Question submitted by the audience in our recent webinar: "The Itchy Dog":
Many dogs in our area get a summer itch in early fall, and this year I am having a terrible time with two of my hounds, to the point that one is tearing out patches of hair and suffering skin bumps. The other scratches under her front legs until they are raw. I was told to treat with antifungal sprays & lotions but I am not seeing any big turnarounds. What can be sprayed or put in the yard?
Answer by: Andrew Hillier, BVSc, MANZCVS, DACVD
It sounds like your dog may have a seasonal allergy (seasonal pollens or fleas), and as you describe (skin bumps and patches of hair falling out), I am more suspicious of a bacterial infection than a fungal infection. Your veterinarian will be able to make this diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. I would not be inclined to spray the yard with anything – there is probably more danger than good in that.
