My dog had a litter of pups 5 months ago.Very difficult pregnancy.Since then weight and general health good.However the condition of her coat is really poor-very thin and patchy.I expected it to have improved by now.Any ideas?

Have you kept her on puppy/growth/performance food at slightly higher levels than maintenance (mine get about 20 - 25% extra) until their coats are back which will take about 5 - 6 months from birth of pups. 

You need decent fat levesl for coat

I have used good quality kibble pre and post pregnancy which was suitable for pregnant bitches.We have used a variety of foods over the years from raw to complete but have never had this problem.Thanks for your help.

Low thyroid would be my next thought if she hadn't recently had a litter.

As it is spring and the time many are shedding it could just be taking longer.

It could be a seasonal Alopecia.  not very common, but it happened to one of my girls a few years ago... After Summers 1st litter she dropped her coat as expected, but it never really grew back, and she also had a huge completely naked patch on her side and flank, and looked dreadfull.. around 6 months after the litter, she dropped her coat as usual, came into season, and her coat grew back beautifully, just as it was before... and, just as my vet predicted :-)

If there is nothing medically wrong, I would be inclined to wait until her next season (and of course some summer sunshine), which tends to help with seasonal alopecia

Unfortuneatly due to whelping complications she required a hysterectomy.My fear is the coat may never grow back in due to hormonal changes.

After a litter and a spay, I would expect the coat to be horrific, to be honest. If all else seems well with her, I think it will just be a matter of patience.

M.

My bitch had a litter 2 weeks before xmas and she is as bald as a coot!!  She had a lovely, gloss thick coat and now she is so bald I can see all her skin speckles.  I'm not concerned as I know it's just the litter and the time of year.  Give her a bath or two and brush her daily too to encourage hair growth.  You can also get herbal tabs from Dorwest herbs to encourage hair growth/health hair.