Q. I read somewhere of a solution for "hot spots" on dogs: 1/3 Listerine, 1/3 baby oil and 1/3 water. Shake these up in a spray bottle and spray it on the dog, rubbing it into the spot.
If you do this when you first see the dog worrying a spot, it stops the problem in its tracks. I think the Listerine dries it out and the baby oil soothes it. It works like a miracle!
A. We have written before about using a solution of equal parts Listerine, mineral oil and water for these itchy spots. We suspect the herbal oils in the Listerine fight fungus and possibly bacteria. Some dogs’ hot spots may be linked to Malassezia fungus, and the antifungal activity of this mouthwash might be helpful.
The development of itchy spots may be related to allergies. Ask the vet about ways to reduce your dog’s exposure to potential allergens.
