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Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
Hair loss can be detrimental, for both humans and animals, and for your pet, figuring out a way to remedy their hair loss can be more challenging then treating human hair loss. Most dog’s shed some hair but losing large amounts of hair may be cause for concern. Alopecia, partial or complete hair loss in dogs can occur to your canine pet the same as it does to humans. But what causes it?
Allergies
The most common cause of hair loss, and the most treatable, can be caused by allergies. Dogs can be allergic to multiple things, just like people. Among the contributors of allergies in dogs are:
- Dust Mites
- Fleas
- Food (wheat and dairy)
The problem with allergies in dogs is that the dog owners are not keen enough to look out for the typical signs of allergic reactions on their pet. Skin irritation, redness of the skin, increased scratching and biting are common signs of allergies.
Visit your vet if you are unsure of these signs, or if you think your pet may suffer from allergies. Possible remedies include an internal or topical medication, or possible dietary changes, once you have figured out the exact cause of the allergic triggers.
Infestation or Infection
Fleas, mites, and ticks like to be under the skin of animals and are commonly found on dogs. Parasites and fungi, such as ringworm, can have a significant impact on the amount of hair that falls off your pet.
Hair loss dues to infection typically follows a pattern you can track. Watch for hair loss around the ears, chest, stomach, and eyes. Before you can determine the best remedy, you need to know the kind of infection you will be treating. More severe infections typically call for topical drugs or anti-fungal shampoos for treatment.
Folliculitis
Dog owners tend to focus on getting the best dog clippers for grooming their pets, they often forget that there are other concerns to think about. Improper grooming can lead to the hair shaft becoming infected. If an infection occurs beneath the skin’s surface, then you may notice missing patches of hair. Left untreated, this will lead to worsening hair loss.
The leading causes of infected hair follicles are dirty skin and mud, among other infections mentioned above.
Malnourishment and Nutritional Deficiencies
Just like in humans, your dog’s diet plays a crucial role in the health of their hair. A lustrous mane translates to a healthy dog. Depending on your Vet’s recommendation, you may need to adjust your dog’s diet.
Your dog’s diet should be rich in essential fatty acids, including high-fat, diets, among others. Ideally, your safest option is to feed your dog only with dog food from reputable brands who have a proper balance of essential nutrients.
Underlying Health Problems
In the worst-case scenario, hair loss you witness on your dog could be caused by an underlying health problem. Condition’s like Cushing's disease and hyperthyroidism come with complications of bald spots and hair loss.
Before you can conclude that dog’s health may be at risk, check for these common symptoms:
- Changes in Appetite
- Thirst
- Weight Fluctuations
- Insomnia
- Loss of Energy
If you establish one or more of these signs, check in with your vet to determine the proper course of treatment.
