We'll start with the food. Pico is really enjoying his new diet. It is the first time I've seen him really eat since we got him. He finishes all his food, licks the bowl, and asks for more. I'm overjoyed! We had him on kibble before, and even with Small Dog sized bites, he was really struggling to eat even 1/4 cup a day. I cannot help but think that the increase in calories and nutrients will help him in this hair battle. We've seen his energy greatly increase as well, and it's really fun having a more vibrant Pico in the house.
Now for the hair loss. Pico started really losing his hair very quickly in the past week. Once the bald spot on his side showed up, the other hair around it started to come out quickly. He is currently sporting a spine-Mohawk. We have just taken our second bath with the DERMagic. I should say that I saw a dramatic increase in his hair loss after his first bath. His hair is really woolly, and there were many mats with the tea tree/peppermint oil soap that we bathe him in. That said, it's not the DERMagic that is making his hair fall out. It is coming out and it just happens we started the system as his hair loss was increasing. I'm at this point where I really just want all the hair that is going to fall out to fall out, so that I can monitor regrowth better and not put him through such long grooming sessions.
The DERMagic Shampoo Bar is a bit difficult to use. I like the fact that I don't have to waste so much shampoo, but Pico's patience is very thin once he gets wet, and there is no "pre-lathering". The conditioner is lovely, once you figure out how to dilute it. My initial attempt at dilution wasn't so successful. I did a 50/50 conditioner water mix in a spray bottle. Worthless. This week, I kept the same proportions but put it in a pump bottle and my--it worked great. His hair is much easier to comb through this week. My desire to monitor his guard hair prevents me from trimming his hair to make application of the Skin Rescue Lotion a bit difficult. His hair gets very nappy and matted after applying it, and it's a bit greasy--all my fault. It is OK smelling, but has a slight sulfur aroma, which I can handle, but isn't exactly "fresh-smelling". Post treatment, Pico has totally flaky skin. I can see it exfoliating and rejuvenating. His skin looks a little tender, but he isn't complaining or paying any attention to it, so it may be just a visual thing. I'm monitoring closely.
Now for the great news...we are feeling regrowth in his underbelly, near his hind legs. We haven't felt or seen growth there since we got him! It's exciting. I read this article this week and was hopeful about his castration. Also, he loves his new fleece pajamas, and loves to be cozy. That makes me the happiest mama in the world.
Cheers!
Sarah and Pico
Now for the great news...we are feeling regrowth in his underbelly, near his hind legs. We haven't felt or seen growth there since we got him! It's exciting. I read this article this week and was hopeful about his castration. Also, he loves his new fleece pajamas, and loves to be cozy. That makes me the happiest mama in the world.
Cheers!
Sarah and Pico