Originally posted by Cookiebaker


Thanks for the info, Shais_mom! When we first took Malone to the vet, she made some off-hand comment like "oh, I hope he doesn't have the skin problems of a golden" and I wasn't sure what she was talking about. Malone is only like 10% golden so hopefully we won't have any problems, but now I have an idea what to look for.
My Goldens have never had hot spots, but they have had breakouts (bumps) on their bellies in previous years. I think I have that under control with food now. But the biggest problem with a hot spot is that it starts as an innocent bump or abrasion and the dog messes with it until it is a huge, angry red spot that usually gets infected. Our Labrador Retriever, Chuck, used to get them on his back, right above the base of his tail, and we would have to take him to have it shaved, put him on steroids, etc. And sometimes they started with something as simple as one flea bite!

It's not completely fool proof, but keeping them "flea free", plus keeping them on a high quality food (no corn) is usually the vet's first suggestion. Hope Malone never has to deal with it!