My dog and severe skin problems?

[bluetopaz1121]

My 12 year old lab mix is having major skin problems that she has never had before. Her skin is extremely dry and flaky, she has hot spots, and is contantly biting and scratching herself. She has lost a lot of the fur on the lower part of her back near her tail and down the legs near her back paws. I've tried cortisone sprays, hot spot treatments and oatmeal bathes.I'm embarrassed to take her to the vet looking like she does-I'm afraid they'll think we've neglected her! What can be causing this? As I said before-this is a new problem for her.

[ice]

Listen babe you have no choice but to take her to the vets, you may be embarrassed, your dog is in pain, please think of your poor dog, and get her to the vets for treatment.

[Boofer]

Where do you live. My dog had this problem in the summer and it was allergies. I gave him allergy pills and took him the vet. His groomer recommended coconut oil from GNC and that helped. my dog is 8 and he's a cocker spaniel. Good luck I hope this helps. I tried the oatmeal bath but that didn't help at all.

[Deepak]

You should always consult a vet. However, to speculate, she could be allergic to a food or ingredient. She could have a fungus or a parasite. I would avoid feeding her any table scraps and keep her on a dry-food diet and give her an Omega 3 tablet, which will help condition her coat. Try not to shampoo her too often as excessive washing can lead to a reduction in a dog's dander, which can act as a protectant for the skin.

[weirdone]

I agree that you need to take you to the vet. Hot spots usually need antibiotics. My dog had very dry skin and scratched sometime terrible. We changed his food to a brand without any grain. No corn, or wheat. He had been on Benedryl for a year, since we changed his food, he is off the benedryl and does not scratch. His hair looks better and he has put on a layer of fat that he needed. Not really gained weight, just filled out some.

[j saint]

i have heard that if you bath an animal to much it will dry there skin maybe and....if you dont take it to the vet wouldn't that be neglecting it (just asking)