About Canine Hair Loss

Hair loss in pets is very common. There are many reasons why canine hair loss occurs. Some conditions can be serious, while others pose no real danger. According to the website Natural-Pet-Care.com one of the most common skin problems such as alopecia results from allergic reactions. Hair loss can result from several different allergies, as well as other conditions.

Causes

It's natural for pets to shed a certain amount of hair but if the dog is losing hair in certain spots, or is losing excessive amounts of hair, there has to be an underlying cause. Canine hair loss can be caused by stress, allergies, parasites, such as fleas and mites, or poor nutrition. Hair loss can also be caused by conditions such as diabetes, cancer, thyroid disorder, ringworm, mange and other conditions.

Symptoms

Although hair loss is the main symptom, it is often accompanied by other signs such as dry, inflamed patches of skin. There may be redness or the skin may appear scaly which could indicate infection. Hair loss may occur all over the body or in certain areas--face, tail or back. The location of hair loss may sometimes provide a clue as to the underlying cause. For instance, dogs that are suffering from a flea infestation may lose hair on the rump, back, underside of the belly, hind legs and tail.

Considerations

Overall thinning or loss of hair, accompanied with other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and/or loss of appetite, indicates a more serious problem. Hormonal problems, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause hair loss. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes and others need medical treatment and should not be immediately dismissed as an allergy. A dog that is experiencing hair loss should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and rule out any serious underlying health condition.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition can result in dull, dry coat and hair loss. The quality of the food determines proper nutrition more so than the quantity. People often believe that because their dogs are eating plenty they can't be suffering from poor nutrition. However, that's a misconception. Feed your dog a high-quality brand of food. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you're uncertain which type would be best. If your dog has an underlying health condition, it may require certain dietary needs. Intestinal parasites (worms) can also prevent your dog from receiving adequate nutrition, regardless of the type of food you are feeding it. Fatty acid supplements and vitamins can also help ensure that your dog receives the vitamins and minerals that it needs for optimum health.

Diagnosis

After the initial examination the veterinarian will most likely do a skin scraping to check for mites or fungal infection, such as ringworm. Tests will be done according to the dog's symptoms to determine if there is an underlying health condition, perhaps diabetes. Treatment will then depend upon the cause.

Prevention/Solution

You can take steps to prevent hair loss caused by allergies and external parasites by keeping your dog's coat clean. Bathe it regularly and be certain to rinse the coat thoroughly. If shampoo is not rinsed out of the fur completely it may irritate the skin. It can also cause dandruff which may result in itching and excessive scratching. Hair loss can then result from the dog scratching and chewing at its fur. Brush the hair at least once per week to remove loose hair, skin cells and debris. Brushing also distributes the skin's natural oils which helps to keep the skin and fur healthy. Keep your dog flea free. Many dogs have sensitive skin and may be allergic to flea bites which can lead to hair loss and irritation.

Resources

• Dog-Allergy.org
• PetEducation.com
• PetHealth101.com