Do old yorkies have hair loss like people?

[yorkiegirl16]

It might be a silly question but I was just wondering as my old yorkie, Zack who's nearly fifteen has some hair loss - thinning out compared to how it used to be. I did see a vet a few months ago about his skin condition and was told there wasn't a lot to be done for his skin at his age but to use head and shoulders for humans which is less harsh on his skin than dog shampoo as it all contains some degree of insecticides. I've done that and he's been fine but I've noticed he's thinning out and I thought I'd ask any other old yorkie owners.

[genie]

I read where they can get hypothyroidism and that will make them loose their hair. Maybe the vet can do a blood test to check for that.

[Patti]

My 10 year old pom had been plagued with skin issues for a year and then she started gaining weight then her hair was thinning especially on her tail and rear. She was always sleeping. I though maybe just old age coming but we had her tested for hypothyroidism and sure enough she had it. SHe is now on 2 pills a day and is like a different dog. Running not tired all the time hair is starting to come back and she has lost 1 1/2 lbs. I just had her level checked again after a month on the meds and she is doing great on the dosgae so she will be rechecked in a year and just has to take the 2 pills a day for the rest of her life. So please get your baby checked out. Good luck.

[Candini]

My 13 yr old female hair has thinned some on top of her head.

[yorkiegirl16]

Didn't know I'd had replies to this post as I never got my e-mail notifications. I've seen another vet at the practice about his skin as it's got worse and I thought this is more than old age. The vet is trying to treat his skin condition without using steroids as he suspects it's Cushings disease he has got being as he suffers with incontinence, drinking in access and other symptoms. He seems to have lost weight too although he's still eating well enough. I'm really upset having read about it. He's nearly 15 but he's still my baby. Whatever treatment he can get to give him some quality of life. I'm angry though that the other vet she suggested it was all bladder problems due to his neutering and didn't think of investigating any further. (She seems very wishy washy and I certainly wouldn't waste my time and that of my dog's health in seeing her again). I saw a different vet again after her and we ruled out other problems by blood and water samples but the cushings wasn't looked at.

[windsor'smom]

So sorry to hear about your babies medical issues. My fathers Poodle has Cushings and they have been treating him several years with meds and he is doing very well. Best wishes with your treatments.