Dog ripping fur out - Page 1

Hello All, As some of you know I breed Golden Retrievers, but the problem one of my retired breeding females is suffering, I honestly don't believe is breed specific. Phoenix is 4 years old, was spayed January 2006, and has since then put on a TREMENDIOUS amount of weight. The weight we are struggling to get off of her, and so far are making strides. However, recently she started pulling out her fur. In great chuncks, and if we don't catch her in time, she eats it. She started this Friday, and my vet has been closed and will be until Tuesday. I'm not worryied about her going bald, I just want a solution to stop her from doing this until I can get some veterinary help. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help anyone can offer! Krista blueskyekennels@msn.com

Sorry that you are having problems but could you get hold of a coller the one that the vets use it is like a lamp shade that would stop her ripping out the coat till you get to vet good luck

Have the vet check for skin problems, sebaceous gland cysts, fleas, bacterial problems and be sure to check her thyroid. In the meantime, try giving her some antihistamine, something like 25mg of Benadryl and see if that helps. She may be very sleepy because of the medicine. Someone else mentioned a collar and that might be necessary until you can see the vet. If this started suddenly, also consider some sort of contact dermatitis and consider bathing her. Good luck.