the hotspot while it heals.
Traditionally, we use prescription medication for his hotspots.
However, this past weekend, when he had a flareup, I realized we had run out of his medicine.
Of course, our vet wasn’t open until Monday, and his flareup didn’t warrant an emergency vet visit.
After doing a little research for home remedies, I found some great information about using essential oils for treating hotspots on dogs, so I gave it a whirl.
What are Hotspots?
Hot spots, aka acute moist dermatitis, is a condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, irritated, moist, and sometimes weepy.
Hotspots are uncomfortable for dogs.
If given a chance, dogs will often try and lick the infected area, one of their few external signs of pain.
Hotspots develop quickly and, left unattended, can cause significant lesions.
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Possible Side Effects to Using Essential Oils for Hotspots
All essential oils come with some risk.
Regardless if an essential oil is deemed safe for most dogs, sometimes individual dogs will suffer side effects.
Though there are not a lot of side effects, the most common one is skin irritation.
Dogs, like humans, have different sensitivities, so some dogs may experience skin irritation or inflammation, essentially making the hotspot area worse.
It is vital to keep an eye on the are after treating the hotspot until you know your dog will not have an adverse reaction to the oils.
Using Essential Oils for Hotspots on Dogs
Before jumping into the best essential oils for hotspots, it is critical to state that if your dog has severe hotspots with open sores to seek immediate medical attention.
Essential oils work well for managing minor flareups but can cause more irritation to severe hotspot flareups.
Also, before applying essential oils to hotspots, it is crucial to clean the area with an antiseptic soap and pat the area completely dry[1].
Some of the following essential oils are have analgesic properties, which means they soothe your dog’s pain. Anti-inflammatory properties may be more important because they target the hotspot itself.
The Best Essential Oils for Dog Hot Spots
| Oil | Latin Name | Properties | Also Helps With | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula | Calendula officinalis | Antiseptic, Anti-Inflammatory, Promotes Tissue Growth | Ear Washing, Wound Healing | $ Buy Now |
| St. John's Wort | Hypericum perforatum | Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory | Anxiety, Depression, Wound Healing | $$ Buy Now |
| Geranium | Pelargonium x asperum | Antiseptic, Antibacterial | Anxiety, Infections | $$$ Buy Now |
| Chamomile | Matricaria recutita | Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory | Anxiety | $$$$$ Buy Now |
| Helichrysum | Helichrysum gymnocephalum | Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory | Infections | $$ Buy Now |
| Sweet Marjoram | Origanum majorana | Analgesic, Antiseptic | Fleas, Infections | $$$ Buy Now |
Calendula
What it Does
Calendula can aid in reducing skin irritation, relieving itchiness, and inflammation associated with hotspots.
It can also assist in promoting the healing of wounds and skin infections.
How it Works
The chemicals in calendula help to grow new tissue as well as decrease inflammation.
Calendula is also a weak antiseptic[2].
How to Use Calendula
Calendula is best used topically with coconut oil. Coconut oil has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities[3].
Use a small amount on clean, dry skin and rub it into the skin.
Risks
Though calendula is generally thought of as safe, there are a few risks to take note of:
- Calendula shouldn’t be used with pregnant dogs as it can cause contractions
- Possible allergic reactions to calendula, both topically or if ingested
Additional Benefits
- Can be used as an ear wash
- Wound healing
Product Recommendation
Hypericum, aka St. Johns Wort
What it Does
Hypericum, also called St. John’s Wort, helps to promote healing while at the same time managing both pain and inflammation.
How it Works
Hypericum works as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and has antioxidant properties[4].
How to Use Hypericum
Using this oil in conjunction with Calendula can both help provide relief while at the same time initiate healing of the skin.
It should be used with either coconut oil or aloe vera to add additional pain relief and to aid in healing the infected skin.
Risks
There are a few risks when using hypericum on dogs.
