Labrador Retriever - Hair Falling Out ( part two )

This is the second part of an e-mail question from Julee concerning her Labrador Retriever's hair falling out.

Part one of this question can be read here: Labrador Retriever - Hair Falling Out ( part 1 ).

Julee writes:

Thank you SO much for you speedy response – very much appreciated!

Also, thank you for asking what our dog’s name is – that was one major detail I seemed to leave out in my previous email to you. J His name is Champ – I have come to know Champ by being friends with the family and by marrying into the family, the dog has become ours now. Quite a nice scenario – I am very privileged to know Champ! He is the most loving, kissy, responsive dog that you could ever meet.

In response to your questions, please see the following responses:

“Champ” does bite, scratch, lick, and chew at the problem areas.

Unfortunately, Champ will not let us see the area underneath the “clumps” of fur. I have attempted to, while brushing him, gently separate the fur and see the skin – he immediately knows and lets me know that he does not want me going near the areas. (Each area is probably about the size of a twoonie)

The remainder of his coat is beautiful. Soft, silky, shiny, and vibrant. The fur that he does lose elsewhere is what I would say to be “normal”.

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Nothing new including diet, shampoo, etc.

I must confess, there really doesn’t seem to be any other problems at all. He still seems incredibly energetic and healthy, which is a blessing; however, this leaves us stumped as to what is going on.

Thank you for all of your patience, time, and assistance – very, very, very much appreciated!

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ANSWER:

Hi Julee, Thanks for responding so quickly to my questions. Your responses to the questions I asked help me to try to eliminate some of the conditions I think could be the problem with Champ.

My first thoughts were “hot spot” which are raw areas that develop when something causes your dog severe itching, scratching and irritation leading him to lick his skin raw. These areas do become moist, hairless and painful for him. This would explain Champ’s reluctance to not letting you see the area.

The problem can also be some sort of allergic reaction.
Signs of dog allergies can vary:

Skin allergies - persistent itching of the skin, skin color change.

Inhalant allergies – sneezing and coughing.

Food Allergies -vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Can also have scratching and itching .

Flea allergy dermatitis – allergic reaction to saliva of fleas.

Weather changes also play a major part with your dog’s skin. With Champ being exposed to different weather conditions, and the hot/dry heat, his skin is vulnerable to all type of infections, being from bacteria, viruses or fungus. The skin gets irritated, causing itching, scratching and biting, which will cause hair falling out on some areas.

There is a product called Sulfodene Skin Medication for Dogs (FDA approved). Sulfodene is formulated to be effective as an aid in the treatment of certain common skin inflammations in dogs. You can find it in most pet supply stores.

To leave any doubts out Julee, I would definitely recommend a visit to your veterinarian. Skin infections are some of the most frequently treated problems by veterinarians. Even if we knew that Champ was suffering from some infection, it’s is not always easy to figure out which type.

I hope this helps you some Julee. Please let me know what you decide to do, and if you go to the vet, let me know what they diagnosed. Maybe we will be able to help others out with similar conditions with their Labradors. Any other question, don’t hesitate to ask!

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