How to Prevent Hair Loss in Dogs

Help keep your dog's hair healthy

Hair loss in dogs is normal but in certain circumstances it may be an indication of a serious underlying disease. Skin parasites, fleas and skin infections such as Folliculitis are the most common causes of hair loss in dogs. Other causes include poor nutrition, allergies, hormone imbalances and stress as well as medication. Whatever the cause, you should learn ways to prevent hair loss in dogs.

Instructions

Measures

1. Carry out regular parasite control. Administer parasite-control treatment regularly to prevent hair loss resulting from parasite infestation. Use over-the-counter powders, sprays and collars that contain Permethrin to kill fleas and prevent their return. Prescription products such as Lufenuron and Sentinel are also effective in preventing the development of fleas.

2. 

   Take your dog to a vet

   Visit the vet yearly. Take your dog to the vet for examination at least once a year. Hair loss in certain cases may occur as a result of underlying diseases. The vet will discover any underlying diseases that are likely to lead to hair loss and administer treatment.

3. Keep your dog's stress levels low. Follow stress-management tips on your dog since stress is one of the factors that causes hair loss. Take your dog through a regular exercise routine and feed it properly. Avoid hitting or yelling at your dog as a corrective measure. Instead, play with your dog and pet it every time you are home.

4. 

   Give your dog a proper diet

   Give your dog a proper diet. Feed your dog proper food that contains all essential nutrients to avoid malnutrition, another factor that is likely to lead to hair loss. Avoid food supplements unless prescribed by your vet. Do not feed your dog raw foods such as meat and eggs. Give it plenty of drinking water, vitamin-rich foods and buy dog food from established brand names as part of a balanced diet.

5. Breed your dog responsibly. Find out whether your dog is allergic to anything and always keep it away from any allergens. Small breed dogs with plush coats as well as Doberman pinschers are more susceptible to hair loss. Eliminate affected dogs from your breeding program to prevent these susceptible breeds from getting affected. Do not shackle your dog or limit space allocated for it.

6. 

   Exercise your dog

   Exercise your dog moderately. Design an exercise routine that will not exhaust your dog completely. Do not exceed the recommended duration for vigorous exercise as advised by your vet.

References

• Pet Wave: Preventing Alopecia in Dogs