Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/10/2009

Question
I HAVE A 15 MONTH OLD CHIHUAHUA/YORKIE MIX. I ADOPTED HIM WHEN HE WAS 1 YEAR OLD AND I NEVER NOTICED ANY HAIR LOSS BUT SINCE HAVING HIM IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. HE IS ALL BLACK EXCEPT FOR WHITE CHIN LOOKS LIKE A LONG BEARD, BUT THESE CHIN HAIRS HAVE FALLEN OUT. HE ONLY HAS SOME LEFT. ALSO HAS SOME HAIR LOSS ON HIS TAIL; IT'S A TURNED UP TAIL AND THE HAIR IS MISSING ALONG THE BONE ON THE UNDERSIDE? IS THIS JUST A COMMON THING OR WULD IT BE SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TREATMENT? IS IT SOMETHING IN OUR GRASS THAT HE'S ALLERGIC TO? HE EATS A GOOD BRAND OF DOG FOOD WELLNESS SO IT CAN'T BE THE GRAIN WHEAT GLUTEN OR CORN PROBLEMS.
THANKS


Answer
There are so many reasons for hair loss.  If he is itchy and chewing or rubbing the hair off, then he can be treated with something to stop the itching.  IF there is a parasite, that needs to be treated.  Some dogs with low thyroid hormones will loose hair.  So you need to let your vet see the dog to be sure what this is.