• Alopecia X (baldness) is a suspension of the hair growth cycle that occurs mainly in dogs with undercoats and causes hair loss.
  

• Often, the disease is also referred to as "black skin disease", when after the fur has fallen, the skin turns black.
  

• Hair loss starts differently in every dog. For some, on the sides, trunk, bottom or tail, while the head and lower part of the legs remain unaffected.
  

• In our case, Pepper started losing fur from her back thighs, through her belly, to the entire sides of her torso. After a year, she didn't even have hair on her neck and chest.
  
  Other steps such as changing the diet, visiting ozone baths and choosing the right natural cosmetics are an essential part of the fight against alopecia.

Pepper was celebrating her 3rd birthday when we discovered symmetrical bare spots above her hind legs while bathing her. Overall, the vulva area showed clear signs of hair loss.

I knew several cases from sight, so I did not hesitate and ordered Pepper for a biopsy, i.e. the removal of a tissue sample, which later confirmed alopecia.

The next step was castration. Pepper handled it well and was running again within a week.

When I read the articles and various information about the fight, there was a crucial thing missing, and that was the protection of the bare skin itself, which is associated with the perception of the cold and heat of the sun in places that are normally covered with hair to protect from the weather.

Logically, I figured that Pepper would either be cold or her skin would turn even blacker on contact with the sun. We will then have a dog from those pictures on the internet that scared us so much.

I dressed her in a Doggie sweatshirt for now, and in between we worked on a new, functional overall. So she was protected from the start.

Dressing up a dog is one thing. The next steps are diet, cosmetics, spa, rest mode and, above all, no stress. It is also felt by the owner himself, and the dog feels it by you. Relax.

I became more interested in food and possible allergies. I bought a diary and wrote everything that was necessary with the dates. From vet visits, diet changes, etc. Believe me, I wouldn't have walked without it. First of all, I left out all the granules that are not cold pressed, even the veterinary ones. I chose granules with plant based ingredients without artificial vitamins with probiotics for clean intestines, etc. I also chose suitable canned foods. I tried several feeds during the year and recorded everything. I ended up with organic duck meat without gluten and lactose.

Ozone baths are a very important prevention in the fight against alopecia. However, don't expect the hair to start growing back after a month. It only takes a month for the hair to grow out of the follicle, if it does grow back. We go regularly twice a month.

I try to choose only natural cosmetics. Nothing chemical, no unnecessary scents except from herbs. I also bought mud from the Dead Sea. I make Pepper wraps once a month before bathing.

This is all a long run. Some people don't have the time or the resources. Each case is individual and you need to try different steps and observe the results carefully. Give your dog a stress-free environment. Surround him with love, talk to him and play with him. The dog needs you.

When I saw the first hairs on her bare belly, I wanted to cry with joy. It reaffirmed what we were doing. It's been 5 months now that Pepper is growing in. We're still fighting. Now it's the very back that is begging to be cared for.

I wish you all from the bottom of my heart the best of health for your pets, and even if you don't win against alopecia, you still have a healthy friend and that is the most important thing.

All this is dedicated to Chilli who left us in January 2024 due to Cushing's syndrome. Thanks to her, the very idea of combining Hichic with an animal face and creating the same outfit with a loving owner was born.

Markéta

• In this disease it is important to protect the dog from UV radiation and environmental influences.

• The skin in this state is very sensitive to sunburn and other irritations, so it needs to be protected.

• By covering it from harmful rays you can achieve hair regrowth.

• DOGverall is lovingly crafted in northern Bohemia in the heart of Europe.

• The fabric of our dog overalls is thick and does not transmit harmful UV rays.