Hot spots can quickly turn from a minor irritation into a major source of discomfort for your dog. These inflamed, itchy patches often lead to excessive licking, scratching, and even open wounds, making it tough for pets to relax and heal. For pet owners, finding a safe, effective, and easy-to-apply solution is essential to restore your dog’s comfort and prevent further skin issues.
This guide reviews the best home remedies for dog hot spots, including sprays, gels, and balms designed for fast relief and gentle care. We break down the strengths of each product, highlight what sets them apart, and help you choose the right option based on your dog’s needs, skin sensitivity, and your preferred application method.
Top 8 Best Home Remedies For Dog Hot Spots
Finding the right Home Remedies For Dog Hot Spots isn’t always straightforward. To simplify the process, we compared leading products and shortlisted the ones that truly stand out.
1. Pet Honesty Restore + Soothe Hot Spot Spray
Hot spots can cause relentless itching and discomfort for dogs, often leading to excessive licking and further irritation. A gentle, targeted spray can make a big difference in soothing these inflamed areas and supporting healing.
Pet Honesty Restore + Soothe Hot Spot Spray stands out for its gentle, alcohol-free formula that calms irritation and reduces odor. It's especially well-suited for pets with sensitive skin or those prone to recurring hot spots. The light lavender scent is a bonus for keeping your dog smelling fresh without harsh chemicals.
- MicroSilver BG and aloe vera: Soothes and protects inflamed skin without stinging
- No alcohol, parabens, or sulfates: Safe for daily use on sensitive pets
- Light lavender scent: Helps manage odor and keeps coats smelling clean
Compared to typical hot spot sprays, this formula prioritizes gentle, natural ingredients and odor control. While it may not be the fastest-acting for severe cases, it's a reliable choice for ongoing comfort and daily care.
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Reduces odor
- No harsh chemicals
- Light lavender scent
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Not the fastest for severe spots
- May require frequent reapplication
2. PetArmor Hot Spot Skin Remedy Spray
Hot spots, cuts, and abrasions can all cause discomfort and risk infection in dogs. A versatile spray that addresses multiple skin issues can be a practical addition to your pet care kit.
PetArmor Hot Spot Skin Remedy Spray is designed for fast-acting relief from hot spots and minor wounds. It's suitable for dogs over six weeks old and works as a first aid solution for superficial injuries, making it ideal for active pets or households with multiple dogs.
- Fast-acting formula: Quickly soothes hot spots and minor skin injuries
- First aid use: Effective for cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
- Reduces inflammation: Helps prevent infection and supports healing
Unlike some single-purpose sprays, PetArmor offers broader wound care benefits. The main tradeoff is that it may not be as specialized for odor control or sensitive skin as other options.
- Fast relief for hot spots
- Doubles as first aid spray
- Reduces inflammation
- Easy to apply
- Suitable for puppies over six weeks
- Less focus on odor control
- Not formulated for cats
3. Vetericyn Plus Hot Spot Spray
Persistent itching and irritation from hot spots can disrupt your dog's daily life. A safe, non-toxic spray is essential for frequent use, especially if your pet is prone to licking treated areas.
Vetericyn Plus Hot Spot Spray uses hypochlorous technology to provide itch relief and support healing without harsh chemicals. It's pH-balanced, non-toxic, and safe if licked, making it a strong choice for daily care and peace of mind for pet owners.
- Hypochlorous technology: Delivers non-toxic, pH-balanced relief
- Safe if licked: Suitable for pets that groom themselves
- Veterinarian recommended: Trusted for at-home animal care
Compared to medicated sprays, Vetericyn prioritizes safety and gentle daily use. It may not provide the rapid inflammation relief of hydrocortisone-based products but is ideal for ongoing management and sensitive pets.
- Non-toxic formula
- Safe for frequent use
- No stinging or harsh chemicals
- pH-balanced
- Veterinarian recommended
- Slower relief for severe cases
- No added scent for odor control
4. Forticept Blue Butter Hot Spot Gel
Hot spots and skin irritations often need targeted, lasting coverage to promote healing and prevent infection. A gel that stays in place can be more effective for certain wounds and active pets.
