My dog has recurring facial abscesses. Could it be an allergy?

If this is a recurring skin issue, he most likely had an underlying allergy. It could be an allergy to environmental things, or an allergy to the protein in the food. You can treat the infection, but it will keep returning if the underlying issue isn't also addressed. I would talk with your veterinarian about allergies. The antibiotics are not too harsh, and won't cause kidney damage

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor guy! This can certainly be just an abscess due to an infection. However, it is possible that there is an underlying cancer which is why this keeps occurring. I think this is less likely to be true and this is more likely just an abscess that needs to be treated. If this has improved on the therapies that Kronk is on at this time then I would follow the course. If he is not improving, they should consider submitting the wound fluid to a laboratory to check for the possibility of a resistant infection that may need to be treated with a different antibiotic. Otherwise, they should sample that tissue inside and submit to a laboratory for histopathology to check for the possibility of underlying cancer. The facts that there are lesions in different places makes allergies possible. I am hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Harry. If his skin lesion does not resolve with the antibiotics, then I would recommend skin tests. Skin scrapes are used to evaluate for mites and a fungal culture looks for evidence of ringworm. These are common causes of skin disease. Allergies can be harder to diagnose, but are seen frequently this time of year. Allergies can be to something in the environment, diet or even fleas. Lesions due to allergies typically respond to antibiotic and anti-itch medications, but can recur. I hope this information helps!

All of the symptoms you describe are common in cases of allergies. Ongoing medications are recommended for dogs which have recurrent symptoms to prevent skin thickening, secondary infections and scarring.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

It could be allergies, and although allergies occur more frequently when dogs are a little older, some younger dogs can be affected too. Since the lesions are itchy parasites (such as demodex, etc.) and infection ( bacterial, fungal) need to ruled out as well. Since your guy is uncomfortable the best plan is to see you vet to test for the above so that the correct treatment is prescribed. If the lesions resolve and recur work up for allergy will likely be recommended. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!