hair loss

When our dog started hair loss we had her tested for thyroid... it seemed she was fine. However, now her hair loss is worse and her hair feels dry and unhealthy. She gets Blue Life Source food with a little canned mixed in to entice her to eat... plus a little grape seed oil added. We used to use fish oil, but it didn't seem to make any difference and those pills really smell fishy when we break the open.

So, today she's getting another thyroid test just to make sure. The vet last time said it might be the way she is aging (she is almost 11)...

Rat tail. My border collie had it. Thyroid. Any vet can do the thyroid test. Once my dog got on thyroid pills all the hair grew back.

14 yr old, male, base of the tail, in all probability it's tail gland hyperplasia. It's not a serious problem (unless it gets infected) but you need to have this checked by your vet to rule out hormone problems mentioned above and tumor.

If it is on other areas of the tail, different problems. Still best to have it checked out.

Doug, DVM

Diet!!!!!!!!!!

One of my Springers has that. There's a glad at the end of the tail that sometimes causes hair to fall out just in that area. Definitely get a thyroid check, though. One of our Gordon's had a thyroid issue that caused both brittle hair and hair loss.

Have his thyroid levels checked. Low thyroid levels in shelties can cause hair loss - it happens frequently in this breed. My sheltie takes a thyroid extract pill twice a day, and has since we adopted him 4 years ago. His coat is beautiful and he never experiences any hair loss. The drug is inexpensive and easy to give - the pills are very small and can be hidden in a piece of cheese or pill pocket if necessary. I would try this first. Good luck, and hope your sheltie feels better soon!

Rita
Andy the sheltie
Nicky the Tennessee Walking Horse