Dogs are known for their luxurious fur coats, but did you know that some dogs can lose hair? While it's normal to lose a few hairs daily, excessive or abnormal hair loss can be a sign of a problem. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what causes hair loss in dogs and how you can help your furry friend restore their coat to its former glory.
- Is your dog losing hair? It can be a symptom of underlying problems like certain skin infections or allergic reactions.
- Your little one losing hair is stressful, but there are treatments
- Your dog's health can improve with these great at-home remedies
All You Need to Know About Hair Loss in Dogs
If you've noticed your dog shedding more than usual, you might be wondering if something's wrong. While some hair loss is normal, excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying health condition. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about hair loss in dogs, from the causes to the treatment options.
Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?
Hair loss in dogs can have many different causes. Sometimes, it's simply due to seasonal changes or old age. Your dog losing hair may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or infections.
If you're concerned about your dog's hair loss, we recommend making an appointment with your vet. They will be able to determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Seasonal Shedding
One of the most common causes of hair loss in dogs is seasonal shedding. Dogs shed their winter coats in the spring and summer months to prepare for the warmer weather. You might notice that your dog is shedding more during these times of year, but as long as they're not losing any patches of fur, there's no cause for concern. If your dog is starting to bald in patches or thin out excessively, however, it's time to see the vet.
Old Age
As dogs get older, they often lose some of their fur. It's natural for your dog to develop bald patches as they get older. This is especially true for senior dogs who may suffer from conditions like kidney disease or thyroid problems. If your elderly dog is losing fur, it's important to take them to the vet so that they can rule out any underlying health conditions.
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of hair loss in dogs. Environmental allergies (such as pollen or mould) can cause your dog to itch and scratch excessively, which can lead to hair loss.
Food allergies are another type of allergy that can cause hair loss in dogs. Flea allergies may also cause dog hair loss. Flea bites cause skin lesions that can lead to hair loss
Hormonal Imbalance
Your dog losing hair may also be a hormonal imbalance. Conditions like Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism can cause your dog's fur to fall out in patches. If you think your dog might have a hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with your vet so they can run some tests and put them on the appropriate medication.
Bacterial or Fungal infections
Lastly, skin infections can also cause hair loss in dogs. Bacterial infections usually cause patchy hair loss on the face and body, whereas fungal infections often result in bald spots on the head and ears.
If you think your dog has an infection, make an appointment with your vet right away so they can prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication accordingly. Bacterial skin infections often begin with broken skin from a scratch or flea bites, resulting in skin irritation and hair loss.
On the other hand, frequent scratching can lead to skin abrasion, which can cause bacterial and fungal infections, resulting in further hair loss. Yeast infections like ringworm and pyoderma can be treated with natural or medicinal remedies.
Pyoderma is a term used for a bacterial skin infection, particularly when the skin is red and produces pus. Not only do they cause hair loss, but irritated skin.
Other reasons
- Thinning hair due to a condition called alopecia that can also be found in dogs.
- Mites are microscopic creatures that live on the surface of the skin or in hair follicles. Brush your dog regularly and check them for parasites after going hiking, to the dog park or after grooming. Signs your dog may have mites are patches of missing fur and red, inflamed skin.
- Genetic predisposition
- Often hair loss in dogs is due to underlying medical conditions. Pet owners should look at the dog's symptoms and consider treatment.
- Cushing's disease, a condition caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol.
Anaemia
Anaemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the body. This can happen for a number of reasons, including blood loss, bone marrow disease, or a lack of certain nutrients in the diet. Anaemic dogs often have pale gums and lethargy. If you think your dog may be anaemic, take them to the vet right away so they can be treated.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for autoimmune diseases but they can be managed with medication. If you think your dog may have an autoimmune disease, make an appointment with your vet so they can run some tests and give you a proper diagnosis.
Hair loss in dogs can have many different causes, from seasonal changes to old age to underlying health conditions. If you're concerned about your dog's hair loss, we recommend making an appointment with your vet. They will be able to determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Symptoms of Dog Hair Loss
In addition to hair loss itself, there are other symptoms that may accompany it. These include:
-Bald spots
-Excessive shedding
Hair Loss Related to Allergies in Dogs
Many dog owners are unaware that allergies can be a leading cause of hair loss in dogs. Allergies are often to blame when a dog starts losing hair, and they can also be the root cause of other health problems. If your dog is losing hair and you're not sure why, it's important to take them to the vet so they can rule out any potential medical causes and get to the bottom of the problem.
How to Deal with Your Dog’s Hair Loss Allergy
If your dog is experiencing hair loss, it could be related to allergies. Allergies are a common problem for dogs and can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss.
There are many different types of allergies that can affect dogs, so it's important to consult with your vet to get a diagnosis and proper treatment.
Types of Dog Allergies
There are four main types of allergies that can affect dogs: food allergies, contact allergies, inhalant allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis.
Food allergies
Food allergies are the most common type of allergy in dogs and can be caused by ingredients in their food, such as grains, proteins, or preservatives.
Symptoms of food allergies include itching, red skin, hair loss, and gastrointestinal problems. If you think your dog may have a food allergy, talk to your vet about switching to a hypoallergenic diet.
