Hair missing, red skin

Question
My dog kept biting and licking the same place the top of his paw.  Now, the hair is completely gone in one small circular area and it is red.  There appears to be no cut and nothing sticking in the area at all.  I have not changed his diet or excersising habbits either.  Do you know what is causing this?  Also, what can I do so that he will stop licking it so it can heal?

Answer
Hello Jeni-

Your dog has a "hot spot". It is surface bacteria that develops on an area of the skin, it aggravates the pet causing him to lick and bite irritating the area further. This more of a nuisance than anything. Our Golden retriever gets these on his paws usually in the spring when he goes on a digging rampage through the yard.

This is not to say that your pet is dirty in any way, its just bacteria that sits on the skin and causes an itch. This would not come from chagning his food or excercise program it is either one of three things: behavioral meaning your pet licks his paws alot and bacteria settles on the hair, allergic meaning your pet may have an allergy to something he has come in contact with or tangles and mats have formed and the bacteria is resting against his skin. Without knowing more about your pet I cannot tell you exactly why he has a hot spot.

Here's what to do: first clean the area by trimming any stray or matted hair away from the infected area, this will help stop the bacteria from hanging around. Then clean the irritated area with Witch Hazel. This will help soothe the skin and work as an antiseptic to clear up the bacteria. Third apply Aloe vera gel either from the plant itself or an organic source to the inflammation. Your pet may lick it off but thats okay. Whether Aloe is applied externally or taken internally, it will heal the sore within a 3 (three) day period. You will want to clean with Witch Hazel and apply the Aloe at least 3(three) times per day for 7 (seven) days. Even if the redness and itching have stopped continue for the rest of time assuring the bacteria is not lingering.

The most important is to add Garlic powder to your pets food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and will help fight bacteria and infection. Don't be afraid to sprinkle on the food with a heavy hand, dogs love garlic and he should eat it up right away. This is completely safe and effective. The only draw back to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky but the Garlic is doing its job by passing the bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy! Anytime your pet shows a sign of illness, begin to add Garlic to the food and you will the healing time will be 80% faster.

There are other natural remedies you can try but I have found these steps to be most successful. Your pet may not stop licking the hot spot, it is his natural behavior to clean his wounds, regardless, the herbs you are applying should help take the edge off.

If you would like additional information regarding natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns, please contact me at  wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you my catalog of home made herbal remedies. Or if you would like a consultation or more information on this ailment, please contact me as well.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

Thank you and best wishes.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist