Originally posted by djrlewis[..]
It depends on the reason for the shedding (more on that in a second), but oils can be useful in keeping a coat glossy and healthy. Evening primrose is actually better than olive for this purpose.
Hair will shed generally for 4 reasons:-
1. Moult - nowadays a year-round problem as hot temps in summer make them moult and central heating in the winter makes them moult. In this case the hair loss would be full hairs (not brittle or barbed) and not itchy.
2. Allergies - to pretty much anything. Usually associated with intense scratching and itchiness; possibly including redness. Often a process of exclusion, but this one will need a vet to a certain extent, at least to start with.
3. Parasites - most commonly fleas, but there are others. Topical spot-on products will sort most of this but the best are only available through us. Itchy, but not usually as much as allergy
4. Hormonal disorder (I don't mean sex hormones). This one definitely needs a vet as will need a blood test. Usually other symptoms to look for too and not itchy.
Does this help or confuse matters?.....!
I could safely rule out 2,3 and 4. The dog in question is a Jack Russel miniature of about 10 years old. Very fit, very active little critter. The hair loss is full hairs and the dog appears to have a good healthy coat on his back. Had one episode of fleas before but that was resolved so it looks like Moult. No solution I take it. . .
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triplets though that would have been tough, hope you get your good night sleep my friend, is the weekend almost over? mastitis? could you elaborate more on that? (if its not too much hassle of course 