Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/7/2007

Question
I have a 6 year old pug who has allergies.  I just recently got him about a year ago.  I am not sure what he is allergic to, but he seems to be scratching more now than before, so I am assuming that they are seasonal.  He has red skin in his (armpit) areas and stomach by his back legs.  The vet told me that this is from his allergies.  I have noticed that he has some black dots all over his under side.  I don't know if he had these before, I am sure I would have noticed them.  Could these be from his allergies.  What can I give him or do for his allergies?

Answer
This could be from the allergies.  What happens is the allergy causes the skin to itch and thicken, then it gets infected with either yeasts or bacteria.  So the allergies can cause this, but it is easier to deal with these secondary infections with antibiotics, antifungals, and shampoos.  Of course the allergies have to be dealt with, also, to prevent these secondary skin chabges.