What the heck is Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)?

In a nutshell, Color dilution alopecia (CDA) can occur in dogs with dilute coat color and leads to hair loss.  I went through this with one of my toy breed dogs.  She’s a cocoa color with a pearl sheen to her coat, very rare, but beautiful!  Unfortunately, when she was around 2 years old, she started getting skin problems and lost most of her fur.  She was not so pretty anymore.

Of course, the vets wanted to put her on antibiotics and steroids.  Seems to be their answer for everything.  I said “no way”!  These meds are so bad for our precious pups.  Whenever possible, I only use natural remedies for my fur babies.

So the research into my dog’s CDA began…

I scoured the internet and read a lot of books and found the solution for my sweet Lexi.  She now has her beautiful coat back and looks great.  We went through some bumps along the way trying different things, including Homeopathic remedies, Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil and I put her on a strict RAW diet.  (How to feed your dog a RAW Diet).

None of these remedies worked and the ACV (apple cider vinegar) made her skin dry.  Normally, the ACV is a cure all for a lot of ailments.  I did continue with the coconut oil.  I put a quarter teaspoon in her food and also rubbed it into her skin.  It really helped with the flakes and dryness.

So what worked for my small dog’s CDA?

Something that I have been using for years.  It helps with hair loss, stress, fear, phobias, sleep problems, canine cushing’s disease and anxiety.  From separation anxiety, fear at the groomers or vets to thunderstorms and fireworks, etc.  It’s safe, non-toxic and something everyone already produces naturally.

So what is this miracle remedy for Color Dilution Alopecia?

It’s MELATONIN! 

K9 Choice Melatonin 1 mg 180 capsules

List Price: $12.99

Price: $12.99

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Yep, this cured my dog’s alopecia.  I know it works because after giving it to her for about 6 months, her hair grew back.  Then I ran out of it!  I got lax and thought that since her fur was back, maybe she didn’t need it anymore.  WRONG!  She lost her hair again…I bought more, put her back on it and within only about 2 months this time, her fur started growing back.  So I know the Melatonin works for this.

I will be sure to never run out of this alopecia miracle remedy again.  

This is Lexi with her hair!

You’ll need to do some research on how much to give your dog.  I give Lexi 1mg with her morning and night feedings.  Just mix it in with her food.  She doesn’t even know it’s there so it must be tasteless and odorless for the brand I use.  And don’t worry about your pooch being too tired.  They will adjust to the dosage within a couple weeks.  It hasn’t changed Lexi at all.  She’s still the energetic Terrier she’s always been.

If she is struggling with any other immune issues or health problems, sometimes I’ll mix it into some Bovine Colostrum AM and PM.  Bovine Colostrum is another product I highly recommend.  It heals all sorts of ailments in dogs and humans.

More information on CDA in Dogs:

Primarily affects blue and fawn coats

Alopecia is a term that refers to hair loss regardless of the cause. Color Dilution Alopecia is a condition where dogs develop a gradual thinning of hair on their bodies often progressing to widespread hair loss. This condition develops in some, but not all dogs that have been bred for unusual coat color, especially the “fawn” color (a dilution of a normally red or brown coat) or the “blue” color (a dilution of the normal black and tan coat). Chihuahuas, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, Great Danes and Dachshunds are most affected by this condition, but it has been seen in other breeds bred for unusual coat colors, like some terriers.

Color dilution alopecia is an inherited condition and the coat will appear normal at birth. Most dogs that are affected will show signs between 6 months and as late as 2 or 3 years of age (Lexi was 2 years old).  The first signs are hair loss and dry skin and possibly a recurring bacterial infection, generally on the back where small bumps will reveal infected hair follicles. Many dogs will have chronic, recurrent infections because of the abnormality of the hair follicles which results in an increased tendency to allow for bacterial colonization and infection. 

What I use for infected hair follicles:

I won’t give my dogs antibiotics unless their life depends on it.  They are so bad for our fur kids and with ongoing infections, she would need to be on them all the time, not good!  When I see her back start to get bumps, I make a paste or cream out of Bovine Colostrum and rub it into the bumps 3 times a day until they are gone. This stuff works miracles inside and out!  I will also give her a teaspoon morning and night away from food.  She loves it and it tastes great.  It is boosting her immunity from the inside as well as healing her bumps with the cream on the outside. It works every time without the use of nasty antibiotics.

Lactose Free Liposomal Colostrum Powder - Proprietary Colostrum-LD Tech Provides up to 1500% More Bio-Availability Over Regular Colostrum - Vanilla 16oz by Sovereign Laboratories

List Price: $99.95

Price: $99.95

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Final Thoughts on Color Dilution Alopecia

Please be sure to always check with your Holistic vet or regular vet to make sure it really is CDA before trying this remedy.  Although, I believe, it is a safe supplement to give your dog and also works great for stress and anxiety.

So this is my dog color dilute alopecia treatment. 

This link will explain how the color dilution works and what breeds are affected.

** Have you had any experiences with alopecia and your dog?  What worked for you and was it caused by CDA?  Please share your stories below.

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