Skin Problems & Hair Loss in Norwegian Elkhounds

Part of the American Kennel Club's hound group, the Norwegian elkhound is a medium-sized fearless little scrapper. They are excellent companions for children and make good guard dogs. They tend to be a bit independent and stubborn, which sometimes creates problems with training.

History

The Vikings loved their Norwegian Elkhounds

The Norwegian elkhound, one of the oldest dog breeds, can be traced back thousands of years. Originating in Scandinavia, it was used as a big-game hunter, mainly moose and elk. They have also been used as sled dogs. In fact, their sledding prowess was so highly prized that, in times of war, the Norwegian Defense Minister had the power to conscript all privately-owned elkhounds.

Hot Spots

Keep your dog clean and groomed

All dogs may occasionally have skin and coat problems, and the Norwegian elkhound is no different in this respect. Especially during the summer months, Norwegian elkhounds are prone to hot spots, a form of dermatitis. Hot spots are usually caused by allergies to fleas, food, mange and even improper grooming. Sometimes yeast infections and drug reactions can cause hot spots. Any simple skin irritation that induces a dog to scratch can break the skin, producing the perfect environment for bacteria.

Hot spots look like red, round, hairless patches of skin usually around the hind end of the dog, near the rectum or around the face.

To treat hot spots, the veterinarian will first determine if they are infected. If so, an antibacterial ointment is usually prescribed. The veterinarian may also prescribe a cortisone ointment to stop the itching.

The heavy coat of the Norwegian elkhound makes it more susceptible to hot spots during the summer. Regular brushing will release any trapped hair that can hold moisture close to the skin. Make sure that the dog is groomed regularly, and establish a good flea-control program to keep it from scratching and causing more lesions.

Allergies

Dogs can have food allergies

Allergies are the most common cause of skin problems and hair loss in the Norwegian elkhound. Food allergies, with wheat and corn as the culprits, are easy to diagnose. Check the ingredients on the dog's food and if wheat and/or corn are listed among the first ingredients, try changing to a food with more meat than grain. If the hair loss persists after a few weeks on the new diet, it may not be a food allergy affecting the dog. Check with your veterinarian for other causes of the dog's hair loss.

Other types of allergies your dog may be suffering from include environmental irritants, inhalants such as hair spray and room deodorizers and contact with chemicals such as detergent or paint. Even pollen, fleas and dust mites can cause an allergic reaction in your dog.

Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease is caused by an increase of a hormone called glucocorticoid.‭ ‬This substance is produced by the adrenal glands,‭ ‬at the command of the pituitary gland.‭ ‬If something goes wrong in either the adrenal or pituitary glands too much glucocorticoid will be produced,‭ ‬causing Cushing's disease. One of the tell-tale signs of Cushing's is hair loss. This, with an increase in water consumption and urination are signals to the owner that the dog needs to see a veterinarian to be tested for Cushing's.

Hyporthyroidism

The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that the body uses to regulate metabolism. Hypothyroidism is caused by an insufficiency of thyroid hormone production. This disorder causes many symptoms in a dog but is most easily recognized by obesity with hair loss and skin problems. Your veterinarian can diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test.

Mange

There are three types of mange, a highly contagious skin disease, caused by three different varieties of mites.

Demodectic mange strikes young puppies up to the age of one year. This type of mange, unlike the other two, is not considered contagious. Treatment is with insecticidal shampoo and topical ointments.

If your dog has dandruff on his head, neck and/or back, it may be a symptom of cheyletiella mange. Although this mange is highly contagious, an infestation is short-lived.

Sarcoptic mange, the most common of the three types, is also known as scabies. The female mite will burrow under the dog's skin to lay her eggs, causing the dog an intense itching sensation. If your Norwegian elkhound is experiencing hair loss on the face, ears, elbows and legs, it could be a sign of sarcoptic mange. This disease is highly contagious to other pets and to humans. Veterinarians have had good results treating sarcoptic mange with ivermectin and will sometimes prescribe a steroid as well, to control the itching.

Warning

Ivermectin can be dangerous to some dog breeds

According to Washington State University's School of Veterinary Medicine, some breeds of dogs, particularly herding breeds, such as the old English sheepdog, collies and Australian shepherds, are more sensitive to ivermectin than other breeds. This sensitivity could be severe enough to require hospitalization and may result in death. Although Norwegian elkhounds are not on the list of dogs most affected by ivermectin, the sensitivity test is a simple one and probably should be considered.

References

• Washington State University
• American Kennel Club
• Pet Education

Resources

• The Daily Puppy