Forticept Blue Butter Hot Spot Gel offers a first-aid solution that disinfects wounds and creates an optimal healing environment. The blue color helps visualize coverage, and the thyme scent provides a pleasant, natural aroma. It's suitable for both dogs and cats, especially when you need to monitor application.
- Blue color for coverage: Easy to see where gel is applied
- Thyme oil scent: Naturally pleasant and safe for pets
- Disinfects and protects: Supports healing and infection prevention
Unlike sprays, this gel stays put and is easy to monitor, but it may temporarily stain light-colored coats and requires preventing pets from licking the area for best results.
- Visible application
- Pleasant thyme scent
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Disinfects wounds
- Supports healing environment
- May stain light fur
- Requires wound protection from licking
5. Sulfodene Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray
Itchy, irritated skin from hot spots and allergies can lead to constant scratching and discomfort. A medicated spray with moisturizing properties can provide both relief and skin support.
Sulfodene Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray combines medicated ingredients with a moisturizing formula to soothe hot spots, scrapes, and abrasions. The easy spray application makes it convenient for quick treatment, especially for dogs with recurring skin issues.
- Medicated formula: Targets itching and irritation from hot spots
- Moisturizing benefits: Helps prevent dryness and supports healing
- Spray application: Quick and easy to use on affected areas
Compared to non-medicated options, Sulfodene offers stronger relief for moderate hot spots but may not be suitable for pets with very sensitive skin or those needing a scent-free solution.
- Medicated for itch relief
- Moisturizes skin
- Easy spray application
- Trusted brand
- Good for recurring issues
- Not for very sensitive skin
- Contains medicated scent
6. HICC PET Dog Wound Care Hydro Gel
Open wounds and hot spots can be vulnerable to infection and further irritation. A hydro gel that forms a protective film can help isolate the area and promote healing.
HICC PET Dog Wound Care Hydro Gel uses high-purity HOCl to soothe inflammation and create a safe barrier against pollutants. It's gentle enough for sensitive areas and daily use, making it a good choice for pets prone to recurring skin issues or those needing extra protection.
- Forms protective film: Shields wounds from irritants and infection
- High-purity HOCl: Offers strong anti-inflammatory action
- Safe for sensitive areas: Suitable for eyes, ears, and nose
Unlike sprays that may evaporate quickly, this gel stays in place and hydrates the skin. The main tradeoff is that it may require more careful application and monitoring to prevent licking.
- Protective barrier effect
- Gentle for daily use
- Hydrates skin
- Safe for sensitive zones
- Veterinarian formulated
- Requires careful application
- Not ideal for heavy lickers
7. Natural Dog Company Skin Soother Balm
Seasonal allergies and dry, irritated skin can make dogs miserable, especially during weather changes. A natural balm can offer gentle, hydrating relief without synthetic ingredients.
Natural Dog Company Skin Soother Balm uses chamomile, cocoa butter, and calendula to moisturize and calm irritated skin. It's easy to apply and safe if licked, making it a good fit for pet owners seeking a natural, mess-free solution for mild to moderate hot spots.
- All-natural ingredients: Chamomile, cocoa butter, and calendula for soothing
- Mess-free balm: Simple, targeted application
- Safe if licked: No harsh chemicals or toxins
Compared to sprays and gels, this balm is best for mild irritation and daily moisture. It may not be as effective for severe hot spots or pets needing rapid inflammation relief.
- 100% natural formula
- Hydrates and soothes
- Easy to apply
- Safe for licking
- No artificial additives
- Less effective for severe spots
- May require frequent reapplication
8. Paw Science Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Lotion
Hot spots and itching in sensitive areas like face folds, paws, and underarms require a gentle yet effective solution. A lotion that absorbs quickly and stays in place can help calm irritation without mess.
Paw Science Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Lotion is formulated with hydrocortisone and aloe vera for fast relief. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and safe for delicate skin, making it ideal for targeted use on hard-to-treat spots.
