What Causes Dog Hair Loss? It's normal for dog shedding to occur. However, when a dog owner notices massive amounts of dog hair loss, then there is definitely something to worry about. Excessive dog hair loss isn't simply the loss of hair due to shedding, scratching, or vigorous shaking. Sometimes, there are deeper causes of this affliction. Mange, dermatitis, ringworm infection, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's disease are some of the causes of dog hair loss.
Dog Shedding, like demodex mange is a type of skin disease that is usually caused by microscopic mites that have entered the skin's pores. The presence of these mites has then caused irritation, itching, and dog hair loss. Usually mange can be treated by using anti-flea or anti-bacterial dog bathing products, but in some severe cases insecticide is needed.
Dermatitis causes skin irritation and finally, dog hair loss. Usually dermatitis is triggered by an allergic reaction or sensitivity to certain materials. These materials would include rubber, plastic, and additives in food. Sometimes, dermatitis occurs whenever a dog licks itself whenever it feels bored, anxious, or stressed. Excessive licking would then lead to hair loss. Ringworms can cause alopecia or dog hair loss, itchiness, and the formation of pustules and scaliness. Usually ringworms are caused by fungus. Another cause of alopecia is Cushing's disease. Demodectic Mange and Cushing's disease is a result of a malfunctioning adrenal gland. It would require surgery or medication. Other symptoms of Cushing's disease include blackheads and large swelling.
Treating Excessive Dogs Shedding and Hair Loss
Finally, hypothyroidism is a form of hormonal imbalance. Like Cushing's disease, it is a malfunctioning gland that is the cause, and in this case, it is the thyroid gland. Dog hair loss through hypothyroidism can be solved by giving the dog hormonal supplements every day. Unlike other dog diseases and problems, dog hair loss is easy to diagnose once the dog owner or veterinarian knows the underlying cause. Hair loss that is accompanied by flaking means that the dog has a poor nutritive diet, and that the owner should feed the dog with dog food that contains proteins and other important fatty acids. If the hair loss is due to excessive amounts of fleas, then anti-flea products should be applied in order to rid the dog of the fleas. Bathing the dog using anti-flea shampoo or soap can also help remove the fleas.
The causes of dog hair loss can be hereditary, like the Acanthosis nigricans, which is a hair loss condition that is inherited by Dachshunds. Hair loss can also occur due to a previous medical treatment, like chemotherapy. Hair loss due to chemotherapy isn't serious; the dog's fur will grow back eventually, although it is possible that the fur would be in a slightly different color. Some causes for hair loss even affect certain dog breeds. Samoyeds and Pomeranians can experience hair loss due to castration responsive dermatosis. Siberian Huskies, Boxers, and Dobermans can be afflicted with follicular dystrophy or dysplasia. Dog owners are advised to keep an eye out for dog shedding and hair loss on their dog; after all, who wants to walk around with bald patches on their body?
