Summertime Tips

It has been an extremely hot summer for most of the United States.  Please be sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and shade as well.  In fact in these extreme temperatures bring them indoors. 

Hotspots can be a real problem.  A hotspot requires immediate attention; so be sure to keep watch on your dog's coat.  A hotspot can very quickly get out of control; this is very painful for your dog as well. 

I have had great luck with using tea in drying the area where a hotspot pops up. It is a good idea to clip the fur around the hotspot area.  Then clean the hotspot area, take a cotton ball dip into the tea and dab on the hotspot.  You will need to do this three to four times a day.  Too many people make the mistake of keeping a hotspot moist by applying salves such as neosporin.  I use black tea but have been told that green tea works as well.  Some people prefer to take their dog to a vet for treatment such as a steroid spray; if you don't have the funds for a vet visit give the tea a try.  Never let a hotspot get out of control.  

Venus