I've just noticed my 4 year old normally chocolate brown shar pei has gone ginger on the back of his head (more or less overnight). He usually goes a bit gingery when he spends some time in the sun, but he hasn't been lying in the sun recently (and I'm doubtful that any sun he would get now would be strong enough). He's usually walked in the woods as his 'sister' has such a thick coat she'd absolutely die if she ran around in the sun. Anyway, I digress...Is there a possible medical explanation that would warrant a trip to the vets? It's hard to explain, but it doesn't quite look like the normal 'caught the sun gingeryness' he gets at the beginning of the summer. No real change in diet (duck flavour instead of lamb JWB for the last week- which does have a slightly higher protein value I think)

thanks

I think some thyroid problems can cause a change in coat colour/texture?

Is it a distinct patch or just like the 'rusty' shading they get from sunbathing?
Is it just the tips of the hair or all along from the root?
Is it a different texture than normal?
Has he been moulting recently? My girl has just finished moulting and shar-pei can often change colour quite dramatically. It could be something as simple as a patch of dead coat that hasn't come out yet. The chocolates can go straw yellow when waiting to shed their coat!

I can't see it being the food. I wouldn't worry too much unless other things like his behaviour or energy levels have changed - just monitor it.

Thanks for your replies,

As far as I can see it's just the tips, but the texture of it is different, sort of finer, almost like it's been damaged by blow drying. It's over the whole of the back of his neck, but the rest of his coat does have a lighter tinge to it as well I think.

I don't think his energy levels have changed. I've got to take my other dog for her booster next week, so I may ask the vet about him while I'm there.

Thanks again

x

How old is he?  I have a Chocolate Shar Pei also and he is still slightly gingery on his head from catching the sun in July!  I only ask the age as Shar Pei do change coat over different periods.  My Chocolate boy is a puppy still at 8 months so he doesn't have an adult coat yet. 

He's 4, but this patch came suddenly when he hadn't been in the sun which is why I was curious.

Did you check it out at the vets?  Not sure what it could be I'm afraid.