Ingrown Hair & Dogs

Coarse-haired breeds like this terrier are more prone to ingrown hairs.

Almost all mammals have hair of some sort. Mammalian hair grows from follicles in the skin, typically in the form of fur. Dogs are more prone than many mammals to have ingrown hairs due to the relatively thick hair covering most of the body. Double-coated breeds are more susceptible, such as those originating from cold climates like the Norwegian elk hound and Newfoundland breeds.

Causes

An ingrown hair around this boxer's muzzle could become infected.

Hair normally grows straight, but if it curls or grows sideways it can become ingrown as it pushes back into the follicle. There is no way of anticipating ingrown hairs; it can happen to any dog regardless of breed or coat type. Although uncomfortable, ingrown hair is not a serious problem if treated. The most common areas for ingrown hair to occur are around the groin, chin and paws, due to the hair being coarser in those areas.

Symptoms

Scratching is one of the symptoms of ingrown hair.

The first sign of an ingrown hair will normally be discomfort. The hair may cause the dog to scratch or rub the affected area to relieve itching. Red and inflamed follicles that resemble pimples are an indication that hair is ingrown. Often, due to the localized swelling on the surface of the skin, one ingrown hair can lead to many more.

Infections and Irritation

Untreated ingrown hairs can lead to infection or dermatitis. If the dog is in discomfort and constantly attempts to scratch, bite or rub the area, the skin can become very inflamed and the epidermis may present pustules. Once inflamed or broken, the skin is prone to further damage and infection, especially if the problem is localized to a naturally oily part of the coat such as the abdomen or groin area.

Treatments

Topical treatments are rarely used, but your vet may attempt to remove the offending hair with a pair of tweezers. He may need to excavate the follicle to remove the hair. This is uncomfortable for the dog, but it should not take more than a few seconds. The vet may choose to apply an antiseptic or antibiotic treatment to prevent infection but will typically leave the follicle to heal naturally.

Prevention/Solution

It is difficult to prevent ingrown hairs because the dog's coat has millions of hairs and covers almost all of the body. If one area in particular exhibits repeated ingrown hairs, your vet may advise that the area is shaved regularly so you can monitor the skin surface to treat any ingrown hairs before infection. This course of action can potentially lead to further problems, since shaving can cause ingrown hairs. Always seek advice from a veterinarian.

References

• Mastiff Reporter Index Archive: Interpreting Canine Bacterial Dermatitis

Resources

• The Pet Center: Skin and Coat