5 causes of hair loss in dogs
Whether you notice it as it happens or not, hair doesn't just disappear during the night. Sudden bald spots or loose skin on the dog's body can be cause for alarm in a loving owner, iexcl-but don't panic! Your dog's coat was not packed and left, and will not come back without attention. Here are 5 common causes of hair loss in dogs that you can discuss with your vet if you notice that your dog's hair thins.
hair loss in dogs |
# 1 - Fleas
Fleas are a very common cause of hair loss for animals. Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) has a very irritating sting and causes intense itching. The dog will scratch, rub or bite the area until the hair is gone and sometimes even the top layer of the skin. You cannot see fleas or even evidence that they were there, but if your dog is not in a flea product purchased from a veterinarian, the fleas have left the mark of itching on your dog. A small part of the flea life cycle is spent on the dog that most people do not know that fleas are the root of the problem. A dog can pick up a flea in a quick bathroom outside and you can carry fleas on the trouser legs.
# 2 Allergy to inhalants (atopy)
Another cause of hair loss in dogs, many of my atopic patients are allergic to pollen, mold and dust and the allergy causes itching. Itching leads to hair loss due to irritation and secondary infections. Atopy is not a treatable condition, but can be managed effectively with the help of the veterinarian. Avoiding the cause of atopy may not be feasible, but there are drugs to help you control it and restore your dog's hair and quality of life.
# 3 Mange Demogectic Mite
Demodex that can live on normal skin, but if a dog does not have an effective immune response against it, the mites grow too much and cause itching and alopecia (hair loss). Many times you will notice the loss of hair in patches around the eyes of a young dog or scattered on your body. Your vet can find this mite on the skin of dogs affected with a skin scraping and a microscope.
# 4 sarcoptic mange
Caused by another mite, called Sarcoptes scabiei, this is contagious among dogs. Dogs with sarcoptic mange are very itchy and have unequal hair loss. It is also considered zoonotic (contagious to humans), but don't worry. He doesn't like to live on people and he won't let all his hair fall out. If your dog has hair loss, you should make sure that it is not due to sarcoptic mange. Consult your veterinarian and if a sarcoptic mange is suspected, your doctor may also be needed.
# 5 Endocrine Disease
Your dog's hormonal and metabolic system disorders, known as endocrine disease, can also cause hair loss in dogs. The term "endocrine disease" includes some important problems, such as Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism. These disorders are very important and should be discovered as soon as possible to allow the best clinical outcome. These types of alopecia tend to be non-inflammatory, meaning the skin looks quite normal, but the hair appears to have fallen out. Other causes of alopecia technically classified as "endocrine" are not so harmful, but it is necessary for the vet to help you decide. Unexplained hair loss is not something that should be allowed to continue without medical supervision. Some of our veterinary flea control products also have coverage for some mites, so ask your vet if you think fleas are the main problem. A dog with hair loss should be examined by a veterinarian to protect him and his human family. Diagnostic tests can find the root cause and appropriate treatment can be started at the beginning of the process to save unnecessary inconvenience to the dog. Hair loss is not something that should be ignored. Ask your vet to make sure your dog is safe.