Mixture can help to heal ‘hot spots’ on dogs

December 27, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

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.

Q. I had chronic diarrhea for several years, so I was interested in the coconut macaroon cookie remedy when I read about it in your column. I ate two each morning and had good benefit for a while, but then I had to increase the dose.

After a few months, even three cookies were not helping the diarrhea. Instead I turned to Dannon Activia yogurt. Dannon advertises that it will refund your money if Activia doesn’t solve the problem in two weeks. I didn’t get any money back, but I am happy. Not only did it eliminate my diarrhea, it also solved my husband’s long-standing constipation problem.

A. Activia contains probiotic bacteria that are supposed to help re-establish a healthy balance of microbes in the gut. Yogurt is made from cultured milk, so it is an excellent way to deliver living bacteria.

Probiotics have gained popularity in Europe but are still relatively unknown in the United States. Nonetheless, there is some research to link probiotics to promoting better digestive health, soothing eczema and boosting immunity against respiratory-tract infections.

We discussed probiotics for good health with Kelly Karpa, R.Ph., Ph.D., during an hourlong interview on our radio show.

Q. I tried your hydrogen-peroxide treatment for toenail fungus, and it worked like a charm.

A. The reader who suggested this applied over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide from a drugstore daily to the nails with a cotton ball after showering.

Q. My total cholesterol rose significantly while I took glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve arthritis of the knees. I took it from May 2005 to May 2007.

I have always had a healthy, low-fat diet, so I was surprised at the increase. In 2003, my cholesterol was 159. In April 2007, it was 273. Six months later, it had dropped back to 233 after I stopped the supplement. Do you think there is a connection?

A. Several small studies have not shown any association between glucosamine and chondroitin and elevations in cholesterol. We have heard from many readers like you who noticed an increase while taking such supplements, however.

X In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.