Contact allergies
Contact allergies occur when your dog comes into contact with something they're allergic to, such as certain materials in their bedding or carpeting.
Symptoms of contact allergies include itchiness, redness, and hair loss. If you think your dog may have a contact allergy, try switching their bedding or removing any carpeting from their environment.
Inhalant allergies
Inhalant allergies are caused by airborne particles that your dog inhales, such as pollen, dust mites, or mould spores. Symptoms of inhalant allergies include sneezing, coughing, itchiness, red eyes, and runny nose. If you think your dog may have an inhalant allergy, talk to your vet about starting them on an antihistamine medication.
Flea allergy dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas. It's the most common cause of itching and hair loss in dogs. Symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis include excessive scratching and biting at the skin, hot spots, and hair loss. If you think your dog may have flea allergy dermatitis, talk to your vet about starting them on a flea prevention medication.
Once you've determined that allergies are indeed the cause of your dog's hair loss, there are a few things you can do to help ease their symptoms. Bathing your dog with a medicated shampoo made for sensitive skin can help soothe their skin and reduce inflammation.
You may also want to consider giving them supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E, which can also help reduce inflammation. Finally, if their allergies are severe, your vet may prescribe medication such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Treatment of Hair Loss Related to Allergies in Dogs
The first step in treating allergies in dogs is to identify the underlying cause. Once you know what your dog is allergic to, you can take steps to remove the allergens from his environment. For example, if your dog is allergic to pollen, you'll want to keep him indoors during high-pollen days and regularly bathe him to remove pollen from his fur.
If eliminating the allergens isn't possible or doesn't alleviate the problem, your next step is to break the itch/scratch cycle. This can be done through a variety of methods, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors, which reduces itching and swelling.
Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory that can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected area. Immunotherapy involves injections of small amounts of the allergen over time, which helps your dog build up a tolerance to it.
Once the itch/scratch cycle has been broken, you can focus on treating the region of hair loss. This may involve topical treatments such as medicated shampoos or creams.
It's important to follow your vet's recommendations for treatment to ensure that your dog's skin heals properly and doesn't become infected.
Home Remedies for Dog Hair Loss
Many dog owners are concerned when they notice their dog is losing hair. While some hair loss is normal, excessive hair loss can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
There are many possible causes of hair loss in dogs, including allergies, fungal infections, hormone imbalances, and stress.
If you suspect your dog is losing hair due to an underlying health condition, make an appointment with your vet. They will be able to diagnose the cause of the hair loss and recommend treatment options.
In the meantime, here are some home remedies you can try to help improve your dog's coat:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is excellent for maintaining a healthy coat. It's full of fatty acids that help to nourish the skin and fur.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your hands and massage it into your dog's coat. You can do this once or twice a week as needed.
Oatmeal Shampoo
Oatmeal shampoo can help to soothe itchy skin and promote hair growth. Look for a shampoo that contains oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground oats.
Wet your dog's fur and massage the shampoo into their coat. Rinse thoroughly and dry their fur with a towel. Use this shampoo as needed but no more than once a week to avoid drying out their skin.
Vitamin E Supplementation
Vitamin E is essential for maintaining healthy skin and fur. You can give your dog a vitamin E supplement by adding it to their food or applying it topically to their coat.
Talk to your vet about the appropriate dose for your dog based on their weight and health condition.
Salmon Oil for dogs
Dogs can't produce Omega-3 fatty acids on their own and must get them from their diet. Our Omega-rich Salmon oil helps maintain your dog’s skin hydration, coat, joints and heart health. It’s also gentle on their tummy whilst supporting their brain development for vibrant ageing.
- Maintains skin, coat, digestive, heart, joint & cognitive health
- May help protect against seasonal allergens, like pollen and dust
- Helps boost coat growth and coat condition to reduce moulting
FAQs
How can I prevent my dog from getting a hair loss allergy?
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from getting a hair loss allergy is to keep them well groomed. This means brushing their fur regularly and keeping their coat clean and free of debris.
You should also avoid using harsh shampoos or detergents on their fur, as these can strip away the natural oils that protect their skin. In addition, it's important to be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction in your dog, such as excessive scratching or licking, and to seek veterinary care if you notice any of these symptoms.
By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your dog remains healthy and doesn't suffer from a hair loss allergy.
How do I know if my dog has a hair loss allergy?
One way to tell if your dog has a hair loss allergy is to look for bald spots on their body. Another telling symptom is if they are licking or scratching themselves more than usual. If you think your dog may be allergic to something, it's best to take them to the vet to get tested.
The vet will likely do a skin test or allergy test to determine what, if anything, your dog is allergic to. Once you know what your dog is allergic to, you can take steps to avoid exposure and help them feel better.
What are some home remedies for treating a dog’s hair loss allergy?
There are a number of home remedies that can be effective in treating a dog’s hair loss allergy. One of the simplest and most effective remedies is to feed the dog a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids help to nourish the skin and coat, and can also help to reduce inflammation. Another effective remedy is to add some apple cider vinegar to the dog’s food or water.
This will help to restore the pH balance of the skin, which can often be disrupted in dogs with allergies. Finally, regular cleansing of the coat with a mild shampoo can help to remove any allergens that may be causing the problem. By following these simple tips, you can help your dog to overcome his or her hair loss allergy.