I have a Golden Retriever, too, age 6.5 years. When I adopted her a year ago she had a massive hotspot on her thigh. I put her on a high-quality, grain-free food, adding a teaspoon of ground turmeric (reduces & eliminates any inflammation).

You can treat hotspots with organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), but ONLY if they are NOT red & oozing, otherwise it will sting! It sounds as if your dog's hotspots are just beginning. So, make a solution of 1 part ACV to 2 parts distilled water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution & dab the spots. You can also add a teaspoon of the ACV into either her drinking water or her food, whichever way she'll take it. Search here on earthclinic for all the wonderful ways to use ACV. It's great for dogs and people!

Also, you might want to keep a bottle of Vetericyn on hand; it works on minor wounds, scrapes and hot spots. My Vet recommended it, I bought it from my clinic. You can find it at different online Retailers and possibly at PetCo or PetsMart.

And another thing, older Goldens tend to have thyroid issues. Talk to your vet about getting a thyroid test.

For hotspots on dogs: mix 1 part water, 1 part amber listerine (generic is fine) and 1 part baby oil. Shake it all up in a spray bottle and spray on the hotspot. Rub it in the hotspot.

Topical aloe vera gel will heal and cool the skin. Please layoff the chemicals. They will hurt, not help, over the long run.