Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 6/30/2008

Question
I have a chihuahua, she's about 1 1/2 yrs old and she is experiencing some hair loss around her legs, in the front of her ears, in her neck and basically everywhere except her back, tail, & the back of her head she is a very small chihuahua and her hair is very short just like her parents but her parents dont have any kind of hair loss. Her vet said this is common in the breed and will stop over time, but it's just getting worse. We do live in a very warm climate and this might be the cause but it is weird that her parents are not in this state. Her skin is healthy, but i'm still worried because It's starting to look bad. I would be very grateful if I could have some kind of advice because I am really confused...

Answer
Ana -

I agree with your veterinarian - the symptoms you describe will subside with time if they are breed related.  It is difficult to form an opinion without actually evaluating your pet, but in my experience this hairloss is often resolved when the animal is spayed or neutered as they are often hormone related.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM