Question about losing hair

**Vanis** · 02-10-2007, 09:32 AM

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**WeHeartLabs** · 02-10-2007, 09:39 AM

Could be the impending heat and hormones playing up...

The technical term for hair loss in dogs is 'telogen effluvium.'

To understand the condition, it is important to know that a dog's hair is not always growing, but the growth goes through various stages. There is a growth phase (anagen) and a resting stage (telogen). The hairs in telogen are more easily shed than those in anagen.

During pregnancy, heat, and other stresses, hairs may enter telogen prematurely, and do so in large numbers. Hormone changes in the bitch may also play a role in this change.

**imported_agilitymom** · 02-10-2007, 09:44 AM

We noticed some hair loss on our chocolate also. It turned out to be hypothyroidism. Very common condition in labradors.

**Vanis** · 02-10-2007, 09:46 AM

Great info! Thanks for that.

**Vanis** · 02-10-2007, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by agilitymom

We noticed some hair loss on our chocolate also. It turned out to be hypothyroidism. Very common condition in labradors.

Does hypothyroidism affect dogs the same way it affects humans? As in, gaining weight unexplainably...hair loss...sluggishness. I'm just curious because Bailey is on the skinny side and is so hyper all the time that I would think if it were hypo-thyroid, I would see a change in personality and weight. Maybe it's hyperthyroidism. Hmmm...

**labby** · 02-10-2007, 09:57 AM

Usually you see similar symptoms Vanessa. Not always. If you do a thyroid, make sure your vet does the MSU test. Its the only one that is accurate.

My girls do not lose a lot of coat when they are in season. After pups, yes they go bald, but not after a season. It could be the food. You might try the adult food of the type that Bailey was eating before and see if that helps.

**Vanis** · 02-10-2007, 10:03 AM

Ok Laura, thanks...I'll look into all of that.

**imported_agilitymom** · 02-10-2007, 11:46 AM

My vet told me that very few dogs are hyper-throid. This is a condition that mainly affects cats. My dog was also lean. She is an agility dog and not what I would consider sluggish. Her only symptom was hair loss and being hungry all the time. I attributed the hunger to her being a lab. Her hair loss is what got us to the vets.

**Vanis** · 02-10-2007, 12:44 PM

Thanks Agilitymom.

Gonna look into it.

**Tanya** · 02-10-2007, 01:21 PM

Will have to keep an eye on this thread...

Rocky is balding (just like those pictures) under the arm pits and under the back legs and belly. I assumed it was just how he was! But this is what he looked like when i got him (at 1.5) and the vet has never mentioned that it could be a problem.