Have you ever wondered why do dogs lose hair? Dogs lose their hair because of many different causes but what are these causes? how do you treat them? And how do you prevent them?
Continue reading to understand the answer to these questions.
Table of Contents
What is hair loss?
Alopecia refers to hair loss that is partial or complete. It also refers to deficiencies in your dog’s coat and failure for the coat to grow.
The condition is another symptom of an underlying problem.
Symptoms of hair loss
- Patches of baldness
- Hair loss around the eyes and mouth
- Crusting and inflammation of the skin
- Hair loss that appears same pattern on both sides of the body
- Scaly skin
- Itchiness and wounds caused by scratching
- Grey and dark areas of skin
- Bleeding around the areas of hair loss
If any of these signs appear, you may want to check on your dog through looking at the vet.
Causes on why do dogs lose hair
Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is a condition caused by an overactive adrenal gland that causes too many steroids and hormones pumped into the bloodstream.
This condition will cause hair loss due to the change of hormones and steroids that happen in the bloodstream.
Infection from ringworm or bacteria
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that causes circular patches of hair loss along with crusting, wounds, and inflammation of your dog’s skin.
The wounds usually clear up on their own; however, it is best to search for treatment using antifungal shampoo and medications. If you don’t use antifungal shampoo and medications, it may lead to secondary infections.
Bacteria infections are another cause of hair loss in dogs. These infections are best treated with antibiotics.
Allergies
Another cause of dog hair loss is flea bites. This is the most common type of allergy that causes hair loss in dogs.
This allergic reaction often leads dogs to chewing and scratching of their skin. As a result, this damages their coat.
Genetic predisposition
Some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing bald spots. Many dog parents need not to worry because this condition is harmless; it doesn’t cause your dog any harmful effects.
It causes your dog to have bald spots but doesn’t cause any serious problems. Some of the breeds that have this problem are Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Whippets, and Dachshunds.
Pressure sores
Another reason are pressure sores. Pressure sores form near the elbows or places where your dog puts pressure on. Your dog usually lies on the ground and pressure on these hard surfaces.
As a result, your dog will have calluses that may crack or bleed in the long run. Also, their coat will have bald patches.
Mange
Mange is caused by dog mites which feed. Mange is a skin condition in which causes your dog to itch and scratch making them lose their hair.
It is one of the main reason why do dogs lose hair.
Skin condition
A skin condition that your dog has such as dandruff or eczema will cause your dog to scratch and lick their bodies. This will lead your dog to losing their hair.
Nutrition deficiencies
Another reason for why do dogs lose hair is nutrition. Nutrition will support your dog’s coat development. It will do so by providing the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy.
Without these nutrition, your dog will have a deficiency that will cause your dog to have a slow hair growth and their hair may become brittle which will eventually lead your dog’s hair to fall down.
Other causes of dog hair loss
- Diabetes
- Skin cancer
- Hormonal imbalance
- Behaviors such as nervous chewing and licking
Home remedies for your dog hair loss
Apple cider vinegar
It is an antibacterial and antifungal in its properties which makes treating bacteria and other infections easy. It is a good remedy to use on your dog when they are losing their hair.
To use the apple cider vinegar, dilute equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water so they are properly mixed. Then, apply it on the affected area.
This happens by dipping a cotton ball into the mixture and then applying it on your dog. Let it dry slowly.
Another way is that you can boost your dog’s immune system by putting two drops of apple cider vinegar in their food.
You could also give your dog a bath using apple cider vinegar that isn’t mixed with water. Then, rinse your dog with water. You got to be careful to not let your apple cider vinegar into your dog’s eyes and mouth.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a good remedy to apply on your dog’s coat and skin. It will make your dog’s skin and coat stay moisturized and soothe any itching that causes skin irritation.
It will also kill out mites if they are the ones responsible for dog hair loss. To apply olive oil, gently massage your dog’s skin using two tablespoons of olive oil into their skin and coat.
You will need more if you have a larger dog.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has antibacterial functions that help your dog’s hair loss problem. To apply the mixture, put a slice of lemon with warm water for five hours.
You can then apply the lemon juice on your dog as an on the spot treatment or use it as a rinse.
Prevention of dog hair loss
Eliminate allergies from your dog’s diet
Allergies can cause lots of problems to your dog including hair loss. It can also cause irritation and inflammation which will lead to hair problems to your dog.
The best solution is to remove the allergens. Some dogs are allergic to mold so you have to keep your house and dog’s place clean.
Most importantly, you have to give your dog healthy food that is free from allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn.
Brush your dog’s hair
Brush your dog’s hair so that you can distribute the natural oils and keep their skin healthy and moisturized.
You got to do this tip regularly so you can see results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, why do dogs lose hair happens because of different causes. There are methods and ways to treat your dog from hair loss.
To know more about other reasons why your dog is losing hair, check Why is My Dog Losing Hair: Top 6 Causes and Treatment.
Share your experience with us. Does your dog lose their hair and how do you treat it?