Hi, my 20 month old brown dobe boy seems to be losing his coat slightly on his sides - Is there anything I can try to get the fur to grow back thicker? He's otherwise very healthy.

does he lay on alot of hard surfaces? or are there any other symptoms (dry skin, spots etc?) I know that my boy has lost his fur from his elbows due to having no bedding in his crate and laying on concrete in the garden! I don't know of anything to make it grow back thicker, but maybe if he is on hard surfaces alot try not to let him lye on them and get him on a blanket etc for a bit more protecton.

Are the patches both side, around the kidney area?  Is he castrated?

There are lots of conditions that can cause symmetrical hair loss. It's impossible to suggest a likely cause without examining the dog, so a visit to the vet is the best thing to do. :)

Hi thanks for the replies, he does have blankets but he rips them to shreds!! The hair loss is pretty symetrical now you mention it and yes, he is castrated. It looks like maybe a trip to the vets is in order but just thought I'd ask here incase there were any herbal remedies etc I could try??

The danger lies in giving the remedy for the wrong condition. ;)

My Boxer had this a vet visit is the best way forward as he needed medication. Won't say what for as it may not be the same thing

I'd go to the vet and ask for blood tests...ask to be tested for thyroid disfunction as well.
You need to have veterinary diagnosis as you need to know what you are dealing with.

Many thanks, thats the way I'll go then.