What Would Cause Hair Loss in Healthy Little Dogs ?

We have 2 female Miniature Pincher's about 3 years old. They both have a hair loss , and it is in a pattern on them, it has been progressive so that now only the backs of both dogs have a normal amount of hair. With one of them, it began when she had a cyst operated on and removed at the base of her neck, on top, where shots are normally given. The vet surgeon told us that at that time, perhaps some bacteria entered with the needle and that was the probable cause. Whatever. Then her sister started the same thing. Our vet advised that it may be a hormonal problem, not uncommon in little dogs, they are both under 5 pounds, and he gave us medicated shampoo and advised use of benadryl. The hair loss continued but slowed, maybe.



Now I have been reading about hair loss and for humans, we need protein, iron, most of all, increased in our diet. I have been giving vitamin supplements to them that I got from the vet but so far, no obvious regrowth. Oh, yes, also omega fish oil, that was recommended to give them *and for us to take also*.

Another interesting thing to me. We have another min pin who mostly plays outside and he has experienced NO hair loss. I am wondering about all this.



I have learned so much from others on Yahoo Answers in the past, I hope someone may point me in the right direction again. In the past for example, I had never heard of Capstar until one kind girl on YA told me and I shall forever be grateful to her. Capstar solved our problems. We have 9 dogs and as many cats. Thanks all.What Would Cause Hair Loss in Healthy Little Dogs ?
Only moulting, or contact with such as acids/alkalis, can cause hair loss in a HEALTHY dog.



What you describe is NOT moulting.

I doubt that it is a contact problem.



Ergo - your pet is NOT healthy.



We cannot smell and see your pet, so have no idea which of many possibilities is the cause.



Allergy to food.

Allergy to poisons/toxins where she lies.

Auto-immune response.

Mange.

Mite infestation.

Pancreatic insufficiency.

Yeast growth



The vet should have checked for mange, mites %26amp; yeasts, but cannot check for the allergies except over a lengthy period. The area the problem started from doesn't sound like a pancreas problem - but I'm not a vet.



Were it ONLY the one that had the operation, a stress-invoked auto-immune response could be suspected. As the pair are sisters, it could still be the immune system - especially if the pedigree shows intense inbreeding.



But WE can't help you - diagnosis requires inspection %26amp; testing.



Although the

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_G address is set up for GSDs, all breeds are subject to almost the whole range of medical problems. So have a look in the Links =%26gt; Diseases_%26amp;_Disorders section.

Most of the suggestions above don't have labels of their own - for them, click the Veterinary_Site_Search label, make a choice , and start searching.



DON'T attempt to make a diagnosis yourself - but you will have an idea of things to suggest to your vet when you go back; and once a diagnosis IS made the site will help you better understand what is going on in your pets.

Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_F

';In GSDs'; as of 1967What Would Cause Hair Loss in Healthy Little Dogs ?
Thanks for the points, voter.

It's a pity that [Yoshiko Yasui] wasn't interested enough to choose a Best Answer herself, eh!

Les P

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It could be a nervous breakdown, but that's highly unlikely if they're happy and healthy. You could try another vet for starters, and it could also be mange, which is quickly spread through contact. Mange will look like dandruff kinda in the fur. You should try several vet's opinions just to be sure though.
are u feeding them the same food? if you are they could have a allergy to the food that they are giving go to the vet and get special food for them
Allergies can cause hair loss in dogs. Labs are very prone to it. Check out a better dog food for this. It does take a couple of months of changing food for it to start helping.
Have your dogs been checked for food allergies perhaps? Have you considered putting them on grain free food?



Stress could e another factor.



How often are the dogs bathed and with what?
Allergies.
If there is one thing that irritates dog owners more than anything else, it's probably shedding. Finding clumps of dog hair in the corners with the dust bunnies or stuck all over the couch, car, carpet or bed is a constant source of complaint. Even short-haired dogs seem to shed enormous amounts of hair. Comet, my sister-in-law Kari's Pug, sheds like a champ.



http://tinyurl.com/yf6tbmp
My answer may not be what you're looking for but I have a pomeranian and back a while ago my parents went through a seperation process and my Mom was gone pretty much all of the time and had moved out. My dog started to lose patches of hair (hairballs would be EVERYWHERE on the floor) because of stress. It's about like with a human, seeing as sometimes humans undergo stress and lose hair as well. After my Mother moved back in and my parents redeemed their relationship, my dog stopped losing her hair except around the time of the warm season.

Your dogs may be undergoing some form of stress, especially the one that had had the operation.
Between 15% to 20% of all dogs in the United States suffer from allergies. As in humans, allergies may manifest in different ways producing varied symptoms in your pet. Knowing the signs of allergy suffering will bring your dog faster relief and happier days. As with any pet related medical issue, always consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.



Additional information here, http://dogtime.com/allergies-dog.html
My first thought is autoimmune disease..........the immune system not functioning to its optimum level, so it can't fight 'allergies' minor illnesses etc these two live indoors so are subject to chemicals in floor cleaners, house sprays, possibly washing powder from washing their beds......shampoos can cause it, drugs from the vets and benadryl just covers the symptoms and doesn't deal with the problem.



Look at the food you are feeding...kibble, no grains or feed RAW, look at the products you use on them or in the house, go and buy some neem oil ( online) 100% cold pressed 1 sp a day in their diet will build their immune system up, so it can naturally fight 'allergies', you will never have to spray them for fleas or give dewormers again, no ticks, mites and it promotes a healthy coat, skin, teeth and bones