Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/8/2005

Question
Hi Dr.

I have a Belgian Melonois mix. Just recently I have started noticing that at the tip of her tail the hair is getting scarce and I can see the actual tail itself, I don't see her nibling on her tail at all, more or less she licks her paws like crazy though. Is there anything I can put on her tail to help the hair grow back? Thanks for your time.  

Answer
If she is licking her paws, that is typical of allergic dermatitis in dogs.  Often when the tail loses hair at the end, that is called a "rat tail" and is often associated with hypothyroidism.  Some dogs bang their tails on hard surfaces and that takes the hair off.  I cannot tell you what to treat this without an exam. Check with your vet to be sure.