Why is my dog losing hair with red skin? Is it fleas or allergies?

Question

My Labrador has some skin infection. He is loosing hair in patches leaving a red wound behind. Please suggest I am really worried. My local vet is not able to treat him properly. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 65 lbs

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

It looks like it could be a hotspot ( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hot-spots/ ). These can be caused by excess scratching or licking due to fleas, parasites, boredom/stress or allergies. It is difficult to determine definitively due to picture quality. You would need to have this confirmed by your veterinarian after a physical exam. If you are not satisfied with your present vet, consider a second opinion with a different one. The area may need to be clipped and cleaned. Medal will likely need antibiotics. If the spot is painful, then pain medication should be considered. Treat for fleas, even if you don't see any. One flea bite can cause a reaction which could result in a hotspot. Use a monthly oral or topical preventive for at least 3 consecutive months, preferably year round. Vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately after. Wash all bedding in the hottest water allowable by fabric and dry in the dryer. use an area treatment, such as Knockout ES or Indorex, to prevent reinfestation. If fleas are not the cause, your vet may recommend additional diagnostics to diagnose the underlying cause. Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials and antihistamine use to address allergies. Skin scrapes may be done to diagnose parasites such as mites.

Why is my dog losing hair with red skin? Is it fleas or allergies?

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