Sudden dull, patchy coat, unusual shedding

[msvette2u]

Originally Posted by Dotty

I just looked that up, it doesn't really fit her.
Can dogs get allergies all of a sudden?

Well it's a bit gradual - it could be allergies have crept up but I'm still gonna go with furminator until proven otherwise


You know, the dry air of winter could have played havoc too.

BTW, vigorous brushing with a pin brush could have done this too.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

She has a beautiful coat overall by the way!

[Dotty]

The first picture is Ellie and that is what her coat SHOULD look like.

The second picture is Izzy

They have nice coats, Izzy is still the same, but Ellie is a mess.
Being winter, she should have a nice thicker coat coming in.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

WOW. Pretty girls!!!!!!!!!!

ETA - I didn't meant to be rude about the Alopecia X, but I think that's one of the disorders that GSDs don't lead the way in.

[GatorBytes]

Well allergies may cause scratcing leading to bald patches, excessive shedding could mean the thyroid, but clumps falling out is usually adrenal related

did you say in your other thread she was spayed at 6 months, as well you note here that she was vaccinated at 6 months (as the most recent)...is this correct?

AND they are beautiful

[Dotty]

Originally Posted by GatorBytes

Well allergies may cause scratcing leading to bald patches, excessive shedding could mean the thyroid, but clumps falling out is usually adrenal related

did you say in your other thread she was spayed at 6 months, as well you note here that she was vaccinated at 6 months (as the most recent)...is this correct?

AND they are beautiful

I am not really sure of the dates, I think they were spayed at 9 months and had their shots at the recommended dates and it was before they were spayed.

I just looked it up.
Their third set was at age 4.5 months and then I did the last set when it was supposed to be done. I didn't write that one down.

[lzver]

Dotty ... Jake's allergies came on quite suddenly back in September, but presented as overall itchiness and red / itchy eyes and ears. You know we are trying the homemade diet with Jake, but more time is needed to see results.

I agree with others that a vet visit is likely in order for Ellie and some bloodwork to eliminate some thyroid and adrenal issues first.


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[Dotty]

I just want to update this.
We are slowly switching Ellie to a salmon based diet. We have been adding sardines to the dinners and giving her salmon oil capsules. Her itching is about 3/4 gone. Her sores are healing and we can relax a bit.
The shedding has decreased too.

When a dog itches like crazy it tends to make me agitated too!

Thank you everyone for responding.

[Magwart]

I had a GSD female who would get itchy, flaky skin if she ate anything other than fish-and-sweet-potato-based kibble. You aren't alone!

In addition to sardines, she might like mackerel and tuna as a topper. I used to buy inexpensive frozen fish filets and bake them for her in foil pouches, and put chunks of baked fish with the juices from the foil baking packet over her kibble, when she was still alive. That made her smile!

[Dotty]

Originally Posted by Magwart

I had a GSD female who would get itchy, flaky skin if she ate anything other than fish-and-sweet-potato-based kibble. You aren't alone!

In addition to sardines, she might like mackerel and tuna as a topper. I used to buy inexpensive frozen fish filets and bake them for her in foil pouches, and put chunks of baked fish with the juices from the foil baking packet over her kibble, when she was still alive. That made her smile!

I bet she loved it! Thanks for the tip.
One problem with this fish nonsense, when I walk in the door it's like a big wall of fish smell! Yuck