Why do Boxers get bald spots?
Nothing else brings both men and women to the quest for the cure to combat baldness. However with so many miracle products and treatments, there doesn’t seem to be a 100% stable or reliable cure for losing hair. Not surprisingly being man’s best friend, canines such as the Boxer are also subjected to having bald spots on the sides of their bodies.
These bald spots may be caused by poor grooming, food allergies, even fleas. But a common cause is called Cyclic follicular dysplasia or seasonal alopecia. This condition occurs late fall or early spring and has the hair on the flanks fall out. Hair will re-grow in approximately 6 months but texture and color may differ. Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin in the area also occurs. Studies have shown that lack of sunlight is a probable cause for this condition. It is suggested that melatonin be used to make the coat grow back faster as well as taking them for a walk when the sun is still out.
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My Dog had similair problems with hair loss with almost zit like leasons. This was determined through a skin biopsy that he has “Concurrent follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis”, which is very close to what Ann described. The treatment that I am giving him is mentioned in a study done on 10 boxers and was thought to be in conjunction with lack of sunlight (Veterinary Dermatology 2003, 14, 159–166). Please refernce if your boxer is losing hair; although not free, $30 is cheaper than a vet visit. On a side note, I bought the meds through Target saving allot of $$.
I had just recently taken my boxer to the vet (she is 5) because she has large bald spots all over her back. The doctor told me that it was called skin alopecia, which is extremely common in boxers. He told me that I should give my dog fish oil in her food, which will help bring the hair back. He also told me that this is not dangerous for the dog at all and it can reoccur year after year.