Although it may seem less important to us than other aspects of its he alth, the truth is that our dog's hair also requires regular care, as it performs fundamental functions for animal welfare That is why we must pay attention to its appearance and bear in mind that hair loss in dogs can be a warning, alerting us of various he alth problems or, simply, of the need to improve some aspects such as diet.
In this article on our site we will explain the most common causes of hair loss in dogs and the different types of treatments that exist. Remember that if your dog is losing hair, it is essential to go to a veterinary clinic and consult a qualified veterinarian p why is your dog losing hair
The importance of hair in the dog
Dogs have three types of hair, which are as follows:
- Primary hairs: are those that form the outer part of the mantle and have the ability to bristle.
- Secondary hairs: these are the members of the inner coat and are responsible for providing protection and maintaining heat. Also known as "inner fleece".
- Modified hairs: these are whiskers or eyebrows, which serve the sense of touch.
The quality of the coat will depend on different factors such as food, he alth, genetics or the care we give it. The hair insulates the dog from extreme temperatures, protects it from injuries and is part of its communication system. As we will see, causes such as diseases, parasites or improvable care can be responsible for hair loss in dogs.
Why do dogs lose hair?
The main reason dogs lose their hair is shedding, a completely natural process that occurs every year. During the shedding of hair in dogs we can observe its loss in large quantities, since the purpose is none other than to prepare the coat for the change of temperatures. This occurs because the hair grows in different phases that correspond to a fast, slow growth or a period of rest.
It is in the telogen phase that moulting occurs at least once a year. Therefore, it is not a disease. It is recommended to favor it with a good daily brushing Yes, we should consult the veterinarian if the hair loss is excessive in our dog. Some of them lose their hair in clumps and the coat can have a patchy, patchwork appearance because they have a double layer of hair.
When do dogs shed?
The loss of hair in dogs due to shedding usually occurs in summer and winter to protect the dog from the cold or to allow it not to get so hot.
Other causes that cause the dog to lose its hair
If your dog loses its hair and you're absolutely sure it's not due to shedding, then it's time to visit the vet. In general, hair loss, both generalized and in specific areas, is usually associated with one of the following problems:
- Parasites
- Skin diseases
- Hormonal disorders
- Poor Care
In the following sections we will discuss each of these causes in detail.
Hair loss in dogs due to hormonal disorders
Sometimes, hair loss in dogs is not caused by shedding, but may be indicative of some disease. For example, if our dog loses its hair in areas we could be facing a hormonal disorder in which the hair loss usually occurs symmetrically, bilaterally and without associated pruritus.
The veterinarian must discover the cause that provokes it in order to start the treatment. Among these are canine hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome Allergies to fleas, as we will see, to foods, pollens or drugs also cause hair loss.
The treatment will depend on the type of allergen to which the dog is reacting. In addition, if we tie our dog's hair with rubber bands or tweezers, we can cause hair loss with bald spots if these accessories are used with a lot of tension and for long periods of time. These bald spots can be permanent, so using these tools is not recommended.
Hair loss in dogs due to skin diseases
Most skin diseases in dogs cause more or less severe hair loss. For this reason, we will now focus on those pathologies that show a considerable loss in their symptoms. They are as follows:
Dermatitis in dogs
It is defined as inflammation of the skin accompanied by itching. There are several types of dermatitis that exist, being atopic dermatitis the most common and the one that usually presents hair loss by areas among its symptoms. In general, it appears as a reaction of the body to the presence of allergens, although it also occurs due to genetic causes. In any case, in addition to hair loss, the dog has itchy and reddened skin.
Ringworm in dogs
Produced by a type of fungus, canine ringworm causes circular lesions and alopecia, which is why it is common to see bald patches of hair in dogswho suffer from it.
The treatment must be stipulated by the veterinarian and usually includes the administration of antifungal ointments, powders or lotions.
Canine pyoderma
It is a skin infection caused by bacteriaopportunistic bacteria that usually infect the dog when he suffers from a skin disease which weakens his immune system. Its most common symptoms are intense itching, hair loss, scratching wounds and a bad smell. In more severe cases, ulcers may be seen.
The treatment consists of antibiotics prescribed by the specialist with a duration of approximately one month, although it can be extended in the most complicated cases.
Mange in dogs
Canine scabies is caused by mites that settle in the animal's body. There are different types of mange, but the most common are demodectic mange and sarcoptic mangeBoth produce itching, redness and localized hair loss, that is, the dog loses its hair in areas, although there is a type of demodectic mange that produces a general fall of the coat. The difference between them lies in the mite that causes them. Demodectic mange develops due to the uncontrolled proliferation of the Demodex canis mite, naturally present in the dermis of dogs. Sarcoptic mange, on the other hand, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite and is highly contagious (the former is not contagious).
Demodecida can be chronic depending on the cause, while sarcoptic can be cured and may not develop again if appropriate preventive measures are taken.
Parasites that cause hair loss in dogs
The presence of fleas may be behind our dog's hair loss. The itching caused by this parasite when it feeds on your blood leads the dog to scratch, causing the hair to fall out and causing wounds, especially on the tail and groin. The treatment in these cases goes through a correct deworming of the dog and some other drug if the lesions are considerable. Keep in mind that there are animals that are very sensitive to flea saliva that can have these symptoms with a single bite. It's flea bite allergy dermatitis. That is why it is important to deworm even if we do not see them.
Other parasites such as ticks or lice can also cause hair loss, although it is less common. For the reason why dogs lose their hair lies in a tick infestation, this must be very serious, so only a veterinarian can remove them using appropriate antiparasitic products.
Wounds and hair loss in dogs
The truth is that all of the above causes can cause wounds and hair loss in dogs because they are accompanied by itching. Being such an intense itch, the dog tends to scratch with the same intensity, which causes wounds and scabs. To prevent further damage, it is essential to go to the vet as soon as possible and start treatment. In turn, we can put an Elizabethan collar on him or keep an eye on him at all times.
In order to complement the stipulated treatment and promote wound healing and, therefore, the regeneration of the coat, we can make use of home remedies such as honey or sugar. Check this article with all the details: "Home remedies to heal wounds in dogs".
Tips to prevent hair loss in dogs
Although hair loss in dogs is a completely normal process when it comes to shedding, with these tips we'll keep the coat careful and we will prevent you from losing more than necessary:
- The feeding is key to the condition of the coat and must be adapted to the needs of the dog. The omega 3 that can be included in feed or supplements helps maintain perfect hair. Hair loss and dandruff in dogs can be caused by an inadequate diet.
- The regular brushing is essential. Our canine groomer or veterinarian will be able to recommend the most suitable products for the characteristics of our dog's hair. Discover on our site how to choose the brush according to the type of hair of the dog.
- We should only use shampoos, conditioners or, in general, any cosmetic product if it is specifically for dogs.
Any bald spot, wound or decrease in the density of the coat is reason for veterinary consultation. If it is a disease, early treatment will prevent it from spreading.
Pills for hair loss in dogs
There are no pills that stop hair loss in dogs when it comes to shedding. What you can give him are omega 3 capsules as a supplement, since these fatty acids strengthen the coat, leaving it soft and shiny. Another totally valid option is to offer the dog foods rich in omega 3 such as salmon.