Christine Lipfert wrote:
My lab has a couple of bald spots. One underneath his chin (his
collar rubs in this area)and one on the highest part of his rib
cage/belly. he's been shedding like crazy too!! We have been bathing
him frequently and I've read that this is bad for labs. I plan on
decreasing his bathing to once a month. Even still could this cause
his bald spots or is it allergies? I haven't taken him to the vet
yet... $$$$
I have varied dog food in the past. Nutro Max & Science Diet. He
also eats table scraps too.

Also, he has pads on his elbows from being an outdoor dog. (Thanks to
the previous owner./sarcasm) They are starting to swell and he
licks them all the time. They are looking irritatedd. Anyone have a
home remedy for this?

My Collie/labrador had this problem - I took her collar off when indoors
until her fur grew back in that area - and ended up substituting her leather
collar for a nylon one - no more problems there (she was actaully getting
raw skin there). My dog swims every week so has to have a bath weekly
bacause hte salt residue made her itch - I was advised to use Coal Tar and
Sulphur shampoo (Johnsons) - her coat is much better and she is no longer
getting bald spots.
Sally was diagnosed with allergies early on (wheat mainly) and is on a Lamb
and Rice kibble permanently - although she does have table scraps and chews
I try to avoid whaet based stuff.
Can't advise on hte pads I am afraid.
Hope this helps.

Jackie

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