Is my Lab's hair loss, bald spots, and skin issues demodex or allergies?

Question

We are struggling to figure out if our 11 month old lab has demodex or allergies. He has dry skin but doesn't scratch bite or itch. She's losing hair in clumps top coat and under. She has bald patches around neck nest and thigh areas. She has been switched to a fish based diet to avoid grains. She has one pimple like spot on belly and a few on her chin that just appeared today. This has been going on for a few days. Also doing oatmeal shampoo and giving Benadryl to her. Any leads to what it is? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 59 lbs

Amy Poole, DVM · Accepted Answer

It is very possible that Rylie has both demodex as well as underlying allergies. Demodex is a mite that we commonly see in young dogs, like Rylie. It is very easy to detect on skin scrape, so your vet should be able to readily tell you if she has it or not. Allergies can be a little more difficult to figure out, as they can be environmental, food related, or seasonal. If it is a diet related allergy, it could take 2 months of a new diet to see any improvement. Since she has a few pimples, I would be concerned that she may be developing a skin infection that requires antibiotics. I would take Rylie in to have an exam with your vet and a skin work up to see what the underlying cause of her hair loss is and what treatment she needs to be on.

Is my Lab's hair loss, bald spots, and skin issues demodex or allergies?

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