Leg Hair Loss on Dogs

Hair loss in dogs can have a number of causes.

A dog's hair loss can be a part of the normal cycling process of the hair follicles. The aged hairs are discarded and new hairs are grown. The hind legs and trunk areas are the more noticeable areas for hair loss. This type of natural hair loss does not manifest itself in the form of signs of irritation, such as redness or crustiness. If your dog is scratching and losing hair, however, a veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose other potential ailments.

Causes of Hair Loss

If the hair loss is not due to the natural cycling, then it could be caused by an infection or parasites. It also can be caused by an endocrine ailment such as Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, alopecia, pattern baldness and telogen defluxion. Hair loss in female dogs can be rooted in hormonal disturbances.

Allergic Reactions

Fleas can cause allergic dermatitis.This can result in the loss of hair, especially on the legs, armpits and elbows. Ringworm can affect the leg area as well. It is a fungus that thrives off of dead tissue, leaving behind a circle-shaped patch. Sometimes open sores, called hot spots, can appear. This can be caused by allergies and is often is made worse by the dog's excessive licking and biting.

Remedies for Hair Loss

There are simple avenues for controlling the hair loss once a clear diagnosis is made. It may be as simple as using a flea removal product. If is caused by a mite infestation, the topical ointment Mitaban can be applied to the affected area.

Healthier Eating Habits

Healthier eating habits may be the key in helping to maintain the dog's hair. If there is skin flakiness, low-quality commercial dog food could be the culprit and a better nutrition plan needs to be implemented. A healthy nutritional avenue would be to purchase dog food that does not contain additives or fillers. You also can make your own healthy dog food.

Preventative Measures

Regular bathing and tick powder can aid in relieving the dog's need to scratch. A flea preventative may be necessary as well. There also may be a need for antibiotics that your vet can prescribe that can treat the source behind the hair loss.

References

• Daily Puppy: What are the causes of leg hair loss on dogs?
• eDog Advice: Physiology of dog hair loss