[Dam2007]

I called the pound and asked them to call the dog's original owners, who then told the pound that he got fleas about half a year ago, and got an allergic reaction. He then scratched and bit both of his flanks bald. The owner then claims that the left side grew back, and the right side was slowly growing back.

I looked up flea allegies online, and what is odd is this: all the online pictures I see show flaky, crusty skin. But my dog's bald patch is completely smooth, with some smooth light brown spots that look almost like birthmarks. The hair/bald-skin border is also very sharp, like it was shaved or something.

What do you folks think of this, and what can I do to help the hair grow back?

He is a long-haired Chi / Daschund mix, and I got him a week ago.

The last pic is a small bald spot the size of a quarter on his lower back...looks like it has a few little red specks.

[borzoimom]

That looks like mites possibly to me.. Its not irratated enough to be from fleas.. Have you taken the dog to a vet yet? Or as stated- was shaved at one time recently for some reason..( like uh mats? ). I would go to the vet..

[Dam2007]

Yes I took him to the vet, but he didn't know what it was...he only said that it doesn't look like a spreading-type disease. But neither of us knew at the time what I found out from the pound.

Someone in another pet forum suggested that I give him Melatonin...anyone know how much I should give a 10-pound dog?

[Orange County Ca]

The skin coloration seems perfectly normal to me. The hair is not likely shaved or it would not have curves in it. Malatonin is a "anti-aging" vitamin and as such would have nothing to do with this.
I would base a dose on weight if you want to try it as I don't think it would do any harm. I.e. if a adult takes one pill and the dog weighs 50#'s I'd give him 1/3 of a pill.
Is there any sign of hair regrowth? If so just wait it out but wait a week for it to get started. If no regrowth you might want to try another vet.
Also try Googling "canine hair loss" and do some research.

[DogAdvocat]

The skin coloration is common in a lot of dogs, some breeds more than others. I wouldn't worry about that at all. The dog looks like it's been shaved for surgery, to me, but obviously with no scar, that wasn't the reason. It's more than just normal shaving for grooming. Usually dogs that bite their fur away leave a lot of hot spots, and I don't see that on him. If he were mine, I'd make sure that he is free of fleas, and just wait for his hair to grow back.

Does anyone have any idea how old he is?

[Jen D]

Originally Posted by Dam2007

Yes I took him to the vet, but he didn't know what it was...he only said that it doesn't look like a spreading-type disease. But neither of us knew at the time what I found out from the pound.

Someone in another pet forum suggested that I give him Melatonin...anyone know how much I should give a 10-pound dog?

Melatonin is for sleeping the last I knew! I have one dog that has the same problem which you are decribing but it only happens this time of year. The vet said allergies and I have started to use Glucosamine and Fish Oil from the drug store. It has helped alot but I went through the vet to get the right dose. They are also on Frontline and fleas have not been a problem. This might just be a problem your dog is going to have. You might also look into the food you are feeding him. Good luck