What to Do for Hair Loss on the Front Legs of an American Eskimo

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

• If your American Eskimo has suffered hair loss on its front legs, it is likely experiencing a predisposed genetic condition known as zinc responsive dermatosis. Because this tendency is inherited, a normally healthy diet will not help your dog recover on its own, as the dermatosis stems from an inability to properly absorb zinc. By administering sufficient injections of zinc, many American Eskimos will begin to re-grow their hair.

Hormonal Imbalance

• In some cases, a hormonal imbalance will cause your American Eskimo's hair follicles to stop producing hair at normal rates. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing the growth hormone that enables hair growth. While veterinarians can simulate this hormone in an attempt to compensate for a faulty pituitary gland, it is a very expensive treatment.

Parasites and Allergies

• Allergies and parasites often cause temporary hair loss in American Eskimos. Parasites, including mange, either infect the skin or cause sufficient irritation to your dog to cause it to inadvertently remove hair by excessive licking or biting. An allergy to flea bites is also a common cause of hair loss, while a negative allergic reaction to food can on occasion cause similar effects. Many common allergies and parasites can be cured with a simple dose of readily available medication, depending on the specific nature of the parasite or allergy.

Other Possible Causes/Cures

• While hair loss on the front legs of most American Eskimos is caused by the factors discussed above, in some rare cases Cushing's disease can produce similar effects. Cushing's disease requires the removal of any tumors or the cessation of high steroid doses in cases where the American Eskimo has had to receive steroids for other medical conditions.