Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Losing Hair
Alopecia is known as hair loss for dogs. Hair loss can occur in a single spot or patches all over a dog’s body. Many things can cause a dog to lose. This article will detail some of the common reasons why this occurs.
- Bacterial and Fungal Infections – Did you know that bacteria and yeast are normal inhabitants of canine skin? Unfortunately, they can grow out of control and create an infection. In addition, dogs can contract ringworm, a fungus that causes hair loss.
- Seasonal Shedding – It is common for hair loss to be a part of normal shedding. Many dogs shed year-round. Some breeds, like Labradors and Huskies, grow thick winter undercoats that they shed in the spring.
- Allergies – Dogs can develop allergies like humans. Some of the most common signs are itchy skin and hair loss.
- Mites and Parasites – Mange is a term for itchy skin infections caused by mites. The mites cause hair loss and itching by burrowing and chewing on the skin. Additionally, fleas are a prevalent reason for hair loss in dogs. Fleas can make dogs itchy to scratch their hair off in certain places.
- Underlying Medical Conditions – If a dog is losing hair all over their body, it may have an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Surprisingly, the skin is the largest organ in the body, requiring nutrients to stay healthy.
If you believe your dog is shedding more than usual, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Depending on your dog’s health needs, they will prescribe a hair loss treatment. We recommend you keep up with regular grooming and brushing to spot the earliest signs of a problem.
