Dog hot spots & hair loss: Is it fleas, food, or Petco's advice?

Question

He recently shows signs of hair loss/hot spots. We figured it was due to the flea problem we had and became allergic to the bites. Our 3 dogs eat victors high energy dog food. PETCO ‘expert’ told us the skin condition was due to his food, is internal, and was not an external problem ie hot spots; then recommended switching to wholehearted lentil and lamb recipe dog food. Is this a good option? I want honest comparison to victors food. Hotspots or food allergy? Don’t rec a vet. I know this option. Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 1 day old | 110 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

This could be a food allergy, but I think it’s more likely an environmental allergy or hypersensitivity (to fleas most likely). Especially if Raider was on the same food for several months with no problem. (If you just switched food, flavor, or treats within 3 weeks of this happening, I am more suspicious of food allergy.) Both of those foods are, as far as I can tell, reputable and of good quality. If you’d like to pursue the food option, choose a “novel protein” meaning, if his previous foods have been mostly chicken and beef, choose a fish, duck, or lamb recipe. If you haven’t already, get the fleas under control and obviously you know to see a vet if it’s not getting better. A medicated shampoo, short course of steroids, and antibiotics if needed might be possible treatments (though there are many others). Best of luck to you and Raider.

Dog hot spots & hair loss: Is it fleas, food, or Petco's advice?

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