Thinning hair

Scarlett · 02-06-2008, 02:14 PM

over the last few weeks i've been noticing that scarlett's hair back just past her ribs is thinning out and you can see under her coat when looking at it at certain angles.

i got an e-mail from my breeder last night (okay, it was scarlett's breeder not mine since if it was my breeder that would mean my mom e-mailed me..) and i mentioned it to her and she said it was somewhat normal for dobies to go through that in this part of the country due to less sunlight that they are exposed to in the winter months.

here's an article on it:

Seasonal affective disorder can be culprit for canine hair loss - DVM

she mentioned that it'd be a good idea to supplement her with some melatonin.

first question is, anyone else notice this in their dobes during the winter months (especially those in the northern states)?

and second, melatonin is labeled a sleep aid too and well, if i start giving this to her, is she going to be walking around like a medicated zombie?

VaBtrfly · 02-06-2008, 02:57 PM

Personally I believe that the thinning is a result of dry heat indoors during the winter months. You may want to try using a humidifier and add some Salmon Oil as a supplement.

I had an article about Melatonin use in pets.... can't seem to find it right now. From what I remember there can be some serious side effects though. If I can find the article, I'll post it for you.

Take care,
VB

SASHAS POPPA · 02-06-2008, 03:07 PM

There have been a couple of threads about this recently...

Here are a couple of links.......

Seasonal Hair Loss

Seasonal affective disorder can be culprit for canine hair loss - DVM

EDIT: Oops the second link is the exact same as the one in your post.

dobebug · 02-06-2008, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlett

over the last few weeks i've been noticing that scarlett's hair back just past her ribs is thinning out and you can see under her coat when looking at it at certain angles.

i got an e-mail from my breeder last night (okay, it was scarlett's breeder not mine since if it was my breeder that would mean my mom e-mailed me..) and i mentioned it to her and she said it was somewhat normal for dobies to go through that in this part of the country due to less sunlight that they are exposed to in the winter months.

here's an article on it:

Seasonal affective disorder can be culprit for canine hair loss - DVM

she mentioned that it'd be a good idea to supplement her with some melatonin.

first question is, anyone else notice this in their dobes during the winter months (especially those in the northern states)?

and second, melatonin is labeled a sleep aid too and well, if i start giving this to her, is she going to be walking around like a medicated zombie?

i just put a post up answering nearly the same questions yesterday. do a search using melatonin & seasonal alopecia as search fields--i can't remember which forum it was on.

i guarantee you that melatoin will NOT leave your dog walking around like a zombie.

i looked it up for yoy--the thread is under "seasonal hair loss" in doberman health forum & paddywack originally posted it

Scarlett · 02-07-2008, 07:32 AM

sounds like a) the hair will start to grow back in a couple of months when the weather starts getting warmer (hopefully it starts to get warmer!!) and b) she's not going to be comatose if i start giving her melatonin (which i'm thinking i'll wait on starting her on that next fall).

thanks everyone for the inforamation.