What Are the Causes of Hair Loss in Puppies?
Hair loss in puppies is not uncommon. It can be caused by many conditions, including parasites, inherited conditions, infections, allergies and, occasionally, more serious illnesses. In most instances, diagnosing the cause of hair loss is simple and treating it is not difficult.
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Parasites
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The most common cause of hair loss in dogs and puppies is parasites. This can range from fleas to the mites that cause sarcoptic mange. Parasites are usually accompanied by itching and frequent scratching.
Genes
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There are conditions that puppies may inherit from their parents that can cause hair loss. Acanthosis nigricans is an inherited condition seen in Dachshunds, while black hair follicular dysplasia is more commonly seen in bearded Collies.
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Infections
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Certain infections can cause hair loss in puppies. Staph infection of the hair follicles will sometimes cause hair loss. Granulomas are also caused by the body's reaction to an infection and cause hair loss and skin ulcers.
Allergies
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Allergies are a common cause of hair loss in dogs. The allergic reaction might be a skin irritant, a food allergy or even an allergy to something the dog inhaled. Unlike humans, whose allergies usually manifest as respiratory symptoms, allergies in dogs most often cause skin problems.
Conditions
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Certain more serious illnesses cause symptoms of hair loss. Congenital hypotrichosis is a congenital lack of hair, and puppies with the disease are born with little or no hair and lose any they have by 4 months of age. Diabetes sometimes causes dogs to lose their hair. There are also certain types of cancer that cause hair loss in puppies and dogs.
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