Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/29/2008

Question
HI there,
My Chow/Lab has had allergies. It seems to be the absolute worst when the seasons change. Mainly when the grass starts growing in the spring and going dormant in the winter.

She itches all the time during this period. I have had her to the vet several times and other than putting her on cortisone shots we really haven't been successful.

Today, while giving her a bath with shampoo the vet gave me (SulfOxydex-Benzoyl peroxide)I noticed that she has soars/scabs around her mouth area. I have never noticed this before. Should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance
Katrina

Answer
The scabs around the mouth are all part of the allergy.  You can have the dog allergy tested and begin hyposensitization to decrease the dog's skin reaction to the allergens. Bathing is extremely inpoortant to remove surface allergens as well as taking care of secondary infections with antibiotics or antifungals. Intermittent steroids or a new drug called ATOPICA will help keep the dog comfortable for the 6 months it will take for the allergy serum to take effect.