Itchy doods

[Bonnie and Kona]

Owen has two hot spots and an ear infection. (He is not prone to either.) I took him into the vet today for the ear infection because I am managing the hot spots fine with having Owen wear a cone and shaving the spots down and applying a antibacterial powder. But the vet said if he is having hot spots, itchiness and an ear infection it is probably an allergy and I should put him on the vet limited ingredient dog food for 6 weeks. Of course, I said I didn't want their dog food because you can't belong to DK for long without figuring that out! I just ordered Solid Gold Venison since she recommended it be a protein source they haven't had (which I also know because of DK). The thing is I am aware of the many discussions on DK about the reality that allergies are rarely food and mostly environments. What I don't know is if that includes the kind that make ear infections and hot spots at the same time. Sorry to have missed this. Do you think I need to put them on a new food or treat them with Benedryl? They are both taking fish oil. Kona is itchy but I am 90% sure that it is environmental. Thanks in advance for the help!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Mold is a very likely culprit. Not sure what to do about that. Thanks for doing the research. The vet said Kona was probably allergic to mango because he was itchy during mango blooming season. Mango is part of the poison sumac family so that makes some sense. This is not that season. Mold is always present. Thanks so much for all of your help Karen. I really appreciate you. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I just wish I could be of more help. Maybe try the antihistamines and some cortisone spray on the areas where he is creating hot spots. And the baths do help. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

You always help Karen! Just having you respond is a huge gift!