RE: [PyrNet-L] Re: Darkening of coat

[WSTERBA@tiny.computing.csbsju.edu]

Greetings,
Thanks so much for the information on the coat darkening
Some have asked for more information about where the coat
is darkening. Bart seems to be darkening generally, but
there are also noticeable areas behind the front legs and
on the back over a large area starting at the base of
the tail and covering the pelvic girdle. (Also top of the head
but it is all rather subtle and not patchy so much as it looks like
a natural coloration (except that it isn't). I went to the
pet store today to check on the possible beta carotene connection.
(That seems very logical to me), but discovered that almost all the
foods for dogs contain beet protein/fiber and thus they all contain
beta carotene. Perhaps this is why the Japanese Pyr owner is
now cooking for her dog.  I also bought a shampoo with bluing,
but have not yet used it as I am trying to figure out
how (really - where) I can possibly wash Bart in the house
(since it is now pretty much below freezing outside until
next April).  Perhaps I'll send him to a groomer or try
washing just a patch to see what kind of difference this makes.
(I did check with my vet who says it is not mange, but
doesn't know of anything that should cause this to happen.
There is darkening at the corners of the mouth also which does
support the saliva theory, but that would not explain the top 
of the head.
    I would be interested to hear if there are particular kinds of 
food or other care that people recommend. I had never even seen a Pyr
before I saw this one at the Shelter. I had just become a board member at
my local shelter, so when I visited my sister in Corpus Christi
I decided I wanted to see what other shelters looked like. I had
never even seen a Pyr before, but it was love at first sight.
There he was betwen a Pot bellied Pig and a labrador retriever -
this huge hairy white dog - all I could think of was how hot he must 
feel in the Summer living in South Texas and even though I had lost my
Setter companion of 15 years that same month and wasn't really ready
for a new companion, I knew that this dog had to come with me back 
to Minnesota (we are both Texas transplants - but he deals with the
weather better than I do!) Anyway, I am SO happy that this group exists
since I feel completely unprepared for taking care of this wonderful
animal, all suggestions and help are extremely appreciated.

Wendy




WSTERBA@TINY.COMPUTING.CSBSJU.EDU  
"It is better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness."
(Chinese Proverb)