Another urgent reply appreciated(dog skin problem)

[bearowner]

I have a lab/chow and whatever breed male. for the past few months he has been biting himself nonstop, his hair is missing from parts, primarily te center of his back, I look closely, I see that his skin is very dry with big flakes, the bad spots almost have like dry scales and im really worried, I am close to taking him to the vet but i wante dto do some research. Treatments i have tried are all of the over the counter ointments, medicated shampoos, lipiderm pills. I want my dog to be comfortable and stop gnawing his fur off and scratching himself so much. Thank you for any info you can provide. And if you know any comprehensive pet websites please tell

[bernicesmama]

get your dog to the vet if nothing has worked asap. It could be allergies or any number of things but only a professional can diagnose a problem.

[Luvmyjob]

Yes bernice is right if u ruled out parasites (u may have missed someting) there could be undrelying health issue that can only be diognosed by vet.There are so many possiblities... too many to list. Vet. ASAP

[Dobified]

Bernice is right ! X2

Get him to the Vet. He may have fleas, skin parasites, allergics or whatever. You could try a flea shampoo and see where that gets you first, but a call to your vet is in order and costs nothing.

Also, in the meantime go to a pet store and get some Bitter apple. It is a spray that tastes awful and will deter the chewing on himself.

Call your vet soon.

[2ndchance]

It sounds like the dreaded HOT SPOTS, If there are large flakes, not small like dandruff,
it is probably healing, or just starting. My dog has suffered these all summer. It's on his back near tail? I brought my dog to the vet twice for this. If it is hot spots you should shave the area and keep it dry. Wash with antibacterial soap. There are things in a pet store , spays, that are for hot spots. I have tried them but find that an antibiotic from the vet works best. I'v been told by both the vet and my grommer that they are seeing them a lot this summer. Where do you live? Has it been hot and humid this summer? If you have a dog book that has a chapter on illness you can probably find a picture of a hot spot. you may also be able to find one on the internet.
They don't know what causes them, only how to treat them. Take a dog comb and comb out the flakes, wash, dry, repeat.
Good luck.
chance

[Gingee]

Sounds like our dog Ginger. We tried everything and finally took her to the vet. She has skin allergies and something simple like a couple fleas landing on her drives her crazy. The vet usually gave her a shot. We also bought those huge collars that they won't bite themselves.

[AroHawk Collies]

Reese had this problem. What food are you feeding him? Reese was allergic to the corn in the food thats why he was pulling out his hair. I would take him to the vet and tell him you want his enzymes checked if you do decide to go to the vet. this could also be a problem. I used cradle cap treatment from the drug store. Rubed it onto the spots where these flakes were and comed it out, gave reese a bath (or just rinsed him off). I would do this about twice a week. It seemed to work

[Bobbi]

These are hot spots and you need to change the food to something natural. Food is to hot for the chow in him. TO much fat and to high in sugar or your feeding him only meat. Switch to beef or lamb base natural food like Solid Gold- Wolf.

[mara]

Even beyond skin diseases or allergy he could have another type of medical condition like hypothyroidism. He needs a good vet work up.

[bernicesmama]

any update?