Losing Hair

[maddiesmom]

Our Miss Saddie is 6 years old, never been spayed, and never had puppies. Recently she has lost alot of hair, specifically her mane area and her underpants. No bare patches like mange. In the mane area you can pull it out by the handfull. She seems healthy, lots of energy. Any suggestions, should I be worried. Also wanted to mention that she never has had a real full and long coat. I have always said she is folically challenged!

[Silaria]

Take her to the vet and have her thyroid checked. If nothing else has changed, one symptom of hypothyroid is hair loss.

[BarbV]

Yes, that would be my first reaction as well....except hair loss in thyroid dogs is normally in their back, hind quarters and belly. And comes out with scaly skin lesions underneath.

Because its not bare batches, could she just be coming into heat....or heaven forbid, is she pregnant?

[maddiesmom]

Yipes, pregnant I hope not. Our male puppy is 10 months old. Is that old enough to be a Papa? I have only noticed Saddie come into heat three times in all the years we have owned her.

[Justicemom]

Yes 10 months is old enough to sire a litter. So is 6 monthsfor that matter.

There are many reasons for hair loss as you describe. Also if your girl is 6 years old and you have only seen her go into season 3 times(unless you missed it), is highly unusual. The average is every 6 months. Some can be once a year. Bitches with irregular heat cycles are very worrisome for pyrometra as they age. I would take get in for a check up with your vet.