My chihuahua's hair got thick and sheds a lot. Is this normal?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Chichay is adorable! She doesn't look like a shih tzu to me at all. She looks to be a long haired chihuahua. Sadly there will never be a way to know 100%, but she is super cute! I hope this helps and I wish you and Chichay the best!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I'd bath him monthly and continue the brushing. I would also add in an Omega 3 fish oil. Below are links to the brands I like. It isn't a common complaint I receive about Chihuahua's so it could be whatever the other breed he is mixed with. http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?view=grid&w=nordic%20naturals&visitorID=&cartcount=0&wishcount=0&division=dogs https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24403 https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ I hope this helps!

Hair loss can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have Pixie seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the hair loss as soon as you can. The vet may want to look at a sample from the areas of hair loss (taken by a procedure known as a skin scraping) and examined under the microscope to determine what kind(s) of infection may be present and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment. Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nala. The increase in shedding is likely a combination of factors. The warm weather will certainly cause a dog to shed. She may also be losing her puppy coat. Her hair could be turning into more of what it will look like as an adult. If she develops a rash or bald spots, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Especially if symmetric that could be due to an hormonal problem, most likely related to thyroid hormone or sexual hormones (estrogen). Tests for thyroid hormone (total T4 and TSH and eventually free T4) and sexual hormones are recommended in these cases. Sexual hormones related hair loss can be much improved with neutering procedure.

It sounds like Chachi has a lot going on! What I am understanding Is that Chachi is lethargic (just lying in bed all day), he has gained about a pound and a half over the last 6 months despite eating less. He has symmetrical hair loss and is aways cold, and his vision in the dark is getting worse. You were told that the cause of the hair loss was CDA (color dilution alopecia). While this could cause the hair loss, CDA does not cause other symptoms in addition to hair loss; CDA does not explain the lethargy or weight gain. Melatonin has not helped his symptoms. I am a little confused on his T4 results. Was a whole thyroid panel run, including a TSH? Were there any abnormalities on general bloodwork? (cbc and chemistry profile) All of this information can be helpful in piecing together what the problem is and how to best manage it. An abdominal ultrasound may also be recommended to more fully evaluate what may be causing the lethargy and weight gain. It may be worth considering a consultation with an internal medicine specialist. Their advanced knowledge and experience managing complicated endocrine cases can be extremely helpful in cases that are difficult to manage. Find one near you here: https://find.vetspecialists.com I am sorry that I don't have any specific answers or recommendations for you and Chachi, but I don't really have enough information to fathom a guess at what may be causing his issue. You can request an online consultation for a "back and forth" exchange of information that may be more beneficial to you. Again, I encourage you to consider seeing a specialist with Chachi. Thank you for using PetCoach!

Excessive shedding of hair can be due to things like stress, certain endocrine diseases, primary dermatologic diseases, or natural loss due to seasonal changes. Based on her unusual cries for attention, she may be less comfortable / contented than she normally is for one reason or another. Pairing this with her inability to gain weight, I would say that it is certainly time to have your veterinarian examine her. While you do not seem to be able to appreciate any identifiable pain response, a thorough physical exam might reveal something less obvious. Reasons for failure to gain weight are usually related to the gastrointestinal tract and will typically include gastrointestinal parasites, certain types of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or generalized anorexia. Hope this helps and that you are able to figure things out for you and Mamas.