FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019 
CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 257   
PAW'S CORNER #12345_20260803  
FOR RELEASE Aug. 3, 2026
BYLINE: By Sam Mazotta  
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Itchy allergies have this hound howling
DEAR PAW'S CORNER: My 2-year-old Bassett Hound, "Harlan," is allergic to something, but we aren't sure what it is. He's got hot spots, especially on his stomach and hind quarters, and he's broken the skin in some places from scratching and biting. Our veterinarian says to treat him for fleas and has prescribed an antibiotic for the scratches. I'm wondering if there is more going on. What do you recommend? -- Jake S. in Wheeling, West Virginia
DEAR JAKE: I'm sorry to hear that Harlan is suffering. Allergies can be a real pain, and finding the source can take time.
Eliminating fleas and treating the sores and hot spots is the first step in the process of determining what is causing a pet's allergic reaction. If Harlan responds well to this treatment and has no further problems, that's great. If he doesn't, the next move is to gradually rule out other potential allergens until the culprit is found.
Dogs and cats can have histamine reactions -- redness, swelling, sneezing, itching -- to three primary culprits: fleas, food and environment. Some very effective flea treatments have been developed over the past several years, so this is the easiest allergy to treat. Food and environmental allergies are tougher.
I'll address food allergies in my next column. This week, what I recommend for pet owners who are dealing with the itching, hot spots and general misery of an allergy, is to contact their vet and follow their instructions on treatment. Reduce dust and pollen inside the home by vacuuming frequently. Treat all your furry pets for fleas, if you haven't done so yet.
And get out your notebook. You'll need to write down your pet's reaction, behaviors and symptoms to start forming a picture of the allergies they may have.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
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