My Dog Has Lost Some Hair and Her Skin Has Darkened
Question:
If my dog has lost some hair on her rump and her skin has darkened. What can I do at home to help her grow her hair again? Vets want a lot of money for many tests that I cannot afford.
ANSWER:
Hi Susan,
Wow, there are a ton of conditions that can cause these symptoms! This website can give you an idea of how many there are and all the reasons why your vet needs to run some tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
In all honesty, Susan, your pet needs to have these tests run and possibly see a dermatologist. If this condition has been around for a while, there is probably no emergency so save up some funds as best you can. You can also try calling around to various animal rescues and shelters in your area to see if they can chip in some money – even $10 from a half dozen sources can make a big difference to your bill!
And don’t be embarrassed to explain your financial situation to your vet. In situations where money is truly a problem, many vets will arrange payment plans or try to find a way to treat your pet for the least amount of cost. It is always worth a try!
In the mean time, switch your dog to a hypoallergenic formula dog food (this means treats too!) sold through your vet. Although unlikely, the hair loss and ‘hyperpigmentation’ could be related to food allergies and by switching her diet, you may correct, or at least, ease, the problem. If it does not help, you also have run a test all on your own and now know that allergy testing may not need to be done. Switch her food over a week, gradually increasing the ratio of new diet to old and keep her on the food for at least three weeks. It can’t hurt and may help so worth a try!
Let us know how it goes with her!
Ann
Go ahead and ask us! Click the button below.
This is good advice. A lot of vets (and clients) find it really uncomfortable to discuss money when a beloved pet’s health is on the line. My dog had to have an small operation this week and I was lucky enough to find a vet who came right out and said “this is what comes with the gold standard procedure, this is how much it costs, these are the things that are optional, make a decision that makes sense to you. We don’t want you to skip a rent payment to afford this.” If your vet isn’t as up-front about costs and where savings can be found, ask them. Also, humane societies sometimes have low-cost veterinary practices for lower-income clients. Start making phone calls to different vets and find out who can get the tests done at the least cost.
There’s no need to pay the exorbitant amount of money that vets charge for “hypoallergenic” food — there are many holisitic foods that don’t contain common allergens like corn, soy, wheat, and chicken for a much lower cost.
Yes, they are more expensive than Iams and Purina, but they’re less expensive than “prescription” foods.
Look for foods with novelty proteins, especially fish, or other sources of meat (lamb or buffalo), and whole (or no!) grains. Usually, they are sold at independent pet shopts (not the big chains) and local livestock feed stores.