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Hairless Canines

Shenzi (mix)

This is my dog Shenzi. She showed up on my patio as a 4 month old stray 2 years ago. Nobody claimed her so after 2 months I had her vacines done and microchipped. I also had her DNA tested which showed her as a shih-tzu and chihauhau. She weighs 12 pounds and is a very solid built dog. I came across your web site and love all the information you have on hairless breeds. Shenzi is the best thing thats happened to us, she is full of energy and fun, always entertaining us. She has blackheads and occasionally breaks out with a few pimples. I was glad to read that that is normal for some hairless dogs. Shenzi was tested for thyroid problems and fortunately came back normal.

Last summer we were outside and I was cleaning up some English Ivy in my yard. Later that night Shenzi was very restless and wouldnt settle down. By 5 am we took her to the local Animal Hospital where they x-rayed her. She was constipated and treated with medications. We went home and she didn't improve and we went back to the hospital. She was dehydrated and in pain, blood tests reveiled her liver enzymes were off the chart. A call to the poison contol center verified that English Ivy is very toxic to dogs, especially hairless because it can be absorbed through the skin and also the mouth. They kept her overnight on IV's and meds. The next day I took her to her regular vet and they kept her under observation the rest of the day. Shenzi came home that night still a very sick girl. She recovered quickly with medications and her liver returned to normal in 2 weeks.

Please get the word out about toxins to hairless dogs. Needless to say my yard is now free of anything toxic and I also check daily to make sure it stays that way. Also pet insurance is something pet owners need to check into. That whole nightmare cost $2000! Hairless dogs are so wonderful and thank you for all the great information!

Darice Kessler