red rash and hair loss

Question
As of the last week our chocolate lab has broken out in a rash under his legs (arm pit) and some on his muzzle.  He also is losing hair in these areas and general high shedding also.  What might it be ?

Answer
Labs are very prone to allergic skin diseases.  They also get the rashes, which are actually bacterial infections of the hair folicles.  You should take the dog to the vet for an exam to make sure that it is not something like mange, and then the vet can institute treatment for the specific problem. For allergies, we use cortisone to stop th eredness and itching and we use antibiotics and shampoos to disinfect the skin, to remove allergens, and treat the bacterial pyoderma.