Hot Spots

Fudgie asks:

Please tell me what to do in regards to my bichon getting "hot spots" about once a month around her bottom??? I use only oatmeal soap (bathe her every other week) and have her groomed once every 4-6 weeks. The vet suggested I give her children's Benedryl. which I have been doing---but what causes this??? Her diet, the type treats I give her or the shampoo??? Thanks for any help you can give me.

Sophie responds:

Try bag balm, otherwise known as udder cream

Gidget LpM responds:

I feel so bad for you and your pup. Hot spots are so uncomfortable for them. Are you bathing her once a week with Oatmeal Shampoo because of the hotspots? Otherwise, I would just bathe the little bottom in luke warm water to keep it clean, as I was told only to bathe my pup (5mos old), with shampoo (also oatmeal), TOPS...once every 6-8wks.

Did the doc not recommend any topical creams/ointments?
Does Benedryl make her tired? Does it give her diarhea?
Everything new gives my Bichon loose B/Ms and that will make the hotspots even worse.
I know it knocks my kids out real good! (Not always a bad thing!LOL!)
Also if you like herbal/natural meds I would suggest Andrew Weil's web page...http://www.drWeil.com and go under holistic pet care...lots of dog-lovers there!