My dog is itchy with a bald spot and red bumps. Is it an allergy?

It does look like Toby's skin is quite irritated! The small bumps could mean that there is bacteria in his skin (also known as pyoderma) and he should see a vet for examination and appropriate medications. However, there is usually an underlying cause for the itching and subsequent infection. The most common causes would be fleas, ticks, mites, or allergies. Allergies can be from a range of things, including flea saliva, food proteins like chicken or beef, or the environment like dust, pollen, mold, or grass. If Toby has a food allergy, he may benefit from a novel protein diet or a prescription dog food for allergies. These are good things to discuss with your vet. While you wait for his appointment, try to prevent Toby from further itching his inflamed skin to prevent further damage. You can cover him with a dog or human shirt or try to put socks on his feet. If he is licking then he may need to wear a cone/e-collar. You can try to use some hydrocortisone cream on the itchy spots, but don't let Toby lick it off!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From your description, it sounds as if Tobie may have a skin allergy or infection. I would recommend using the below products, which can be found online quite easily. If there is no improvement, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Tobie so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the affected area 2-3 times per day until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent

Hello. It does sound like Dyce is allergic to something. It is best to have him seen by your veterinarian to try & get to the bottom of his issues, whether they be environmental allergies, food allergies, or even the presence of fleas or skin mites causing him to itch. We now have very good & very safe products to treat allergies, including Apoquel & Cytopoint. If you can not get Dyce to the vet, you can start him on a good fish oil supplement made for dogs, such as Dermapet & F.A. capsules. Most large pet retailers will have a good selection. You can also bathe Dyce 1-2 times weekly in cool water using a mild oatmeal based shampoo or one that contains either 1% hydrocortisone or pramoxine. These will give short term relief & when used regularly, may decrease the incidence of his allergic outbreaks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It looks like Tobias is having an allergic reaction. It could be to something he ate that he wasn't a supposed to, an insect bite or even contract with a fabric or substance that is causing a reaction in his skin. Try a cool compress over the affected areas to help with swelling and inflammation. Place an e collar on Tobias to stop him scratching or licking the areas Some owners find Benadryl useful in this situation; https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-human-medications-that-are-sometimes-safe-for-sick-pets/ If his skin hasn't improved over a 24 hour period I would advise a trip to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to provide stronger anti - allergic medication.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the photos you provided and the description of the problem, I suspect what you are seeing maybe due to an allergic reaction. There are many things that can trigger an allergic reaction so it is difficult to say for sure what the cause is. Benadryl can safely be used in dogs and the typical dose that is recommended by most veterinarians is 1 mg per 1 pound of body weight every 12 hours. If this does not help, and the area is spreading or worsening then I would suggest having this examined by a veterinarian for further treatment. If this is an allergic reaction, these can progress to more severe reactions and potentially cause breathing difficulties which requires more intense treatment than just Benadryl. I would also consider bathing Toby on the off chance that there is something on the skin that is causing this reaction. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns that you might have. I am also available by phone or text base consultation if needed.

I looks like a hot spot. I suggest you use apply hydrocortisone spray or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area 2 times per day. If after a week or so it is not looking better then he should see your vet. ( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hot-spots/ )