Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

Hair Loss - Fluffy
Sent to Pet Experts January 15 11:59 AM

I have an 8 month old black lab mix. This week we started to notice that the hair on either side of his back and down his back legs was starting to turn a brownish color. Last night I noticed that the hair that has changed color is falling out. If I pull on that hir a tuft of it will fall out, but there are no bald spots. The hair that is falling out is soft and fluffy, not brittle at all. It doesn’t look like seasonal alopecia but I can’t be sure. What would make such a large area of his hair do this?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
January 15 12:14 PM (14 minutes and 11 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hello,

Here is some information I have located on the common causes of hairloss from the black lab side, and might be considered as a possible cause (even though he is a mixed breed, the lab can be dominant of the mix):

*Labradors have what is called a double coat. This means that they have a soft, downy undercoat and a harder guard coat. These two types of coat help keep the dog warm and dry while swimming in cold waters when retrieving ducks.
Generally Labradors will shed their coat twice a year. This is called "blowing" their coat. They are moderate shedders, not enthusiastic ones such as Alaskan Malamutes or German Shepherd Dogs. There will be a certain amount of hair loss throughout the year, especially in more temperate climates. This varies individually; some Labradors shed less than others, especially if they happen to have an incorrect coat.*

I hope this might help answer some of your questions, take care & God bless!

Please see the following source for additional information:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6093.asp




Picture
Cheryl -- Veterinary Assistant -- 89% Positive Feedback on 59 Pet Accepts
Certified Vet Assistant/ Animal Health volunteer
Reply
January 15 12:43 PM (29 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
Reply to Cheryl's Post: We have seen him shed before, this seems to be something different. It's not just a mild shedding, you can actually see the difference in the part of his coat this is falling out. Any other suggestions?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
January 15 12:47 PM (3 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Does it seem to have an itch to it? Is there scabbing or sore you can readily see? Are there any other symptoms that you have recently notices as "out of the norm"?
Picture
Cheryl -- Veterinary Assistant -- 89% Positive Feedback on 59 Pet Accepts
Certified Vet Assistant/ Animal Health volunteer
Answer
January 15 12:59 PM (12 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
THIS ANSWER IS LOCKED!
You can view this answer by clicking here to Register or Login and paying $3.
Picture
Cheryl -- Veterinary Assistant -- 89% Positive Feedback on 59 Pet Accepts
Certified Vet Assistant/ Animal Health volunteer
Reply
January 15 1:06 PM (7 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
Reply to Cheryl's Post: It doesn't seem to itch and there is no scabbing or sores that I can see. He has a lot of hair and none of the hair loss that I'm talking about leaves him balding at all. And he has no other symptoms. He's happy and healthy and seems like his normal self.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Pet Health