A dog's coat can change color for many reasons, not the least of which is a medical condition known as Cushing's disease. Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland. The tumors secrete excessive amounts of cortisol (the primary hormone that regulates stress) in an effort to combat the high levels of inflammation and infection the body experiences when it is stressed. This causes the hair follicles to become very sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture, causing the fur to grow more slowly than normal and sometimes even shedding. In many cases, a dog with Cushing's disease will have patches of hair loss around his or her neck, ears, tail, belly, and paws. The hair loss may be accompanied by a reddish-purple discoloration of the skin in those areas where there is significant hair loss. In severe cases, the hair loss may be so extensive that the dog develops bald spots on its head. If you suspect your dog has Cushing's disease, you should bring him to the veterinarian immediately. If your dog shows any signs of lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms associated with low blood sugar, he should be seen right away. There are several treatment options available for dogs suffering from Cushing's disease. One of the most common treatments involves surgery to remove the affected adrenal glands. However, this option is only considered after all other less invasive remedies have been tried unsuccessfully. Some doctors recommend giving your dog cortisone injections every day for up to two months to try and reduce the amount of cortisol being produced. While this may help temporarily, it does nothing to treat the underlying problem. Another option is to give your dog synthetic versions of the hormones found naturally in the adrenal glands. These hormones include hydrocortisone (also referred to as prednisone), dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone acetate. These medications must be administered intravenously because they cannot cross the blood/brain barrier. They also cause a host of side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Although these drugs can be helpful, they do not cure the underlying problem. And because they are given orally, the medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. One of the best home remedies for a dog's fur color change is to use a topical steroid cream. Steroid creams work by blocking the action of the hormone cortisol at the cellular level. By doing so, the fur grows much faster than normal and the color returns to normal within a few days. Some of the best steroids to use for this purpose include betamethasone dipropionate, fluocinonide, triamcinolone acetonide, and clobetasol propionate. This type of treatment is especially useful when dealing with large patches of hair loss. It is also recommended once the dog has fully recovered from surgery to remove the adrenal glands. While some of the above treatments may seem extreme, they are necessary in order to reverse the physical changes brought about by Cushing's disease. If you suspect your pet has the condition, don't hesitate to contact your vet right away.