A dog’s personality is not only defined by his behavior but also by his appearance. A shiny, lustrous coat will make your furry pal stand out among other pets. However, there are cases where dogs start shedding excessive amounts of hair, which raises a point of concern in pet parents. Hair loss isn’t normal; it can be caused due to various underlying health issues. Pet parents often get worried about hair loss in their pets, so it’s imperative to pay heed to these health issues and find out what caused it. Therefore, below are some of the most common causes of hair loss in dogs, which pet parents need to be aware of.
Parasitic Infestation
Any kind of infection due to external parasites such as fleas, ticks, mange, and other insects can cause severe discomfort to your furry companion. These parasites attach themselves to the pet’s body, which results in skin irritation, scratching, redness, inflammation, and most importantly, hair loss. Moreover, ringworms also cause hair loss in dogs. Such infections deteriorate your dog’s health and result in hair loss.
To prevent such a situation, pet parents should administer flea and tick preventives to their pets all year round. Furthermore, you can also stock up on worming treatments for dogs just in case you require it in the future.
Genetics
Sometimes, your dog might experience hair loss even when he does not have any health issues. There are some breeds of dogs that suffer from hair loss due to genetics. Such dogs generally have very less amount of hair, and as they grow up, they start shedding more and more. Remember, it is okay for your buddy to lose his hair because there’s nothing you – or the vet – can do about it. So, embrace this flaw of your dog and give him lots of love and attention! After all, he’s still the same dog, just with a little less fur now!
Allergies
Dogs get allergies just like humans. Like we have allergic reaction to certain things, dogs are also sensitive to many sources of the environment. The allergies are classified into two categories – Food and Environmental.
Allergy Caused Due To Environmental Factors
- Dairy
- Corn
- Chicken
- Wheat
- Soy
- Beef
Allergy Caused Due To Food
- Pollen
- Dust
- Fleas
- Mold
- Other insects
The main signs of these allergies are scratching, redness, and skin irritation. Whenever you observe your dog getting restless, you need to examine his body for any kind of allergic reaction. A visit to the vet is a must in case of allergic reactions as the vet can suggest the right treatment to the pet. For reaction caused due to atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic dermatitis in dogs, Apoquel is highly recommended treatment by vets. These tablets relieve the pet from severe itching and help eliminate the signs of allergy.
In the case of Flea Allergy Dermatitis, many flea and tick treatments are also effective. Frontline Plus for Dogs not only protects your dog from fleas and ticks but also helps in the treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis.
Pressure Sores
Pressure sores are basically bedsores, a condition of hair loss, which occurs when the dog’s elbows and other body parts make contact with the floor or bed for a stretch of time. This results in hair loss in that particular area of your dog’s body and generally, such conditions are seen in agile dogs. Although you may observe hair loss due to pressure sores, it’s not an issue to be concerned about as it isn’t harmful to your pet’s health.
Crushing’s Disease
Crushing’s disease (medical term hyperadrenocorticism), is caused due to overproduction of the hormone called cortisol in dogs. The main signs of Crushing’s disease in dogs are hair loss along with excessive urination, increase in thirst, and lameness. Upon observing any of these symptoms, consulting the vet becomes crucial. This disease can be cured by long term treatments suggested by the vet. No pet parent wants their pet to lose that sleek and shiny hair, so it’s vital to keep a regular check on the dog’s health to prevent any health condition. One of the most recommended products for improving skin and coat is Essential 6. This solution contains the right amount of fatty acids and minerals to support hair growth and enhances the natural radiance of the dog’s coat. So, buy these pet supplies to give your furry pal a refreshing look!
