Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/22/2005

Question
My three year old Bichon Frise gets hot spots throughout the year.  Switched to Science Diet Prescription Diet Z-D - Allergen Free dog food.  Illiminated snacks, but she still has frequent hot spots.  No flees, and my vet. doesn't seem to know what to do but give her steroid shots every six months or so.  The shots help for a very short period of time.  I have a hard collar which I put on her to keep her from scratching, but I would prefer she not wear it continually.  I have read in magazines about supplements that can be added to food for skin & coat.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  We're scratchin' in Missouri.

Answer
If the dog has been on Z/D for 3 months or more, then it is not a food allergy.  If the steroid shots help, then it is prioabably some other type of allergy.

I use a shot of dexamethasone followed by two or three times a week dexamethasone tablets.  This keeps the skin from overreacting to allergens with minimal side effects.  Ask your vet abouit this type of therapy rather than a 6 month interval between shots.

You can add Omega3 fatty acids (available from your vet) to the food to make the skin less reactive to allergens.  It takes about 30 days for it to start working and it really helps decrease itching and hot spots in many dogs.