What is wrong with my dog???

He's a lab/collie mix, about 8 yrs old and he drinks h2o alot, he pees/poops alot, he licks himself obsessively, he is losing chunks of hair at a time (which has never happened to him before; I've had him almost 4 yrs). I'm worried about him (my sis works at a vet and I've asked her; she thought it might be thyroid-related). Any thoughts??

What is wrong with my dog???

I would take him to see the vet as soon as possible. Your dog is getting older and although you may find out something you don't want to know, there is obviously a problem. My bet is your sister is probably right, but they would need to do some blood work to determine that for sure. Don't let him suffer!

What is wrong with my dog???

If she works at a vets office, then i'm sure she's seen a lot of cases like this and is probably right.

What is wrong with my dog???

He is old, you should prolly have a vet check up on him. Maybe do a blood work up.

What is wrong with my dog???

No way to tell. Go to a vet and get a blood test done, including a 6-panel thyroid test.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be clipped coat (their hair will often thin, become course), skin will change coloration, they will get "rat tail" (thinning of hair on tail), and commonly gain weight culminating in a "saddle" of weight in their midsection. Some, however, will lose weight.

They can have a change in appetite, their poop consistency can change... etc.

The vet needs to be seen!

What is wrong with my dog???

The losing hair part could be thyroid. That would need to be found by a blood test.

What is wrong with my dog???

Before I saw what your sister thought it was I was thinking throid also. It's a simple blood test and the meds are inexpensive. Take him in, it could be a cheap fix and your dog will thank you for it!

What is wrong with my dog???

Thyroid related ailiments in a dog can include hair loss, but is also usually followed by a severe weight loss or weight gain. (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism).

When a dog is licking himself obsessively, and losing chuncks of hair, it could be flea or mite related, or a possible start of mange.

However...

if a dog urinates more frequently, if a dog is an obsessive drinker, and if there are any weight issues... it could also be a sign of diabetes (which is treatable even in older dogs.)

HOWEVER... If he poops a lot and is licking himself in that area, it could also be IBS (Iritable bowel syndrome)

In otherwords, there are many ailiments that causes 1 or all of these problems your dog is having.

its best to be seen by a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What is wrong with my dog???

mites can cause the licking and hair lost give him a good bath with medicated shampoo and remember he getting old