Profuse shedding

[pickle]

Hello,

I need some advice. My 2 year old Black Lab has started shedding so profusely that she is experiencing bald spots on her neck. And the dandruf is getting insane. I'm very worried about her, but am I needlessly worried? I am taking her to the vet to be checked out, but I have to wait until Wednesday. So! I thought I would ask a few others and see what the consensus was.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it possibly seasonal?

She seems in good health still. I haven't changed her diet and she gets LOTS of family time. Pretty much all day!

Thanks so much!

-Pickle

[Becky]

Shedding is normal (to a degree), bald spots are not.

It could be a seasonal allergy (from what I understand they can "pop" up in a previously aesymptomatic dog), it could be a food allergy (same thing), or other health condition.

What are you feeding her? Do you bath her? If so, what kind of shampoo do you use? Has she ever had something similiar.

I'm sure others with more ideas will pipe in. Good luck at the vet :)

[marion]

Shedding is normal and seasonal, but to the extent you're describing it is a bit worrying. You're doing well to take her to the vets.

It could be any one - or even a combination - of many things. It could be a food allergy, it could be contact allergy - ie: something she has come into contact with or her shampoo, etc.

It could also be that she has a hormonal problem - which the vet will be able to pick up and treat without too many problems.

However, the simplest and most likely cause is that she has picked up fleas or mites and has developed an allergy to them. The vet will quickly spot this too.

http://www.advice-on-pet-care-and-pet-product-supplies-online.com have an excellent section on Dog Grooming and the treatment of mites, etc. Have a look and see if that helps. Afterall, going to the vets isn't cheap! - it would be good to be able to prevent the situation in the first place!

All the best at the vets - I hope your dog feels better soon!