Small Patch of Dog Hair Loss

by Oso Negra4th for Cynthia Riley
(Vail, AZ USA)

Reader Question: Home treatment for small patch of hair loss

I am a 4 year old Lab and have recently developed a fairly small patch of hair loss. My great master cleaned it with diluted (1-4 ratio solution) of Organic Betadine.There are brown crusty patches,small, towards the upper tail. She cleaned several days,does not appear to itch, but still remains.

We live in the desert.Loads of wild rabbits & Prairie dogs that pass through our property and I love to chase them, no contact,they are too dog-gone fast!.

No other dog contact. Can you help me with a home remedy please? Cant' afford to go to the vet.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Oso Negra 4th.

Veterinarian Suggestion for Dog Hair Loss

Dear Oso,

I am sorry to hear about your patch of “unhappy” skin and hair loss. I don’t mean to offend, but do you have fleas? The area around the base of the tail is a classic location for the symptoms of flea bite allergies to develop. Even if you don’t think you have fleas, it wouldn’t hurt to ask your “great master” to treat you with an over-the-counter flea preventative that contains the active ingredient fipronil (e.g., Frontline or its generic equivalent). If only a few fleas are present they can be very hard to find, but it only takes one bite to cause lesions like the one you describe.

After cleaning the area with dilute betadine, your “great master” could also apply a small amount of an antibiotic/cortisone ointment a couple of times a day to help it heal. If your skin worsens or doesn’t improve in a week or so, you really will need to see a veterinarian.

Happy Healing!

Jennifer Coates, DVM