Veterinarians and pet owners alike are experiencing success using the therapy described here for canine alopecia (hair loss in dogs).
The most common form of canine alopecia is seasonal alopecia, also called cyclic follicular dysplasia. This condition is denoted by hair loss on a dog’s flanks and back. Hair loss can also occur on the base of the tail, nose, and ears. Usually the skin becomes darker in the areas where the hair loss has occurred, and the dog’s hair will become dry and coarse.
Some breeds of dogs are more likely to be affected by seasonal alopecia than others. Bulldogs, boxers, schnauzers, Airedales, labradors, Scottish terriers, Akitas and Doberman pinschers are more susceptible than many other breeds.
Canine seasonal alopecia usually starts in early spring or late fall and lasts for up to six months, with the the dog’s hair typically growing back in afterward. Sometimes the condition recurs year after year, and sometimes it only occurs once in the dog’s lifetime. Because many dogs become affected with seasonal alopecia in the spring, researchers have concluded that lack of sunlight may be a cause.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate hormones and the body’s circadian rhythm. It is being used in veterinary medicine as a natural treatment for coat loss in dogs, cats and ferrets. Researchers are not exactly sure how melatonin helps thicken and regrow fur. Some researchers think it may be the relationship between melatonin, sunlight, and the body’s circadian rhythm. Other’s feel that melatonin’s antioxidant properties help promote hair growth. Melatonin has also been shown to help a pet gain back weight after surgery, stress or illness and help with anxiety, insomnia, and noise phobias. Mink farmers have been known to use melatonin to promote thick coats in the winter.
Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula
Dr Kruger Healthy Skin Formula contains the same vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes and live cultures as the Original Formula but has added Milled Flaxseed and d-Biotin to improve the quality, shine and thickness of the dog’s coat. Recommended for dogs older than 6 months with a low to moderate work level. Along with better nutritional absorption of food, daily, long-term use will show an improved and sustained quality of coat, helping your dog to restore the hair lost due to this condition. It is also excellent for dogs that live in colder climates to increase coat coverage for protection.
With Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula is ideal for any dog that suffers from skin and coat problems such as dry, itchy skin, excessive shedding and Seasonal Alopecia. Daily use will help to bring your dog’s coat back to full growth.
- RELIEVES DRY, ITCHY SKIN
- REDUCES EXCESSIVE SHEDDING
- PROMOTES PROPER COAT QUALITY & GROWTH
- IMPROVES DIGESTION & NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
- NON-GMO ALL NATURAL FORMULA
- DETOXIFIES ANIMALS INTESTINAL TRACT
- BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Recommended Dosage:
1 to 1 ½ scoops ( 1 to 1 ½ Teaspoons) per one cup of food.
Added to each meal (everyday)
Fish Oil Supplement for Dogs with Natural Vitamin E
Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively researched and can help support skin and coat issues in dogs.
Studies have shown that fatty acids are vital for maintaining normal skin structure and function, and high doses can help support your pet’s coat by helping pruritus (itching) and alopecia (bald spots).
You should seek out a premium fish oil that is virtually odorless. Oil that is crafted in Iceland from sustainably caught, wild ocean fish. Packed with natural source vitamin E from non-GMO Argentinian sunflowers, a powerful and biologically active antioxidant.
Free from soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors and preservatives. Higher in EPA and DHA than salmon, Pollock, krill, and cod liver oil, so your pet consumes less calories. Oil is human grade, wild caught, and sustainably fished. Manufactured in a 100% carbon neutral, ISO-9001, and GMP-certified facility. So you can ensure that your dog gets nothing but the absolute best product.
Recommended Dosage: 1 pump per 20 lbs of body weight. This needs to be added to every meal.
Melatonin
Recommended Dosage: Research recommends not exceeding a dosage of 3 to 6 mg every 8 to 12 hours.
A general guideline is:
- 1.5 mg for dogs under 25 lbs
- 3 mg for an average medium to large sized dog 26-99 lbs
- 6 mg if the dog’s weight exceeds 100 lbs
This dose can be given once or twice daily.
If given once daily, the recommendation is to dose in the evening.
Please remember, though, that every pet is different and it is always best to consult with your veterinarian for the best possible dosage of Melatonin for your pet’s individual situation. Adjustments may need to be made for particular health situations and/or medications.
Side Effects: There have been no reports of significant side effects of melatonin use in dogs. There have been a few reports of minor gastric upset and sleepiness. Melatonin has been shown to slightly alter the time an un-spayed female comes into heat. Melatonin may also interact with corticosteroids and some internal body process. Melatonin is not recommended for use in breeding dogs because it has been shown to sometimes alter mating desire and when a dog comes into heat.
Signs of Melatonin Overdosage: It is very important not to exceed the recommended amount of melatonin. Be very careful when choosing your melatonin product. Many of the melatonin products sold for humans are much stronger than the recommended amount for dogs. Signs of overdosage include diarrhea, vomiting, high blood pressure, incoordination, and even possibly seizures.
Note: It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before concluding that your pet has a particular ailment. In the case of Canine Alopecia, you should make sure that your veterinarian rules out thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, parasites, mites and certain bacteria. All of these can cause symptoms similar to Canine Seasonal Alopecia. To test for thyroid or Cushing’s disease, your veterinarian will need to perform a blood test; for parasites, mites and certain bacterias a skin sample may need to be taken.
The regimen described here has a proven track record of working on mild to severe cases of seasonal alopecia. Based on our experience dealing with this issue; the following is the most common and effective treatment.
Mild Cases: Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula only resolves the hair loss issue.
Medium or more stubborn cases: Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula and Fish Oil appears to resolve the issue.
Severe Cases: Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula, Fish Oil and Melatonin appears to be the combination that has the greatest positive effect on extreme cases of seasonal alopecia,