Red Doberman thin back hair

[Logan 45]

Hello everyone my male Doberman has been suffering from a little bit of hair thinning on his back. I was just curious about potential remedies that can be used or if there is potential concern of a thyroid condition that may need to be treated. Thanks for the input.

 

[Viemarangelrock]

I would certainly get a full panel thyroid check done first. Hypothyroidism in Dobermanns is very common. Check your insurance policy, it may well cover the test.
Any weight gain? Does he appear Lethargic? I would certainly want to rule out something medical first. Some dogs just don’t show signs of hypothyroidism. With proper care a hypothyroid dog can have a normal life span and good health.


Just something else to keep in mind, too...my previous boy had seasonal alopecia. Quite patchy at times. We found that the skin became much darker in the areas where he had the hair loss. Started around Autumn and lasted approx 5-6 months then after that the hair grew back. Must of been the lack of sunlight.

 

[Logan 45]

I would certainly get a full panel thyroid check done first. Hypothyroidism in Dobermanns is very common. Check your insurance policy, it may well cover the test.
Any weight gain? Does he appear Lethargic? I would certainly want to rule out something medical first. Some dogs just don’t show signs of hypothyroidism. With proper care a hypothyroid dog can have a normal life span and good health.


Just something else to keep in mind, too...my previous boy had seasonal alopecia. Quite patchy at times. We found that the skin became much darker in the areas where he had the hair loss. Started around Autumn and lasted approx 5-6 months then after that the hair grew back. Must of been the lack of sunlight.
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Definitely not lethargic or lazy at all. I think I will call my vet about getting him tested just to make sure that’s not the case. We have tried to treat it topically and with food additives sardines salmon oil etc.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Rubie has two lighter patches of hair (similar to Kobi's pictures above) on each hip but her thyroid stuff all checked out so... It is what it is. I believe "alopecia" is an all encompassing term for hair loss so if that's what your vet diagnoses, it may still be impossible to determine why he has alopecia. Still a good idea to get checked out since his looks a little different; being over a larger area.

Edit: what food is he on?

 

[Logan 45]

Rubie has two lighter patches of hair (similar to Kobi's pictures above) on each hip but her thyroid stuff all checked out so... It is what it is. I believe "alopecia" is an all encompassing term for hair loss so if that's what your vet diagnoses, it may still be impossible to determine why he has alopecia. Still a good idea to get checked out since his looks a little different; being over a larger area.

Edit: what food is he on?

He currently is on taste of the wild ancient grains high Prairie I just put him on that formulation seeing if he would have any improvement skin wise. Previously I’ve fed everything from victor, 4 health, and fromm.

 

[Panama]

How old his he? I would certainly check thyroid function.

 

[strykerdobe]

I agree with others on a Full Panel Thyroid check.

 

[Logan 45]

How old his he? I would certainly check thyroid function.

He is 2.5 years old. I will get him scheduled to see if he has any problems with his thyroid. He doesn’t act out character he’s still plenty energetic and playful etc. He weighs the same as his sire at roughly 92-95lbs. I added a photo below I know it’s not the best posture to really analyze him.