Melatonin, Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula and Fish Oil Therapy for Canine Alopecia (Hair Loss in Dogs) - It works!

Both veterinarians and pet owners are finding success with the therapy mentioned here for treating canine alopecia (hair loss in dogs). The most prevalent type of canine alopecia is seasonal alopecia, also known as cyclic follicular dysplasia. This condition is characterized by hair loss on a dog's flanks and back. Hair loss may also appear at the base of the tail, nose, and ears. Typically, the skin darkens in the areas where hair loss has occurred, and the dog's hair becomes dry and coarse.

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to be affected by seasonal alopecia than others. Bulldogs, boxers, schnauzers, Airedales, labradors, Scottish terriers, Akitas and Doberman pinschers are more susceptible than many other breeds. Canine seasonal alopecia usually starts in early spring or late fall and lasts for up to six months, with the the dog’s hair typically growing back in afterward.  Sometimes the condition recurs year after year, and sometimes it only occurs once in the dog’s lifetime. Because many dogs become affected with seasonal alopecia in the spring, researchers have concluded that lack of sunlight may be a cause.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate hormones and the body’s circadian rhythm. It is being used in veterinary medicine as a natural treatment for coat loss in dogs, cats and ferrets. Researchers are not exactly sure how melatonin helps thicken and regrow fur.  Some researchers think it may be the relationship between melatonin, sunlight, and the body’s circadian rhythm.  Other’s feel that melatonin’s antioxidant properties help promote hair growth. Melatonin has also been shown to help a pet gain back weight after surgery, stress or illness and help with anxiety, insomnia, and noise phobias. Mink farmers have been known to use melatonin to promote thick coats in the winter.

Dr Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula

Dr. Kruger Healthy Skin Formula includes the same vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and live cultures as the Original Formula, with the addition of Milled Flaxseed and d-Biotin to enhance the quality, shine, and thickness of a dog's coat. It is recommended for dogs over 6 months old with a low to moderate activity level. In addition to improving nutritional absorption, consistent long-term use will enhance and maintain coat quality, aiding in the recovery of hair lost due to this condition. It is also beneficial for dogs in colder climates to improve coat coverage for protection.

Containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Dr. Kruger Healthy Skin & Coat Formula is perfect for dogs experiencing skin and coat issues such as dry, itchy skin, excessive shedding, and Seasonal Alopecia. Daily use will help restore your dog's coat to full growth.

• RELIEVES DRY, ITCHY SKIN

• REDUCES EXCESSIVE SHEDDING

• PROMOTES PROPER COAT QUALITY & GROWTH

• IMPROVES DIGESTION & NUTRIENT ABSORPTION

• NON-GMO ALL NATURAL FORMULA

• DETOXIFIES ANIMALS INTESTINAL TRACT

• BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 

Recommended Dosage:

1 to 1 ½ scoops ( 1 to 1 ½ Teaspoons) per one cup of food.

Added to each meal (everyday)

Fish Oil Supplement for Dogs with Natural Vitamin E

Omega-3 fatty acids have been thoroughly studied and can assist in addressing skin and coat problems in dogs.

Research indicates that fatty acids are essential for maintaining the normal structure and function of the skin, and high doses can aid your pet's coat by alleviating pruritus (itching) and alopecia (bald spots).

It's important to choose a high-quality fish oil that is nearly odorless. This oil should be produced in Iceland from sustainably harvested, wild ocean fish. It is enriched with natural vitamin E sourced from non-GMO Argentinian sunflowers, a potent and biologically active antioxidant. Free from soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It contains more EPA and DHA than salmon, Pollock, krill, and cod liver oil, allowing your pet to consume fewer calories. The oil is human-grade, wild-caught, and sustainably sourced. It is manufactured in a 100% carbon-neutral, ISO-9001, and GMP-certified facility, ensuring your dog receives only the finest product.

Recommended Dosage: 1 pump per 20 lbs of body weight. This needs to be added to every meal.

Melatonin

Recommended Dosage: Research recommends not exceeding a dosage of 3 to 6 mg every 8 to 12 hours.

A general guideline is:

• 1.5 mg for dogs under 25 lbs

• 3 mg for an average medium to large sized dog 26-99 lbs

• 6 mg if the dog’s weight exceeds 100 lbs

This dose can be given once or twice daily. If given once daily, the recommendation is to dose in the evening. Please remember, though, that every pet is different and it is always best to consult with your veterinarian for the best possible dosage of Melatonin for your pet’s individual situation. Adjustments may need to be made for particular health situations and/or medications.

Side Effects:  There have been no reports of significant side effects of melatonin use in dogs. There have been a few reports of minor gastric upset and sleepiness. Melatonin has been shown to slightly alter the time an un-spayed female comes into heat. Melatonin may also interact with corticosteroids and some internal body process. Melatonin is not recommended for use in breeding dogs because it has been shown to sometimes alter mating desire and when a dog comes into heat.

Signs of Melatonin Overdosage:  It is very important not to exceed the recommended amount of melatonin.  Be very careful when choosing your melatonin product. Many of the melatonin products sold for humans are much stronger than the recommended amount for dogs. Signs of overdosage include diarrhea, vomiting, high blood pressure, incoordination, and even possibly seizures.

Note: It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before concluding that your pet has a particular ailment. In the case of Canine Alopecia, you should make sure that your veterinarian rules out thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, parasites, mites and certain bacteria.  All of these can cause symptoms similar to Canine Seasonal Alopecia. To test for thyroid or Cushing’s disease, your veterinarian will need to perform a blood test; for parasites, mites and certain bacterias a skin sample may need to be taken.

The regimen described here has a proven track record of working on mild to severe cases of seasonal alopecia.