Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 12/3/2007

Question
My 3 year old American Eskimo is losing his hair so much that you can actually see the skin.  He is not itching or biting and has no sores.  His stomach is hard and seems to be tender to the touch. I am worried!  What could be the cause of this?

Answer
Although there are many many reasons for hair loss, at this time of year and with the breed you have, I would consider this to be a seasonal alopecia. In the Nordic breeds, because of the long winters and lack of sunshine, their pineal gland stops secreting melatonin, which is partly responsible for the hair growth cycle.  The hair falls out until the sunshine is again available.  THis is often treated with melatonin that you would get from a health food store.  YOu will need to check with your vet to see if there could be another reason for theh air loss like parasites, mange, or even low thyroid hormones.