- Hair loss in dogs can be normal during shedding, but if it is excessive or localized, it could indicate an illness.
- The main causes include allergic dermatitis, fungal infections such as ringworm, bacterial infections, hormonal disorders and stress.
- It is essential to visit the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Does your dog lose hair in large quantities? Hair loss in dogs generally responds to a natural process known as shedding. Especially striking in long-haired dogs, it occurs at least once a year. However, if it is alarming, becomes chronic or affects specific areas, the ideal is to consult with the veterinarian since there are diseases that cause hair loss in dogs.
Hair loss in dogs can have different origins, so if your dog is losing hair and you are clear that it is not due to shedding, you should visit the vet. And the thing is that behind hair loss could be any of these six diseases related mainly to skin conditions and the presence of parasites that are accompanied by intense itching.
Allergic dermatitis
Pruritus, irritation, erythema, hyperpigmentation and self-induced and localized alopecia They are symptoms of allergic dermatitis. It generally appears as a reaction of the body to the presence of allergens, although it also occurs due to genetic causes.
Certain environmental allergies, such as pollen, mites or the fleas, can cause allergic reactions in dogs. These reactions initially manifest themselves with irritation and redness of the skin, which causes dogs to scratch, lick or bite in search of relief, with subsequent hair loss in certain areas, especially on the rump, the base of the leg. tail, thighs and inguinal region.
La flea bite allergic dermatitis in dogs (DAPP), is one of the most popular. Luckily there is a solution to this immune condition that occurs in response to antigens present in the salivary glands of fleas. Its treatment involves correct deworming and the prescription of some other drug if the lesions are considerable.
scabies It is another of the diseases that cause hair loss in dogs. Produced in this case by mites that settle on the animal's body produces itching, redness and localized hair loss. Demodectic scabies and sarcoptic scabies, the most contagious, are the most common among the different types.
Fungal infections: Dermatophytosis or ringworm
Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can also affect dogs' skin and coat. Produced by a fungus, ringworm causes circle shaped lesions, often scaly. Hence, it is common to see small patches of hair on our companions.
Ringworm is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted between animals and humans, so a visit to the veterinarian is essential to avoid further damage. The treatment involves administration of topical or systemic antifungals and disinfecting the environment to prevent spread.
Bacterial infections: Pyoderma
The skin infection caused by opportunistic bacteria that take advantage of an animal disease that weakens its immune system. Its symptoms are intense itching, hair loss, wounds from scratching and bad odor. In more severe cases, ulcers may even appear. Treatment consists of antibiotics and usually lasts one month.
Hormonal disorders
Hair loss can also be caused by a hormonal disorder. Canine hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism or Cushing's syndrome They may be some of the causes that cause it and it will be essential to discover it to start treatment.
Hypothyroidism It is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which can result in dry, flaky skin and hair loss in symmetrical areas of the body. For its part, hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive production of these hormones and can cause generalized hair loss in the dog.
Other hormonal disorder Cushing's syndrome, It occurs as a cause of the abnormal increase in cortisol in the body. It can be caused by various factors, including tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands.
Stress or anxiety
Dogs also suffer from stress and anxiety and these diseases are factors that make their hair fall out more easily. Moves, changes in routine or separation or absence of any of your family members They can trigger stress in dogs and cause widespread hair loss.