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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    Hotspot season already???

    Well, Sam has a hotspot already. He always looks awful in the spring with the shedding, and it's been going on for awhile this year. He's also been itchy at his sides and he stinks like a dog, which is unusual. I thought the raw food diet would help, darn it. But he looks/feels worse than ever. His hot spots usually come around August and this one is not even under a collar area, but between his neck and shoulder, about the size of a silver dollar.

    I've been feeding them a lot of chicken lately due to low prices and not having the time/schedule to go to the regular meat place (only open until 4pm M-F) where I pick up turkey, lamb, and fish. He doesn't do well on chicken in dog food.

    I started him on an allergy pill, but that was only days ago. So it would not make a difference yet. They are on flea meds.

    I think I'll bathe him with allergy shampoo and keep on the med for a bit before nixing the chicken and see if that helps. With the weather here -- hardly a winter and summer started in May -- this year, there may be some wonky stuff going on in the environment.

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    I know my own hayfever/allergies have been out of control. It has been years since I remember it being this bad. I am not sure where you are located, I am in SE, PA and we did not get much snow this winter but it was definitely very cold. Supposedly even colder than last year when we had snow until April, or at felt that way, if I am exaggerating! Definitely no spring here either. I keep hearing we will have a very hot, humid summer.

    I think you might be on to something with the chicken, I have not heard a raw fed dog described in the way you are describing Sam.
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  3. #3
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Poor Sam! It's a rough time of year with the pollens.

    Sending good thoughts.
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  4. #4
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    I know my allergies have been off the hook this year. Let's hope Sam gets through it ok!

  5. #5
    Senior Dog janedoe's Avatar
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    My kids do well on fish. We've been good until recently just because it hasn't rained and they are sensitive to mold. Now it's pouring and will be for the next two days. Ugh. I like the Douxo spray for the hot spots.

    Best of luck for Sam.

  6. #6
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    It sounds like you are doing all the right things for Sam. Do you live near the ocean or a source of salt water? That is one other thing you could try. Salt water may help his skin and coat. Many say to rinse off but we don't. Our Lab and Newfs swim year round in the Puget Sound (salt water). We don't rinse. Just towel dry and then hit them with the K9III power blow dryer.

  7. #7
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I can report that the itching has really died down since adding allergy pills for a few days (it's Loratadine -- ie Zyrtec -- so not fast acting like Benadryl). Good sign. And, since my work trip was cancelled as I was heading out the door, that gives me the opportunity to go to the meat store for something other than chicken!

  8. #8
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    Lol, I take the same allergy med as Sam! I works great for me too. Hopefully getting some different meats in his diet and the allergy med will do the trick!
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  9. #9
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Maxx&Emma View Post
    Lol, I take the same allergy med as Sam! I works great for me too. Hopefully getting some different meats in his diet and the allergy med will do the trick!
    Me too! I buy them in bulk. One for me, one for him. My last Lab with allergies took them as well and they really helped.

  10. #10
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by shelly View Post
    It sounds like you are doing all the right things for Sam. Do you live near the ocean or a source of salt water? That is one other thing you could try. Salt water may help his skin and coat. Many say to rinse off but we don't. Our Lab and Newfs swim year round in the Puget Sound (salt water). We don't rinse. Just towel dry and then hit them with the K9III power blow dryer.
    I don't live close enough to the ocean to do this on a regular basis. But I wish I did!

 



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