my yr old choclat lab is scratching and chewing bald and

Is he on prescription flea treatment?

We live in the rocky mtns, and fleas are not an issue. I have never seen them on any of my animals. It is very cold here.

"Hot spots" happen when the skin is abraded (it can even be something as small as a tick bite that causes the skin to open). When the skin is abraded and it then gets wet from licking or swimming, etc, bacteria is introduced because of the moisture and this causes the hot spot.

The best thing for a hot spot or bacterial problems is to wash the area well with peroxide and then shave all the hair away from the sore. Hair traps moisture and you don't want that. Then dry the area completely and apply some neosporine ointment. Distract the dog for 5 minutes and then he can lick it.

If this doesn't help, you will need to see the vet to be sure it IS a hot spot and to get possible antibiotics.

I would also be concerned about ringworm. Ringworm IS contagious to people so be sure and wash hands well and see the vet for a diagnosis if you suspect this.

Let me know if you still have questions.

What do you know about food allergies and labs?
His Vet has suggested that it may be food allery, but how do i find out what it might be that he is allergic to?

What do you know about food allergies, I have taken him to see his vet, and he suggested that it may be the cause of his problems. Altough it is much to expensive to have testing done to find out the exact thing he is alleric to, is there an allternitive to the expensive testing.

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What about dander allergies? to people as well as cats? is this something my vet should be looking at as well as ffod allergies?

Dander allergies are not nearly as common as food allergies, particularly in dogs. I would concentrate more on foods, fleas and shampoos.