Alopecia, or hair loss, is a fairly common disease in dogs. Alopecia is different from shedding, a procedure that occurs during the hair growth cycle for your dog and is a variation based on breed. Alopecia describes either the appearance of thin or patchy hair. The cause may be a factor in how hair loss develops.
Any breed of dog, regardless of age, might have hair loss. It’s critical to consult an animal veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice hair loss since the cause can range from minor to severe. Hair loss in dogs can occur at any age, in any breed, and at any point on the body. It is often a visible condition.
Depending on your pet’s likelihood of skin conditions and hair loss, it may need several treatments. Always follow the recommendations of your vet for administering any medication. It is possible to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the issue is fixed and any infections heal.
Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
Many factors, including allergic responses, certain skin conditions, and other health conditions, can cause hair loss in dogs. The best way to deal with this is to visit a veterinarian to determine the exact diagnosis and suggested treatment since one of the causes could present similar symptoms to others.
Allergies
Itchy skin and hair loss are among the more evident signs that your dog is allergic. Your dog may have allergies to specific food components or environmental elements like dust or pollen mites. Visit a veterinary website like animalhospitalofclemmons.com for more information.
Parasites
A common skin problem in dogs is allergic flea dermatitis, sometimes hypersensitivity to flea bites. The irritation caused by these parasites can cause the dog the skin to scratch or even bite its skin and eventually lose hair.
Dogs may experience hair loss due to lice or mites. The lice that cause hair loss in dogs are not the same animal as those found on human beings, and they can be spread by diseased dogs, crowded living spaces, contaminated grooming equipment, and unhygienic conditions. Beyond hair loss, redness, itching, and dry, flaky skin and coat are a few signs of lice in dogs.
Skin Conditions or Infections
They are susceptible to skin ailments and cracked, dry skin, much like people. The skin of your dog may become highly itchy due to these conditions. To soothe their discomfort, dogs often scratch, lick or scratch themselves. In time, this could result in hair loss.
In most cases, dogs with fungal or bacterial skin diseases may also suffer an allergic reaction. Skin infections may also result from wounds, bites, and scratches. Visit an emergency vet clinic for any emergency cases.
Post-grooming Alopecia
Hair loss may result from trimming or shaving the dog’s thick coat. This can result in hair patches growing back. It can also occur if a portion of your dog’s coat is removed during surgery. The hair will eventually come back in its typical length and texture. However, it may take time.
Pressure Sores
The most common type of sores, called strains, are likely to occur in older dogs or those with less mobility and are brought on because of the stress of staying in one place for long periods. Similar to bedsores in humans, the sores usually appear on a dog’s hip and elbows or on the sides and may last for a prolonged period.
As pressure sores can be difficult to treat, prevention is crucial. Be sure to maintain your dog’s mobile; if needed, it is possible to get them mobility aids; and offer them comfortable, clean bedding. If you spot pressure sores on your dog’s body, immediately visit a veterinarian. Consult a veterinarian for a pet care plan.
