scratching/biting

Question
My 9month old shepard has suddenly started scratching and nipping at himself constantly!I mean night and day,even while playing or walking he will stop to scratch.He eats lamb and rice food and takes a daily vitiamin also we gave him frontline flea stuff.HELP-HE NOW HAS BALD RAW SPOTS!! THANKS

Answer
Hi Sharon,  It sounds like he has allergies.  He is getting what they call hot spots from knawing and scratching.  You will need to treat the hot spots with something topical (like an antibiotic ointment) as they become infected from him irritating them more.  It is hard to say what he is allergic to.  You will have to start ruling out things, like food products first.  Change to a different ingredient food.  I would get off the lamb first.  A lot of dogs can't handle lamb.  Try switching to a chicken and rice base food.  Less allergenic.  You will have to get the hot spots under control also though as they will still itch and cause him to scratch.   Hope this helps,

Dawn