The dangers involved are photosensitivity (resulting in more considerable skin irritation), GI upset, sedation, and dizziness[5].
Additional Benefits
- Aids in healing wounds near nerve-rich areas like toes, nails, face, mouth, and tail[6]
- Aids in healing puncture or laceration wounds
- Treats anxiety and depression
Product Recommendation
Geranium
What it Does
Geranium is often used to clear up skin ailments such as acne and eczema and is also used to keep wounds from becoming infected[7].
How it Works
Geranium has both antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it an excellent option to help heal skin infections and wounds.
How to Use Geranium
Geranium oil would be best used with another oil, such as calendula, that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, it would be good to use it with aloe vera since that can also help with pain relief.
Risks
Geranium oil is not to be ingested as it can be toxic.
External use of geranium oil should only be used in areas that cannot be licked by your dog.
Additional Benefits
- Treats anxiety and depression
- Ear infections
Product Recommendation
German Chamomile & Roman Chamomile
What it Does
Both German and Roman chamomile help to reduce pain and inflammation common to hotspots.
How it Works
Both chamomiles have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, German chamomile7 is one of the most potent analgesic oils available, so it would be the better option if possible.
How to Use Chamomile
Either of the chamomile oils should be used in conjunction with another essential oil.
Ideal oils to mix chamomile with are calendula and/or geranium oil, to help with additional symptoms associated with hotspots.
As always, a carrier oil should be used to dilute the essential oils, and either aloe vera or coconut oil would work well.
Risks
Chamomile is commonly considered safe to use with dogs both internally and externally[8].
However, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to chamomile, but that is relatively rare.
Additional Benefits
- Reduces anxiety
- Muscle relaxer
- Sedative
Product Recommendation
Helichrysum
What it Does
Helichrysum is best known for its regenerative qualities[9], making it ideal for treating skin infections such as hotspots.
How it Works
Helichrysum has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
How to Use Helichrysum
Because helichrysum oil can manage pain, inflammation, and heal, this oil can be used with just a carrier oil to provide relief from hotspots.
Risks
Helichrysum is as relatively safe oil to be used externally.
There is always the rare chance of an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity but helichrysom has usually been found safe for use with most pets.
Additional Benefits
- Other skin infections
- Fights ear infections
Product Recommendation
Sweet Marjoram
What it Does
Sweet marjoram is often used for wound care and skin irritations.
How it Works
Sweet marjoram has analgesic and antiseptic properties.
How to Use Sweet Marjoram
Sweet marjoram could be mixed with German chamomile to create an oil that also includes an anti-inflammatory element.
Also, using coconut oil as the carrier oil would be best. Coconut oil would add antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Risks:
Sweet marjoram should only be used topically.
Ingestion can cause severe GI upset, so be sure your dog can not reach the infected area to lick this oil.
Additional Benefits
- Insect repellent
- Fights ear infections
Product Recommendation
Final Thoughts
After trying essential oils on my dog, Calvin’s, hot spots, I will say they are not as effective as his prescription medication.
Though the oils helped to reduce inflammation and symptoms, it didn’t clear up as quickly as it has in the past.
However, I will say that I am happy that I tried essential oils for Calvin’s hotspots for two main reasons:
First, if I don’t have prescription medication, essential oils help to improve the hotspots until I can get Calvin’s prescription medication.
Second, once the hotspots are under control, the addition of essential oils helps to reduce itchiness and better soothe his irritated skin.
References
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-and-preventing-hot-spots-on-dogs/
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/calendula
- https://pethelpful.com/dogs/treat-moist-pyotraumatic-dermatitis-without-vet
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24214835
- https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/hypericum/
- https://franklintnvet.com/st-johns-wort-treats-pet-depression-and-anxiety
- Peiris, Shehan. Essential Oils For Your Pet. Shehan Peiris, 2015.
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chamomile
- Essential Oils Natural Remedies, Althea Press, 2015.
