Several weeks ago, we responded to a question about a home remedy for hot spots in dogs. The remedy is one people have been telling us about for more than a decade, and it includes Listerine, baby oil and water in equal parts. We are not aware of any research on this remedy, but that’s not unusual for a home remedy. There is rarely research on such home-grown approaches.
Our column elicited a response from a veterinarian who disagreed quite strongly with the idea that someone should try a home remedy with Listerine for a dog. We’ve summarized it below, but you can read her entire HuffingtonPost blog here.
What Is the Story on Listerine for a Dog?
Q. As a veterinarian, I was curious about your recent article on Listerine for a dog’s coat. The dog’s owner described a non-itching patch of hair loss between the dog’s shoulder blades and her subsequent use of diluted Listerine on it following a web search.
Check with a Vet:
Here are my thoughts: When a pet experiences hair loss, seek a veterinarian’s advice. Looking online won’t provide the expertise about your pet’s problem that a vet can.
Treating animals with human medicines carries tremendous risks. And treating a skin problem with mouthwash is also risky. The company that makes the product has not subjected it to appropriate testing to make sure it will not cause harm to the skin.
I know no veterinary dermatologist who would recommend Listerine as a drug of choice for a dog’s skin problem. There are many proven veterinary medicinal products that are better. For a pet’s health concerns, advice from a veterinarian offers the most benefit.
A. We’re big fans of veterinarians (we have one in our family) and agree that hair loss requires a professional consultation. That’s the best idea for figuring out what is wrong and how the problem should best be treated.
Baby Oil and Listerine for a Dog:
We first heard about the Listerine and baby oil remedy in 2004. A radio show listener said that his vet had recommended this combination for relieving itchy spots on his Dobermans and his horses. He was so impressed with the results he used it to get rid of his own dandruff.
Other readers have also reported success, like this person:
“My mother’s dog has anxiety problems, and when she’s stressed she licks and chews on her elbow until she ends up with a raw sore. On the advice of her vet, my mom and I mixed this up and rubbed it into her ‘hot spot’ twice a day, making sure to bandage it so she didn’t ingest any of the mixture. We started noticing results immediately – the spot scabbed over and dried up, and started healing within a couple of days.”
Do you Like Reading About and Trying Home Remedies?
If you find stories about home remedies both entertaining and helpful you may want to consider sharing our favorites with a friend or relative this holiday season. Can you think of a better gift than one that will provide lasting value for years to come?
You can get our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies as a gift and save 50% on Recipes and Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy when you buy them together. This bundle is our way of making your Christmas shopping so much easier.
Here are just a few reviews about our holiday bundle for you to consider:
Barbara, Stedman, NC, Dec. 1, 2015:
“I have one of these books, and love it. Such useful information! I look forward to the newsletters and newspaper articles and any program they produce. Thanks for keeping us informed. I plan on buying the bundle for home and a gift for a daughter.”
Kerrie, Shelby Township, MI, Sept. 28, 2015:
“These books are EXCELLENT!! I bought myself this bundle, and like it so well that I’m planning on buying the set for my neighbor for her birthday and my Mom for Christmas!”
Carol, in Albuquerque, NM, May 28, 2015:
“The books arrived in my mail only two days ago, but I couldn’t resist them. I’ve skimmed the recipe book and read about one-third of the remedies book. I’m a rabid fan of The People’s Pharmacy and these two books decidedly live up to the high quality of the semi-weekly newsletters. I hope they’ll still be available when Christmas rolls around because they would make great gifts for my entire family. Thanks to the Graedons for producing them!”
Why not consider some of our other Holiday Gift Bundles for those you care about at this link.
