schnauzer with bad hot spots

Question
Hello.  This is frustrating for me.  My dog has had some hot spots but not
this bad.  He has about 2 on each side of his back and i've noticed some
further up.  It seems to really bother him now.  He can't relax and when he
lies down his head turns back quickly.  He's scratched so much that theres no
hair on the hot spots.  I've also noticed some red dots on the areas.  I'm
feeding him natural balance (potatoe and duck) and only recently has he been
really itchy.  When I give him a bath I give him an oat meal shampoo.  Is there
anything you can do to help or give me some advice?  I know it might be
allergies but theres so many possiblitiles on what could be causing this.  Any
help would be great.  Thanks
mark
818-430-8751

Answer
You might want to have this checked out by your vet as this could have become a staph infection (red dots) or maybe even a yeast infection, and they will require antibiotics to clear the skin up.

One product that comes highly recommended to me for hot spots is Coolspot 2000. http://www.coolspot2000oz.com/ I have never tried it personally, but that woman had a dog that had hot spots on a fairly regular basis and she said this stuff would clear them up quickly. (Guess it might depend on the reason for the hot spots.)

If your dog has allergies, it could be absolutely *anything* setting him off. It is said that only 30% of allergies are caused from foods. You might want to contact a veterinary dermatologist in your area. Here is a list of dermatologists (unfortunately, it is not listed by states, but alphbetically): http://www.acvd.org/sites/site-1528/refs/16e9aaf6-7f00-0001-26de-8ea08780cb43.do...

Here is further information that may help you with this problem: http://www.labbies.com/Secondary_Skin_Allergies.htm

Karen