- Hydrocortisone and aloe: Rapidly soothes inflammation and itching
- Non-greasy lotion: Absorbs quickly and stays put
- Safe for sensitive zones: Suitable for face folds and paws
Compared to sprays, this lotion offers better control and less mess in tricky areas. However, it may not be as convenient for large or heavily furred areas.
- Fast-acting relief
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Absorbs quickly
- No mess or residue
- Made in the USA
- Not ideal for large areas
- May need frequent application
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Home Remedy for Dog Hot Spots
Hot spot treatments for dogs come in a variety of forms, each with its own strengths and limitations. Choosing the right remedy involves balancing effectiveness, gentleness, and ease of application. Many buyers assume all hot spot products work the same, but differences in ingredients, application style, and suitability for sensitive skin can make a big impact on your dog's comfort and healing.
- Sprays vs. gels vs. balms: Sprays are convenient for quick coverage, gels stay in place for targeted healing, and balms offer natural hydration for mild irritation
- Medicated vs. natural formulas: Medicated options (like hydrocortisone) provide fast relief for acute inflammation, while natural and plant-based products are gentler for daily use or sensitive pets
- Odor control and scent: Some products include light fragrances or odor-reducing ingredients, which can be helpful for pets prone to smelly hot spots
- Application area matters: Lotions and gels may be better for sensitive or hard-to-reach spots, while sprays cover larger areas quickly
- Licking and safety: Non-toxic and lick-safe formulas are important for pets that groom themselves frequently
- Tradeoff between speed and gentleness: Fast-acting medicated sprays may not be suitable for long-term or daily use, while natural remedies may require more frequent application
- Common misunderstanding: Many buyers overlook the importance of matching product type to their dog's skin sensitivity and the severity of the hot spot
Choosing Between Sprays, Gels, and Balms
The form of the product affects both application and effectiveness. Sprays are best for covering larger or hard-to-reach areas, while gels and balms are ideal for targeted, lasting coverage or sensitive zones. If your dog is active or prone to licking, a gel or balm that stays in place may be preferable.
- Sprays: Quick, even coverage for moderate to large areas
- Gels: Stay put for visual coverage and longer-lasting protection
- Balms: Gentle hydration for mild irritation or daily maintenance
Medicated vs. Natural Ingredients
Some dogs need the rapid relief of medicated sprays, especially during acute flare-ups. Others benefit from gentle, plant-based or all-natural formulas for ongoing care. Consider your dog's sensitivity, history of allergies, and whether you need a product for daily use or occasional emergencies.
- Medicated: Fast relief but not always for long-term use
- Natural: Safer for daily use and sensitive pets
Odor Control and Scent Preferences
Products with added scents or odor-reducing ingredients can help keep your dog smelling fresh, but not all pets tolerate fragrances. If odor is a concern, look for sprays with light, natural scents or those specifically formulated for odor control.
Application for Sensitive or Hard-to-Treat Areas
Some products are formulated for use on delicate areas like face folds, paws, or underarms. Lotions and gels often provide better control and less mess in these spots, while sprays are best for general coverage.
Final Buying Advice
Choosing the right hot spot remedy comes down to your dog's specific needs and your preferred application style. Consider the severity of the hot spot, your pet's skin sensitivity, and how often you'll need to apply the product.
- Match product type to your dog's habits and skin sensitivity
- Use medicated sprays for acute flare-ups, but switch to gentler options for daily care
- Choose gels or balms for targeted, lasting coverage on small or sensitive areas
- Prioritize lick-safe and non-toxic formulas for pets that groom themselves
- Avoid overbuying—start with a single product and monitor your dog's response before adding more treatments
FAQ For Home Remedies For Dog Hot Spots
1. What is the fastest way to treat dog hot spots at home?
2. Are natural hot spot remedies as effective as medicated ones?
3. Can I use these products on cats as well as dogs?
4. How often should I apply hot spot treatments?
5. What should I do if my dog licks the treated area?
6. When should I see a vet for my dog's hot spot?
James Vega
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