What Are the Treatments for Hair Loss in Dogs?
When your favorite pooch starts losing its hair, it can be distressing for both you and your dog. In order to figure out the best treatment for your dog's hair loss, it is important to first determine the cause of the hair loss. Some treatments are simple and can be performed at home, but others will require a visit to the veterinarian.
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Fleas
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According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, fleas can cause hair loss in dogs either through an allergic reaction to flea saliva from flea bites or from excessive scratching due to the itchiness of the bites. There are several ways to treat a flea infestation, including shampoos, powders and topical repellents. When a dog has open sores, flea medications should not be applied directly to the affected skin, because this could lead to serious illness or injury.
Allergies
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Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to any number of things, from pollen to fleas to food. Depending upon the severity of the allergy, it may lead to welts and hives and can result in hair loss either because of skin changes or because of excessive scratching. In some cases, it may be easy to figure out what your dog is allergic to and avoid the substance that causes the allergic reaction. In other cases, you may need to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's allergies. Treatment could include a special diet for food allergies, and medications or injections for other allergens.
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Ringworm
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Ringworm isn't actually a worm at all, but a fungal infection of the skin that both dogs and humans are prone to catching. In dogs, it will appear as sores and round bald spots on the skin. There are topical and oral anti-fungal medications a veterinarian can prescribe to get rid of the infection. According to the ASPCA, a dog with severe ringworm infections may need to have its fur shaved off to make treatment effective.
Excessive Licking
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It's no secret that dogs love to lick, but when that licking is contained to one specific area of the dog's body (most often the legs, according to the ASPCA), it can lead to hair loss. The reasons a dog may lick excessively on one spot can include an injury or an allergic reaction. It can also be a psychological crutch used by the dog when it is bored or stressed out. If you don't see any signs of injury or illness where your dog is licking, try more exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Mange
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When people talk about mange, they are most often referring to a highly contagious type of canine scabies called sarcoptic mange. However, other types of skin mites can cause also cause mange. Symptoms often include intense itching, hair loss, sores and scabs. The treatment for mange differs depending upon the type of mite that is causing the infection and the breed of your dog, so it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis before treating mange. Possible treatments include oral or topical medications, injections or anti-parasitic shampoo and dip.
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