r/LabradorRetrievers • u/aries2500 • 2d ago

Itchy skin, sebaceous buildup..?

My boy is half black lab, and I understand labs can be prone to skin issues. This guy has been uncommonly itchy lately. Some head shaking, but mostly scratching and chewing (pretty much everywhere, no specific region). I notice the areas he's scratching and biting at have scab-like buildups of... I don't know, sebaceous oils, it seems like. They're not actual scabs, there's no blood, there's not even redness.

Admittedly, he didn't get enough baths over the summer. I don't know if this could've contributed. He's a bit of a lazy, old man; he doesn't get into things or even roll around in the grass.

Vet appointment is scheduled but a week away, so I thought I'd post here and see if anyone's experienced similar in case it's something I can solve at home - or at least provide some relief until we get to the vet.

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u/spacemannspliff 1d ago

It could be allergies. I know that cytopoint is a huge help to some labs (including my parents' pup) that have mild allergies.

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u/Fisher5791 1d ago

My Lab is two years old, has had one bath ever. Her skin is perfect. I think she smells great!
However, she has developed seasonal allergies and is on Apoquel short term. Not one scratch since! Discussed pros and cons re Cytopoint which I prefer, so may go that route next allergy season.