Dogs Hair loss..

Question
I have an 8 yr. old American Eskimo Spitz dog.  He has a problem with a skin condition, he chews himself raw.  Is there a reason for this?  Also, how often should he be getting bathed?

Answer

Hi Misty,

Your dog needs to be examined by your veterinarian. There are so many things which can cause a dog to itch and have hair-loss ranging from a thyroid disorder to microscopic mites, so impossible to guess at what the problem may be. Besides, your dog deserves much better than guess work.

Over bathing can cause a dog's skin to dry out, and become itchy. Depending on the living conditions of a dog, it may only need a bath once or twice a year. American Eskimo Dogs can have drier skin than other dog breeds, so you don't want to overdo bathing. If you think you've been over bathing your dog, at this point given the severe itching and hair-loss, there is probably a secondary skin infection that also needs treatment, so you should have your vet examine your dog, and stop bathing him!

Please don't put off having your dog examined, because he is undoubtedly uncomfortable living with this itch.

Best of luck,
Patti