Expert: Jannie Balliett - 4/21/2010

Question
I have had my puppy Tank for about a month n he was very malnurished when i got him. He seems to b alot better now but for the last few days he has been shedding badly and has tiny bald spots all over also his coat is getting lighter in most areas but is darker along his spine. He seem a lil mangy but i really dnt think thats what it is because i read about mange n he doesnt really have the symptoms just coarse fur.he also has been very disobedient for the last few days. What could b causing and what should i do?im afraid to do anything cause i dnt wanna make it worse.please help

Answer
There are many, many types of mange. It is a parasite and they have one thing in common; hair loss.

It is a type of mange or allergies. Food allergies are common in Boxers and can cause hair loss as well as skin irritation; rashes.

Feed the puppy a high protein puppy food; a good natural brand with NO corn and NO glutens. That is what 99% of Boxers are allergic to.

Also, they are prone to allergies of plastic and nylon. Do not use a nylon collar if he wears one. Use a leather collar. Use stainless steel food and water bowls.

Of course they can have those allergies and environmental ones too. Benadryl helps.

Talk to your vet for proper dosage.

And, have your vet look at his coat and take a skin scraping to rule out mange. If not mange, then it is allergies.

Hre might need a thryoid T4 tst when he gets old enough-- usually one year old.