Hot Spots

[Milly]

I have a Cocker Spaniel who suffers from allergies. He bits at himself creating a hot spot. I have changed his diet to chicken and veg. I bath him every second week in an attempt to eliminate contact allergies.
But are yet to find something to releive the hot spots. I'm not real keen on cortisone creams.
Does any one know of an alturnative?

[Dawn]

What is he allergic to?

[Milly]

Well Dawn......
I have seen two Vets who both think I should fork out hundreds of dollars to have allergy tests done. I've spoken with the dermatology centre which does this and about 85% off dog tested have more than one allergy, this is then followed by weekly injects and most dogs are still on cortisone and / or antihisamins as well for the rest of their life! We've also seen a holistic Vet - with good results. Only we needed to stop this treatment due to my dog having several seizures a day. This is managed with conventianal medication. Since this medication his fur had almost grown back until about a week ago. I just want to make him comfortable. But how??

[Dawn]

Well you have to know what he's allergic to to be able to eliminate it. Pick one thing in his regular environment every week and remove it. See what the effects are. Also, when he suffers and attack, think back on what's changed.

[cscalise]

I have two German Shepherds and they are famous for getting 'Hot Spots'. While I'm not sure the cause there is something that I use that gets rid of them every time; Aloe Vera. It can't be just any aloe, it has to be certified by the International Aloe Science Council stating it's purity. I wash the hot spot with soap & water, dry and apply. I do this in the morning and in the evening and within one - two days the hot spot is healed everytime. I also use it on my horses when they get cuts or scrapes and it never leaves a scar. Oh yeah, if they lick it off it won't harm them either! Hope this helps! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Lou]

http://www.muenstermilling.com

I have no connection with this dog food company, but one would think I do listening to my raves about the results we have had with it. Anytime you change a diet there could be a period of adjustment... but, once the impurities were purged through a consistent diet of the natural ingredients in this food Freckles coat (border collie length and texture) is soft, skin clear, no dogie odor, no breath odor and for some reason we have had no flea problem (we live on a ranch!!!). Sound like a commercial, but had to share... feel so badly for the poor pooches my conscience wouldn't let me keep it to myself.

http://www.muenstermilling.com