Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 2/20/2011

Question
I rescued a dog about 3 months ago and recently she has been losing a lot of fur. She has lost most of her soft fluffy fur on her back legs leaving only the longer coarser hair, she is also losing fur on her neck and back but not as bad. She doesn't have any actual bald spots but her fur is getting thinner. Her skin is dry it looks like she has dandruff. She doesn't scratch excessively. Her skin doesn't look red, bumpy or inflamed. Other than the hairloss and dry skin she seems perfectly healthy she eats well drinks well goes to the washroom normally and is happy and energetic. She's just over one year old. She is a mix breed her father was a boxer and her mother is an unknown mix. Can you give me some advice on what it could be? Should I take her to the vet or will the fur grow back on its own?
Thank you for your time.

Answer
If she is not having any itching or scratching right now, you can try using Omega3 fatty acids added to her food daily.  That often strengthens up the hair follicles and prevents a lot of this hair loss.  It also hydrates the skin. Give it 30-45 days to work and if it doesn't then have your vet check it.