My English Bulldog has skin patches. Is it allergies or infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Jack being an English Bulldog, this is possibly due to allergies if associated with itchiness or just a normal change in skin pigmentation which may be just transient. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. The best way to prevent allergies is by preventing the possible allergic component if one is known. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are medications such as Apoquel or prednisone which may help with the itch. 

 There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. 

Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). 

If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests.

 Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Bulldogs are notorious for having skin issues and allergies, along with their other problems (breathing issues, eye issues, etc.) I suggest talking with your vet to see if there is a current infection (yeast or bacteria) on her skin or in her ears. If there is, this needs to be treated. After this secondary infection is treated you need to address the underlying cause, which is most often allergies. Allergies can be to food, laundry soap, environment, etc. I would start by switching her to a hypoallergenic diet (prescription from the vet), and discuss medications such as Apoquel, Atopica, or steroids, to control her allergies (if they feel this is the cause after examining her). The hair patch loss could be due to lack of melatonin, and you can try supplementing, but could also be due to hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, or allergies. Ask your vet about testing for these. An E-collar can be used to prevent licking/chewing at the feet to give them time to heal. This is often required. Best of luck with Olive! I hope she feels better soon.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This can also be the site of an infection that just was not responsive to the amoxicillin. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Henry! I don't think the symmetrical hair loss on Henry's side is related to the neuter. English bull dogs are notorious for allergies to the environment or food. It could be hair loss from allergies or demodex but it is more like seasonal flank alopecia which is common in boxers, boxer mixes and bull dogs. It isn't itchy or bother the dog, the skin doesn't have any bumps and the skin is very dark. You can always post a picture to help us. My own dog gets this as well. My dogs does grow back but then falls out again. I have seen many dogs where is never grows back. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-can-be-culprit-canine-hair-loss