skin problems

Question
Hello Katie,

My golden is 7 years old.  He's developed some kind of skin problem that causes him a lot of discomfort, itching, then sores from scratching.  Fleas seemed a possible suspect, so we tried a couple of different medicated shampoos, then sprays to try and relieve him.  He likes being brushed, of course, but as much hair as he loses, I'm starting to think he'll go bald.  All this hasn't done much for the rash/sores clearing up.  What advice would you offer about this type of thing?  

Thanks very much

Answer
This could be one of several possibilities. My first guess would be a food allergy. Which has developed since he has gotten older.  Ok, let's start with the most common. FLEAS. Shampooing him in flea shampoo isn't enough.  If he has fleas, then so does your house, his bedding, anywhere he is at.  So you must treat all the area he goes for fleas.  Which is very hard.  One of the best preventative flea treatments is Brewer's Yeast. You can get it in any pet supply store or Wal-Mart in the pet dept or even the pharmacy.  Depending on his size, I'd give him 3-5 pills a day.  Check the lable.  Brewer's Yeast with Garlic is a bonus!  Fleas don't like garlic and when it secreats out the skin, they don't like that.  You and the dog cannot smell the garlic,  so that's good.  Food allergies can start at any age in a dog's life and goldens are VERY prone to them.  It will get a bit more expensive, but Iams with lamb and rice is the best method.  If Iams is unaffordable, then Purena Lamb and Rice formula.  This will make him gain some weight, so, be sure to get him plenty of excercise and only 2 cups per day should do it.  As far as the skin sores, keep them clean and dry.  Shave the area with clippers if you can and put an antibotic ointment on them.  They will heal on their own over the next few months after switching to lamb and rice formula dog food.  Once you change the food, you cannot go back to what you were feeding him, he is allergic and will always be allergic. His hair will grow back too, but may take some time after switching the dog food.  The Brewer's Yeast with Garlic is always a good idea to keep fleas at bay anyway.  good luck