Question:
While playing with Spencer tonight I noticed something black and small run through his fur, I followed it (it was really fast) and eventualy chased it off...I don't know if it was a flea or what Anyways, then I noticed that on his back, towards his tail, there are some dry patches of skin, and if I run my fingers through them a little hair comes off...
What could this be related to??? Time for a diet change??
I will be calling the vet tomorrow morning, but I would like to hear everyone's advice on what it could be


Answer:
well it could be the fleas irrating his skin, alot of dogs are allergic or sensitive to fleas and he could be digging and itching himself dry,,i would defanetly take him to the vet and they will give you some flea treatment and whatever you need for his skin


Answer:
My dog (also a Spencer ) had a problem like this a while back. It was a dry patch but he was able to lick it and therefore irritated it more. It took a while to found out what was wrong but he was allergic to his food. After I switched him back to his original food the problem went away (although it did take almost a month)
Have you switched food recently? Does your dog seem irritated by it (ie licking the spot)? For food allergies the irritated spot is always on the belly or anywhere around their butt.
I would suggest swtiching him food and see if it helps but seeing as it will take a couple weeks to even notice results I think it is a good idea to take him to the vet and get an expert opinion.
Oh, if it is really bugging him and you would like a quick 'soothing' solution there are plenty of dog shampoos that have oatmeal in it. Oatmeal will sooth the skin and relieve any itching although it will only last for the day.


Answer:
The black bug could have been a tick, was it round and really flat? There are pictures of fleas and ticks on the internet if that would help you to remember what the bug looked like.
It could be from an insect bite or food allergies or something lacking in the food. Some give their dogs a spoon of corn oil in their food for extra shine in their coat and there are many different supplements for their skin and coat at the petstore.
Let us know what the vet says!


Answer:
well, we figured it out!!! This morning we found more of those little black sucker, they are fleas We think he has had them for a while since he has been itching since we got him! Maybe he picked one up at the vet's or even at the breeder's house (since they live in the country and have a lot of dogs).
My vet's office has an animal hospital and a natural food/pet supplies store next door...The nurse recomended to get ointment for him and put in on once a month...Also we will be changing his diet since it looks like the dry patches are from his food The vet didn't see him, but I described the symptons over the phone and the nurse knew exactly what I was talking about...
Poor Spencer
Does anyone know how long it will take for the flea ointment to take affect?? Will they start dying as soon as we put in on him, or will it take a few days??
THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE EVERYONE!!


Answer:
Oh good, I'm glad to hear that Spencer is on the mend.
Is that the picture of him in your avatar? If so he is definately a sweety!


Answer:
Yes! that is a picture of him from last Wednesday (he slept almost all day after the shots at the vet)...


Answer:
aww I hope Spencer's flea problem solves itself soon. How's he doing now? He's so precious in that pic btw


Answer:
What is the name of the flea ointment? If it's Advantage it works immediately to kill the little suckers!


Answer:
How is Spencer doing?