Catahoula

Question
My 13 yr old Catahoula that for the last year, losing her hair in different places, has dandruff.  Have noticed for the past 2 months a certain odor.  I give her a bath every couple of weeks. to help with the odor.  She is on the Science Diet W/D dry food, and on medication called Propalin, 2 a day for incontinence. Any idea why she is losing her hair, dandruff and the odor?? Tks, D

Answer
Hi Donna,

Hair loss in dogs can have one (or several) of a list of causes ranging from a primary skin condition such as a bacterial infection, nutritional problems, hormonal problems (such as hypothyroidism, or problems with other hormones such as estrogen or adrenal gland problems), allergies (inhaled, food or contact allergies), parasites (fleas, intestinal parasites, different forms of mange), fungal infections (ringworm, yeast, etc.
The hair loss may not be related to a skin problem but an internal problem or even a problem with the dog's immune system. Any hair loss should be diagnosed properly by your veterinarian so that an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented. Sometimes, your vet may suggest a skin biopsy and send it to a veterinary pathologist for an evaluation--or even work with or refer you to a veterinary dermatologist.

Skin odor can be caused by a bacterial infection, due to hormonal imbalances such as diabetes or acid/base disturbances because of a metabolic problem, skin infections, or glandular problems. Sometimes, it can be a problem with anal glands that can become impacted and cause an unpleasant, pungent "fishy" kind of odor.

It's also possible that your efforts to remove the odor by bathing her every few weeks is drying her skin, and causing the dandruff and dry skin. Over bathing removes natural oils in the skin.
If you've been bathing your dog that often, and the odor persists, it's a good sign that the smell is not on the skin of your dog, and that it's metabolic in nature. You should probably stop bathing your dog until your vet has examined her.

So you see, there are many possible causes for your dog's hair loss and odor problem. A trip to your vet is the logical starting point in getting to the bottom of this.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti