AboutKim Wingate Expertise I can answer general questions about Poodles. My specific area of expertise is Standard Poodles, but I will answer all questions about Poodles and dog related questions if I can. If I can't answer your question, I will be able to find information or someone who can.
Experience I am a Dog Groomer and Dog Trainer, who has raised Standard Poodles for over 20 years. I can answer Housebreaking questions, Obedience questions, Grooming questions, Breeding questions, and General Dog questions.
Organizations I am a member of the AKC.
Education/Credentials I have worked at several Pet stores in my area, worked for a year as a Vet Tech, was an apprentice for a Dog Trainer, and have also worked at a Grooming/Showing kennel for several months. I have also raised, shown, trained, and groomed my own Standard Poodles for over 20 years.
Expert: Kim Wingate Date: 6/8/2008 Subject: hair loss
Question i have a 7 year old tiny toy poodle, in feb he got into some window screen and had to be shaved completely to remove it, as the hair is growing back the hair on his sides and hips is very very thin and seems wiry not soft like poodle fur. he has all his shots and in april the vet declared him happy and healthy....can you tell me what may cause the hair loss?
Answer Hello Julie,
I am wondering if there was any skin damage that was caused due to the window screen pricking the skin. If so, that could cause the hair to grow in wiry. Also, in general, shaving a poodle down to the skin rather than scissoring when he gets a trim can cause the hair to grow in more wiry.
Actually most show type Poodle hair is wiry rather than soft. The stiffness of the hair makes the hair stand up rather than lay flat. Pet quality poodles will tend to have a softer coat than the show quality Poodles. You will also see the show poodles with a thicker coat which gives it the body it needs in the show ring.
You will find these Vitamins and Minerals listed below very helpful for dogs with hair-loss.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Taking omega-3 has proven to be good for your health in many different areas, but it also aids in feeding hair roots. Think of it as fertilizer so to speak. Your scalp will also benefit from omega-3. You'll find gel caps of omega-3 wherever vitamins are sold. They make an excellent supplement. Natural sources that provide omega-3 fatty acids include Tuna, Sardines and Salmon.
Protein
Your hair is made up in a large part, from protein. So, in order to continue having a healthy head of hair, you need to eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, brown rice, and other foods containing protein. This will go a long way in preventing your hair from falling out.
Cysteine
A big ingredient of protein is the amino acid, cysteine. It does good things for your hair, as well as detoxify your entire body. You can get cysteine from eating foods such as nuts, meat, fish, egg yolks, and even garlic.
Vitamin A and C
Both of these important vitamins can help in preventing hair loss. They can be found in green vegetables, fruits, carrots, broccoli as well as melons.
Vitamin B
All of your B complex vitamins can aid in growing hair and keeping it healthy. You can find vitamin B in milk, meats, and some fish.
All of these vitamins and minerals can be found in different foods, but you can also take them in pill form. By using a combination of both you may discover that hair loss is becoming a thing of the past.
Your best bet would be to make up a "topping" for your dogs dry kibble that consists of:
1 lb Hamburger or Turkey Burger (70-30 because of higher fat content)
1/2 lb Spinach
1 can Sardines in Olive Oil (use the oil of the sardines and blend it with the Spinach to make a juice
2 eggs scrambled
1 Apple Blended (or you can use 1/2 cup of Applesauce)
1/4 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 cup brown rice, cooked using chicken broth for better flavor
1 grated carrot
1/2 cup Cottage Cheese
1/2 package of Knox unflavored Gelatin will also help as it contains Keratin, which is what hair and nails are made out of.
Mix these ingredients together and add to your dogs food. He will most likely love it and think he is getting a treat. This mixture should last you about a week in a sealed container. If your dog isn't interested in eating this mixture, try lowering the amount of or removing the greens. Some dogs don't like the taste.
Be sure to give your dog at least 4 weeks on this diet to see if its helping or not.
This recipe is for a large dog, so go ahead and half it if desired.
This diet is beneficial for hair-growth and should help your dog to regrow a healthy and full coat of hair.
I hope this helps you some. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.
