Dogs may lose their hair for many reasons that range from allergies to seasonal shedding and even more severe issues like alopecia. Here, our Kent vets discuss common causes of hair loss in dogs.
What causes hair loss in dogs?
Hair loss may occur on some areas of a dog's body for many reasons. While your pup may shed regularly during seasonal changes, mange, fleas, and other types of mites, in addition to hormonal changes, are also potential causes of missing fur. Every dog owner should also be aware of a condition called alopecia.
Allergies
Like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, with itchy skin and hair loss presenting as the most common symptoms. The most frequent dog allergies are fleas, dust mites, mold, pollen and other environmental allergens, and food allergies. However, dog owners should remember that it can take at least eight weeks of food trials to identify dietary allergies.
Bacterial Infections
In another similarity to humans, dogs can also develop bacterial or fungal diseases on their skin. Pyoderma is a term used to describe a bacterial skin infection, especially when the skin is red and filled with pus. Yeast infections, also referred to as candida infections, occur when the yeast that's constantly present on a dog's skin grows out of control. Ringworm, or tinea, is a fungal infection that causes dry skin and damaged hairs in round spots.
Mange
Mange is characterized by itchy sin ailments caused by mites (tiny organisms that reside on the skin and in hair follicles). Some mites, including the scabies mite, can easily spread to humans and other dogs. If you notice your dog has mites or fleas, it's best to ask your veterinarian about anti-parasitic treatment.
Seasonal Shedding
You can help get rid of unwanted hair by brushing your dog twice a week. As their hair becomes old or damaged, or when the temperature reaches warmer levels, dogs shed their fur. For example, huskies and Labradors have thick winter undercoats that they shed every spring. If you live in a temperate area, you'll notice seasonal shedding frequently decrease.
Other Medical Conditions
Pregnancy, nursing, stress, or diet, and many underlying medical conditions can all contribute to excessive shedding. If your dog is losing hair, he should see a veterinarian. Underlying illnesses may be easily treated with medicine or a simple change in diet. The treatment your vet recommend's for your dog's hair loss will be based on your pooch's other health requirements.
Alopecia
This fairly common condition can cause patchy hair loss in dogs, along with thinning hair. Alopecia should not be confused with shedding, which is a natural stage of a dog's hair growth cycle and may vary depending on the breed.
Symptoms and Causes of Alopecia
Depending on the cause of alopecia, symptoms can include:
- Mild to severe scratching
- Skin that is red, inflamed, thickened, oozing, bleeding, malodorous, or pigmented
- Skin with papules
Likewise, there are numerous causes of alopecia, which include:
- Ectoparasites and bug bites
- Skin infections and allergies
- Genetic predispositions
- Autoimmune disorders Endocrine diseases
- Environmental causes
- Nutritional causes
Breeds Susceptible to Alopecia
Dog breeds predisposed to alopecia include Mexican Hairless, Chinese Crested, Bulldogs, Dobermans, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Siberian Huskies, Pomeranians, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and West Highland White Terriers.
Further, any breed with poor husbandry, especially puppies, is at risk for mange.
How to Stop Dog Hair Loss
To prevent hair loss in your dog, you can take several steps. First, bring your dog to your vet for an annual routine exam. During this checkup, your vet will check your pooch for parasites or symptoms of underlying health conditions that can cause hair loss.
Second, provide a calm home atmosphere for your furry friend. This can prevent stress, which is a common cause of hair loss in dogs.
Third, if you do notice symptoms of hair loss, including patches of missing fur on your dog's body, examine the type of food your dog is consuming. If the symptoms are minimal, consider hypoallergenic dog food options (your vet may be able to recommend types of hypoallergenic food best suited to your dog).
However, if you don't see any improvement, it's best to consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions, such as mange.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.