Fleas can become troublesome, if left untreated. The flea bites, along with the reaction your dog’s body may have to the bites, can send him into a scratching frenzy. Areas that become inflamed and infected are called hot spots. These spots cause intense itching, leading to more scratching and eventually hair loss. All this scratching can damage the skin, and that is when bacteria sets in and spreads. There are home remedies for fleas and hot spots on dogs that can lessen the itch and reduce the chance of a bacterial infection.
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Herbal Flea Control
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Keeping fleas at bay, is the first line of defense in preventing flea infestations on your dog. An herbal flea powder, consisting of equal parts eucalyptus, Rosemary, fennel and yellow dock will not kill existing fleas, but will drive them away from your dog. Purchase the herbs---in powder form---from a health food store. Put the herb mixture into a shaker jar, and apply it to your dog’s coat two to three times a week.
Tea Tree Oil Spritzer
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Tea tree oil has excellent antibacterial and antiseptic properties, suggests the Natural Dog Health Remedies website. However, tea tree oil should not be used on dogs in its pure form. Create a mixture of 15 percent tea tree oil to treat hot spots. Simply mix two tablespoons (50 drops) of tea tree oil with four tablespoons of vegetable glycerine. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, and shake well, until you do not see any oil floating to the surface. Add distilled water and calendula herbal tea, to the spray bottle. Spray this solution directly on the hot spots two to three times a day.
Aloe Gel
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Use aloe gel on hot spots that are dry and flaky. The aloe will soothe the hot spots and add moisture to the skin. For extra strength, add a drop of pure tea tree oil or lavender oil to the aloe gel.
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