Each spring, we give our Great Pyrenees a good shearing to help them stay cool through the warmer months. Usually, they grow back their luxurious, snow-proof coats by the time frost returns to the air. Remi, our white polar bear with a bark that could peel paint, has always followed the plan.
Until this year.
This year, Remi's undercoat came in... well, let’s just say “reluctantly.” As in, it RSVP’d "maybe" and then ghosted her entirely. What little fluff did return was patchy at best, leaving her with two large bald spots on either side and a smaller one right over her withers. The poor thing looked like she lost a bar fight with a weed whacker.
Naturally, this called for an urgent and very expensive vet visit. Skin tests, a full blood panel, and a thyroid test later, the diagnosis was in: Remi is in perfect health. Go figure. Just a little thin on hair and thick on drama. The vet recommended supplements to encourage coat growth, but in the meantime, there’s one glaring issue—she’s not exactly equipped for our North Country winters.
And that’s how Remi became... a house dog.
She’s not thrilled about missing the thrilling excitement of fence patrol, barking at wind-blown leaves and invisible woodland demons. But she’s made some interesting indoor discoveries that are starting to grow on her—unlike her coat.
The first and most important discovery? The couch. Oh yes. She claimed it like a Viking taking over a new land. As is typical of a Pyr, she doesn’t recognize the word “no” unless it’s followed by “you can have that roast chicken.” So now, the couch is hers. We’re allowed to sit there, but only if we ask nicely and bring snacks.
Next up: grooming. Being a house dog apparently comes with spa appointments. Baths, brushing, and the dreaded blow dryer—Remi tolerates it all with the resigned nobility of a queen forced to mingle with the peasants. But she’ll put up with anything if it includes a car ride, which she enjoys like she’s auditioning for The Fast and the Furriest.
All in all, while the house may be a bit less exciting than the open pasture, it has its perks. Remi’s adapting. She still sighs dramatically when she sees the other dogs outside, but let’s be honest—she's got heated floors and unlimited couch access.
The real issue is going to be when her coat does grow back and it’s time to send her back outside.
Although… I could’ve sworn I saw her the other day pawing through the grooming supplies. And was that… did she just give herself another bald spot?
Coincidence? I think not.
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©2014 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm
2 comments:
I don't know if this is the same thing, but my airedale had bald spots in the winter. My vet looked it up, and said that airedales are known for this because of the decrease of exposure to sunlight. To solve the problem, I had to give her small doses of melatonin. I only had to do it in the winter. Ask your vet! :)
Yes, the vet did suggest melatonin. I did a google search about it and studies have been shown that it helps fur animals to grow fur. There have been some minor studies that have shown some improvement in humans when applied topically. If it works for the dog internally, maybe I'll try the external application. Now that I'm getting older my hair isn't nearly as thick as it once was. Thanks for the suggestion though.
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