Canine skin disorder

Question
HELP!

I have two mixed breed older labs.  They are both suffering from patches of skin where the the hair has been licked or rubbed off.

In some cases the area has been red, bloody and infectious looking.  I have treated with hydrogen pyroxide and antibiotic cream on sterile pads when needed.

I noticed last night that my male lab's belly looked very red. He does seem to be biting, scrathing and licking more frequently than normal.  I have not noticed an increase of these activies in my female.

There is no noticable sign of parasites on either one of them.

We live in a rural area.  Both dogs spend most of their time outdoors.  Symptoms have been present for about one month.

Also - probably not related, but....female has had extreme weight loss during this time period.

Answer
If they are both very itchy, they may have contracted something like sarcoptic mange mites.  There are a number of skin parasites found outdoors other than fleas that you cannot see with the naked eye.  That is fairly easily treated with a shot of an insecticide and a dip with special topical insecticides to kill these parasites.  Check with your vet.

Labs are very prone to allergies, and that can also be causing the itching.  They may also have bacterial or yeast skin infections that can add to the itchiness. Ask your vet if your dog may have allergic skin disease.