It’s pretty likely that your dog is your best friend. Just like humans, dogs aren’t perfect. They occasionally make mistakes and they, at times, become more demanding than endearing. One inevitably demanding trait is shedding.
Particularly with some breeds, like “German shedders,” dog hair all over your clothes, furniture and floors is completely normal. It’s much less noticeable but you shed, too. In dogs (like in human beings) hair loss may be symptomatic of a more serious condition. If your dog doesn’t normally shed but suddenly starts to, and if it becomes excessive causing bald patches or if your dog, in addition to shedding, is also scratching and biting their skin, that’s not a good sign. It’s time to pinpoint the problem and seek treatment. Here are three common causes of hair loss in dogs (canine alopecia).
An Infection or Infestation
A flea infestation is not an unusual cause of hair loss in dogs. Mites, mange, ringworm or other bacterial or fungal infections can also lead to hair loss. Be sure to regularly check your dog for signs of fleas, flea larvae or flea waste. Also, look for a round patch that slowly gets larger, which may be a sign of ringworm. If you suspect mites or mange, your vet can diagnose these. All of those problems are treatable, but some (fleas) are easier than others (mange).
Your Dog Has a Hormonal Imbalance
Much like human beings, the thyroid gland in dogs produces hormones that adjusts their metabolism. Hypothyroidism happens when an insufficient amount of these hormones is produced. Symptoms may include hair loss and weight gain. Your vet can administer a blood test to rule out hypothyroidism.
Your Dog Is Experiencing an Allergic Reaction
Dogs can develop allergic reactions to food, medicines, shampoos, insect bites, dust mites, pollen, and so on. If you can rule out these common causes of allergic reactions which induce shedding, it’s time to rule out allergies. Have you changed up your dog’s diet or brand of shampoo in the days or perhaps weeks leading up to their hair loss? Is he or she sneezing, coughing and experiencing watery eyes?
Pinpointing the cause of your dog’s allergies through trial and error, typically can help you discover what the root cause might be. Your vet may also assist you in the discovery process and offer treatment.
If your beloved dog starts to lose their hair inexplicably, don’t panic – however do act. Although most of the reasons for canine hair loss are treatable, sometimes it can lead to more serious conditions if not properly treated.
At Custom Hair Tampa Bay, we don’t treat dogs but we do understand the love our clients have for their furry friends. Anyone can suffer from hair loss. If you are looking for hair restoration options for yourself, we can help. To schedule a free consultation at one of our three locations click here.
Photo Credit: Unsplash Via Pixabay
Sources
http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/general-health/common-causes-of-hair-loss-in-dogs
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/excessive-dog-shedding-when-you-should-worry/1449
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cushings-disease-in-dogs
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?siteid=12&acatid=169&aid=75
https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/hair-loss
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2097&aid=449