Mary Allen
Dogs usually shed their fur twice a year. But hair loss in dogs can also occur in other ways.
The coat of hair and the condition of the skin reflect the state of health of your four-legged friend. Increased hair loss can be caused by harmless or serious causes. Hair loss is often linked to other problems, which is why an exact diagnosis is a prerequisite for correct therapy. In this case, consulting a specialist in animal dermatology can also be useful.
Recognizing Hair Loss In Dogs
Symptoms of increased hair loss include:
- brittle or dry hair
- more hair loss than usual
- the animal scratches more and more
- frequent licking, nibbling, and biting
- bald spots
- occurring eczema and dandruff
Hair loss in animals can either affect a specific part of the body or be distributed over the whole body.
Causes Of Hair Loss In Dogs
The following list shows examples of possible causes. Since there are many triggers for hair loss, there is no guarantee that the information is complete. The exact reason for your four-legged friend’s hair loss can only be determined after a comprehensive examination by the veterinarian.
Coat Change
A disease is not always the cause of fur loss. Especially the change of coat in spring, when the dog loses a lot of the undercoat of the winter coat, is accompanied by severe hair loss. If you are not sure if the change of coat is natural, you should consult a veterinarian.
Parasites
Parasites such as fleas, lice, or mites can cause severe itching. Dog scratching can loosen the hair and consequently lead to hair loss. Even after a tick has been removed, your pet may have a bald spot on its fur.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial inflammation can also cause your four-legged friend to lose more hair.
Skin Fungus And Eczema
Fungal diseases and skin rashes can lead to hair loss because the affected areas of skin are weakened and the fur can no longer be held in the hair root.
Nutrient Deficiency
Imbalanced feeding can affect skin and coat health. Fatty acids and biotin ensure a strong hair root. If these nutrients are insufficiently absorbed through the food, the hair can fall out.
Allergies
Allergies can also lead to the shedding of the fur. If an allergy is suspected, the allergy-causing substance should be identified immediately. This can sometimes be found out by special blood or skin tests at the vet. In some cases, it is necessary to change the diet of your four-legged friend.
Hormonal Hair Loss In Dogs
Castration, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, or hyper adrenal cortex function can change the hormonal balance and thus result in hair loss in dogs.
Stress
The neurotransmitters released during stress have a negative effect on the hair roots and cause the hair to fall out.
Dry Heating Air
Dry air leads to dry skin. This, in turn, means that fur hairs are increasingly shed.
Excessive Grooming
If you shampoo your four-legged friend too often, the skin can dry out. The hair eventually falls out.
Dog Hair Loss – When Should I See The Vet?
It becomes critical when the dog loses a lot of hair and there are possibly bald spots. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Even if you are not sure what the possible trigger for your dog’s hair loss is, you should make an appointment with the veterinarian. Because the disease is serious, rapid treatment is required.
Prevent Hair Loss In Dogs
You can prevent or delay hair loss in your pet in the following ways:
- Check your pet regularly for parasites such as fleas.
- Use a dermatological shampoo specifically for your pet.
- Make sure you eat a balanced, nutritious diet and drink enough fluids.
- Avoid dry heating air.
- Do not expose your animal to any stressful situations
- Follow the grooming regimen recommended for your pet species.
In case of itching, you should see the vet immediately before secondary skin changes or hair loss develop.