View Full Version : What could be causing his fur loss?
failurebidesign
Jul 28, 2010, 12:30 PM
My dog has been scratching himself constantly for the past year. When we took him to the vet we were told he did not have mange, but he was treated repeatedly for fleas, which he also doesn't have. Within the past six months he has lost most of his fur, there is only a little fur left on his body, around his chest, and his ears. Because he is a rescue, we don't know anything about his past homes or family history. We have two other rescue dogs that haven't had any of the same problems, and are perfectly healthy despite living in the same environment.
DoulaLC
Jul 28, 2010, 12:37 PM
There are a few health concerns that could cause it, but most common would be simple allergies. What kind of dog is he? What are the ingredients in the food he eats?
Has he been this way since you rescued him or is it just in the last year?
KISS
Jul 28, 2010, 12:45 PM
Have thyroid tests done. Simple fix if the problem.
failurebidesign
Jul 28, 2010, 01:16 PM
We don't know what kind of dog he is but we know he's a mix, his fur is a pale yellow, like a lab, and he is medium sized about 50 pounds. The weird reactions have been occurring for about a year, since we moved. He was living on a large farm, and is now trying to adjust to living in a smaller house in a small town.
Aurora_Bell
Jul 28, 2010, 04:39 PM
It could be a habit for him now. The scratching could have been caused by stress, and now it's something that brings comfort to him. Simple distractions when he starts itching will work, a toy, a treat, play time.
Another thing you can look at is allergies. Whether it's environmental or food. Has your vet okay'd you to give him bennadryl for the itching? It could be a product you use on your floors or bedding. It could be a plant you have in the home or around the garden. It could be the type of food you are feeding. A lot of dogs have allergies to wheat and by products in commercial dog food. What type of food are you feeding him?
Lucky098
Jul 28, 2010, 09:15 PM
If he's been tested for mange and fleas and has come back negative. For both tests, then I would agree with Aurora Bell in that this has turned into a habit.
There are other things to consider besides mange and fleas.. such as allergies to food and/or environmental (pollen) also house hold cleaning products (such as swiffer solutions).
To help him out, you could put a shirt on him to help him stop itching his body raw and/or until the hair falls out. I also have a doggy lotion remedy that works pretty good for itchy dogs. If you're interested, let me know and I'll get that receipt for you. It might even help him out while you're firguring out why he's itching so bad.
Good luck
Aurora_Bell
Jul 29, 2010, 05:19 AM
You could also try feeding him some omega oils. Cod liver oil is inexpensive and fairly effective. Remember the deeper sea fish, the better.