QUICK SUMMARY
What is a natural hot spot treatment for dogs? A natural hot spot treatment for dogs starts with gently cleaning the irritated area, preventing licking and chewing, reducing the itch cycle, and using a pet-safe topical spray to support skin comfort.
Hot spots, also called acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are irritated, inflamed skin lesions that dogs often make worse by scratching, licking, or chewing. They can develop quickly after itching, allergies, bug bites, moisture, matted fur, anxiety, or an underlying skin infection.
This DIY hot spot pet treatment spray was shared with us by our friend Dr. Janet Roark, “The Essential Oil Vet.” Use it on mild hot spots, keep it off the face, and stop the licking; a large, spreading, bleeding, or smelly hot spot needs your veterinarian.
Hot spots can turn from a tiny irritated patch into a painful, infected mess very quickly. That is why early, gentle support matters.
Clean the area, keep it dry, and stop the licking. Use natural remedies wisely, support your dog’s calm, and look for the root cause so the problem does not keep coming back.
This natural hot spot treatment spray works best alongside non-toxic grooming, appropriate food, flea prevention, anxiety support, and treatment of the underlying cause.
God gave us animals to steward with love, wisdom, and compassion. When we care for their bodies with safer ingredients and common sense, we help them live healthier, happier lives right alongside us.
Table of Contents
Natural Hot Spot Pet Treatment Recipe
This DIY spray was shared with us as a way to support mild, irritated skin. Use it carefully, avoid the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, and do not let your dog lick the treated area.
Natural Hot Spot Treatment Spray
Quantity
Ingredients
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops myrrh essential oil
- 1 teaspoon colloidal silver
- Aloe vera gel
Supplies
Instructions
- Pour the essential oils and colloidal silver into the bottle.
- Top off with aloe vera to fill the bottle and shake vigorously.
- Spray the wound every 2-3 hours or as needed to promote healing.
- Store in the fridge.
What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?
For dogs, just about anything that causes them to hurt or itch can become a hot spot.
A bug bite. A scratch. Allergies. Moisture trapped under fur. Matted hair. Anxiety. A small wound. A flea bite. A dog bite. A patch of irritated skin they simply cannot leave alone.
The constant scratching, licking, and chewing makes things worse. Soon, your dog may be losing hair, irritating the skin, fighting infection, and developing a bad habit that keeps the whole cycle going.
Veterinarians often call hot spots acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis. They are usually painful, itchy, red, moist, and fast-moving skin lesions caused by self-trauma and inflammation. (1)
This is why natural support needs to do two things:
- Help protect the irritated skin while it heals.
- Help your dog stop licking, chewing, and obsessing over the area.
That is why using a natural anxiety spray for dogs can help some dogs relax and stay calm while you support the skin directly with a hot spot treatment spray.
When the dog is less anxious and the skin feels less irritated, the body has a better chance to repair.
Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs at Home
Hot spot treatment for dogs at home should begin with common sense and gentle care.
Most hot spots need the same basic support: the area needs to be clean, dry, protected from licking, and monitored closely. Veterinary sources often recommend clipping hair away from the lesion, cleaning the area, and using topical therapy when needed. More serious cases may require veterinary medications. (1)
This homemade spray is a gentle support for mild irritation. Infected, painful, or spreading hot spots need your veterinarian (see When to Call the Vet below).
Why Dogs Make Hot Spots Worse
Dogs do not understand that licking and chewing delays healing.
To them, the spot hurts or itches, so they keep working on it. Unfortunately, their mouth adds moisture and bacteria, their nails damage the skin, and the repeated trauma keeps the hot spot active.
That is why you may need:
- A cone or recovery collar
- A soft recovery suit
- A trimmed coat around the area
- Gentle cleaning
- A drying and soothing topical spray
- Anxiety support if licking is stress-related
Application: Treat the skin and interrupt the habit. If your dog keeps licking the hot spot after treatment, the area may not heal well.
Why Natural Pet Care Matters
Pet health is precious, and we want to steward our animals well.
Many families are becoming more aware of the toxins and chemicals found in some pet foods, products, lawn treatments, medications, air fresheners, and household cleaners. Just like humans, pets live in our homes, walk on our floors, breathe indoor air, lick their paws, sleep on treated fabrics, and absorb what touches their skin.
A 2022 study of 30 people and their pet dogs found household pesticides such as permethrin, DEET and chlorpyrifos in more than 70 percent of the silicone tags and wristbands they wore, and dogs and owners carried similar exposures. (2)
Using as many safe, natural treatments for your pets as you can is one way to help your pet stay healthy and happy, while reducing toxic burden in your home.
But “natural” still needs wisdom.
Essential oils and botanicals can be powerful. Dogs are more sensitive than we are, and many dogs will lick whatever is applied to their body. The ASPCA cautions that concentrated essential oils can cause problems for pets, especially when placed directly on the skin, spilled on the coat, or ingested through grooming. (3)
That is why pet recipes must be properly diluted, used sparingly, and watched carefully.
This recipe comes from my good friend Dr. Janet Roark and is featured in my bestselling book, The Healing Power of Essential Oils. Grab your copy today by clicking here!
I have seen before-and-after pictures of a black lab with a huge gash from a dog bite, and this home treatment formula worked wonderfully as part of the dog’s care routine.
