What Is Wrong With a Dog That Is Losing His Hair & Is Itching Constantly?

Is your dog scratching?

Dogs that are losing their coats should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause. Typical causes of itchy skin and coat loss are allergies to food or the environment, parasitic infestation or disease. Nutritional deficiencies, poor body condition and lack of general care can manifest in these symptoms, as well.

Food Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to ingredients in their food

Allergies to foods, food ingredients or food additives can trigger itchy skin and coat loss in some dogs. Many foods have grains, food byproducts and preservatives that may be the culprit. Dogs, like humans, can simply be sensitive to some typical dog food ingredients. A reaction to these allergens is usually itchy areas on the paws, under the chin and any area on the skin that the dog can reach enough to scratch repeatedly. With holistic and organic foods on the market, there is a choice appropriate for every dog.

Environmental Allergies

Contact and inhalation allergies may be the cause of the scratching

Dogs that are allergic to environmental allergens are considered to have contact allergies. Laundry detergents used to wash their toys and bedding, pet shampoos and grooming products, carpet shampoos, household cleansers or ingredients in dryer sheets can all be suspect. Dogs can also be allergic to botanicals in your yard such as grasses, trees and pollens. Contact allergies, and on occasion inhalation allergies, can be a cause of scratching and related loss of coat.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks and mites can cause havoc to the skin and coat

External parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites can be a primary cause of scratching, skin irritation and related coat loss in dogs. Insects that live off the dog as their host can damage the skin in the process of feeding and reproducing. They can also lay eggs that can cause internal parasites such as tapeworms.

Secondary skin infections caused by parasitic infestations lead to unhealthy condition of blood, skin and coat. Once parasites have been diagnosed as the cause of the problem, preventatives can be prescribed to halt further infestation.

Disease

Thinning coat can be a sign of disease

Symptoms of many canine diseases can effect the quality of the skin and coat. Skin infections from a variety of causes can end in the production of itchy yeast or bacteria on the skin. Both of these conditions will cause the dog to scratch and drop coat. Some common diseases that effect the overall condition of the skin and coat are thyroid deficiencies, mange, hormone imbalances, Cushing's Disease and a wide variety of dermatitis.

Poor Body Condition

Lack of care can cause poor body condition

Poor body condition caused by lack of proper nutrition, illness, advanced age, unsanitary housing or inappropriate coat care can result in a dog that has unhealthy skin and likely an unhealthy coat. Healthy skin and coat and in general a healthy dog can be supported by a diet appropriate for the individual, clean housing and grooming indicated by the type of coat grown by the dog.

Grooming needs differ for dogs that are single- or double-coated. Double-coated dogs have an undercoat that needs to be removed once shedding begins. Coats that are not properly maintained can mat, which blocks air flow to the skin and causes a variety of skin problems, like hot spots or hidden parasite infestations.

References

• naturalhealthezine.com: 5 All-Naural & Organic Dog Food Options
• peteducation.com: Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy in Dogs
• American Kennel Club: Fleas, Ticks & Parasites
• vetinfo.com: Hair Loss Problems
• petprojectnd.com: Grooming: Every Pet Needs It!

Resources

• University of Tennessee: Hair Loss
• vetinfo.com: Skin Disorders and Problems of Dogs