We've asked around allot and everyone seems to be split on whether to shave a chow or not. Bruno is our second chow over the past 5 years and we've always shaved them without problems. We shaved Bruno last year. THIS year the hair just under his tail, when it's curled up, which is actually on his back, will not grow in. The hair on the sides is coming back but not at the end of his back under his tail. I was wondering if this has something to do with his tail covering that portion of his back or does the sun beating down have something to do with it. Bruno has many shade options as our back yard is about 3/5 shade. When I shaved him his skin on his back was very dry and flaky. I give him cod liver oil pills, one per day when I remember, but the hair is not growing back. Tha area has turned a bit of brown, he's a blue chow which look faded black,. Could I put a lotion on him or brush his bald spot etc.?


DZ

Dogs in general should not be shaved unless they have coats that continually grow and don't really shed (i.e.-poodles, bichons, Portuguese water dogs, etc). What you describe is very common in how the hair doesn't come back in quite right. When my husky/Rott mix came into the shelter before I started to foster him, he had the biggest hematoma (like a very large bruise) on his ear the old shelter vet had ever seen and had to shave his ear and a little by his head and neck so he could drain it. He's got gorgeous shiny mostly black husky style fur with tan and white accents, except it's kind of brittle and oddly grey where it was shaved. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Keeping Bruno well brushed is a better solution as the fur is also a protectant from the sun. Bruno is an inside dog, right? In that case, I don't see a need to shave him at all. If you really must, I've heard of some groomers shaving a "racing stripe" on their belly like 2-3 inches wide so it keeps them cooler when they are lying down.

Bruno is half and half. We just recently started controlling his movments more often but prior to that we would leave him in the back yard most of the day as we we're all away at work and school and I didn't want to leave him locked up all day. He would come in during bad weather or when we we're home. Now he stays in the crate unless I am home. My concern for shaving was of course the hot weather. Now that the damage has been done, are there any ways of treating the affected area so the hair will at least grow back?

Eric,

A dog hair regrowth home remedy that my vet approved:

1 - 400 IU capsule Vitamin E
Enough fresh organic garlic powder to make a poutlice.

Make a poultice and apply twice a day unil hair returns.

I want to try this but need more info so I make it properly. What's a poutlice, can't find it in dictionary. Do I use water or is a poutlice a dry mix. Will Bruno stink to high heaven for awhile? We're taking a road trip to MI in July and will be in the car with him for 9-10 hours. Thanx

it's spelled POULTICE. it's basically the consistency of thick pudding, and you pack it onto a wound or area you wish to heal. you don't have to leave it on all the time. you can pack it on for half an hour or so a few times a day.

Why not have a plastic kiddie pool in the yard filled with water so Bruno can cool himself off in that? He may need some time to get used to it but a lot of dogs end up liking that. Groom him OFTEN to remove loose undercoat and keep his fur in good order. An ungroomed coat is the worst thing when it comes to temperature control and if you groom him daily (at least as often as possible) you'll keep his coat prime and in great shape. The more he's outside, the more his body will condition itself to that temperature range and the easier it will get on him. If you do these then you shouldn't have to shave him down but you will have to watch how he does on the heat (does he turn lethargic, do his gums pale, etc).

I would get your dog's thyroid level checked. The lack of hair regrowth coupled with the dry flakey skin can indicate a hormonal disorder. Cushings disease could also be the culprit.