Looking for a natural dog shampoo or tick and flea repellent? We’ve got you and your pet covered.
How to Use Hot Spot Spray Safely
A hot spot spray works best when the skin is clean, dry, and protected from continued licking.
1. Trim the Fur Around the Hot Spot
If the fur is long, matted, or holding moisture, carefully trim around the irritated area.
This helps the skin breathe and keeps the spray from getting trapped in damp fur. If the area is painful, large, or your dog will not let you touch it, have your veterinarian or groomer help.
2. Clean the Area Gently
Use a gentle, pet-safe cleanser or clean water to remove dirt, discharge, and crusting.
Do not scrub aggressively, because hot spots are tender. Pat dry completely before applying any spray.
3. Apply the Spray Lightly
Apply it according to the recipe directions, keeping the spray away from the face and preventing licking.
More is not better. You want gentle coverage, not soaking wet fur. Moisture can make hot spots worse if the area stays damp.
4. Prevent Licking
This is the big one.
Use a cone, recovery collar, soft collar, or recovery suit if needed. If your dog immediately licks off the spray, the skin may stay irritated and the ingredients could be ingested.
5. Watch for Improvement
Mild hot spots should begin looking calmer with proper care.
If the area worsens, spreads, smells bad, oozes pus, becomes more painful, or your dog seems sick, stop home care and call your veterinarian.
6. Address the Root Cause
Hot spots often have a trigger.
Look for:
- Fleas or ticks
- Food sensitivities
- Environmental allergies
- Matted fur
- Moisture after swimming or bathing
- Anxiety licking
- Ear infections
- Anal gland issues
- Underlying pain
Application: If hot spots keep coming back, do not just keep spraying. Find the root cause with your holistic veterinarian.
When to Call the Vet
Home remedies for dogs can be a blessing, but there are times when you need professional care.
Call your veterinarian if:
- The hot spot is spreading quickly.
- The area is bleeding, oozing, or smells bad.
- Your dog seems painful, lethargic, feverish, or not eating.
- The skin is swollen, deep, or looks infected.
- Your dog has multiple hot spots.
- The hot spot is near the eye, ear, genitals, or a surgical site.
- Your dog has diabetes, immune issues, cancer, or another chronic condition.
- Your dog is on medication.
- The hot spot does not improve with home care.
Veterinary treatment may include clipping, cleaning, topical antiseptics, anti-inflammatory support, medications for itch, and, when truly needed, antibiotics. (1)
Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs FAQs
What causes hot spots on dogs?
Hot spots can be triggered by anything that causes itching, pain, moisture, or irritation. Common causes include allergies, fleas, insect bites, ear infections, matted fur, moisture after swimming, anxiety licking, wounds, or other skin problems.
What does a hot spot look like on a dog?
A hot spot often looks red, moist, irritated, raw, painful, and sometimes oozing. Hair may be missing because the dog has been licking, chewing, or scratching the area.
Can I treat a dog hot spot at home?
Mild hot spots may be supported at home by cleaning the area, keeping it dry, preventing licking, and using a gentle topical spray. Large, painful, spreading, infected, or foul-smelling hot spots need veterinary care.
Should I cover a dog hot spot?
Do not trap moisture against the skin. A cone or recovery collar is usually better than covering the hot spot directly. If you use clothing or a recovery suit, make sure the area stays dry and clean.
Can essential oils help hot spots on dogs?
Some essential-oil ingredients have been investigated for skin effects, but safety and effectiveness of this particular recipe for canine hot spots have not been established in controlled clinical trials. Never apply undiluted essential oils to dogs, avoid the face, and prevent licking. Ask your holistic veterinarian if your dog is small, elderly, pregnant, medicated, or chronically ill.
What essential oils should I avoid on dogs?
Avoid strong or controversial oils such as tea tree, wintergreen, birch, camphor, pennyroyal, oregano, cinnamon, clove, thyme, and other “hot” oils unless directed by a veterinarian trained in essential oil use.
How do I stop my dog from licking a hot spot?
Use a cone, soft recovery collar, recovery suit, distraction, enrichment, and calming support. A natural anxiety spray for dogs may help if licking is stress-related.
Are hot spots contagious?
Hot spots themselves are not usually contagious, but underlying causes such as fleas, mites, or certain infections may affect other pets. If multiple pets are itchy, call your veterinarian.
How long does it take a hot spot to heal?
With proper care, mild hot spots may begin improving within a few days. Severe or infected hot spots can take longer and may require veterinary treatment.
When should I not use a homemade hot spot spray?
Do not use a homemade spray on deep wounds, severe infections, surgical sites, eyes, ears, genitals, or large painful lesions. Do not use it if your dog reacts badly or licks it continuously.
Keep reading: DIY Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils for Itchy Skin · Homemade Dry Shampoo for Dogs: Easy Non-Toxic DIY Recipe · Essential Oils for Dogs Anxiety & Homemade Spray Recipe
References
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Hot Spots in Dogs. Accessed 2026. Source.
- Wise CF, Hammel SC, Herkert NJ, et al. Comparative Assessment of Pesticide Exposures in Domestic Dogs and Their Owners Using Silicone Passive Samplers and Biomonitoring. Environ Sci Technol. 2022. Source.
- ASPCA. The Essentials of Essential Oils Around Pets. Accessed 2026. Source.
