Why is my dog losing hair common cause . Seeing your once shaggy pet getting patch and start worrying yourself over that? That is not a serious concern, it’s normal to worry when you see your dog losing fur, however the hair fall of a dog can come about to worry but can also be the opposite. Let us discuss on several common issues as to what lies at the bottom.
1.It could be the beginning of the shed.
Before getting concerned, think of the obvious; dogs are shedder’s, just think of Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers-they shed their undercoat twice yearly, generally in spring and fall. This can be a very impressive sight but it really is just that. If this shedding is across and even spread of the body, and your dog’s skin looks healthy underlying-this is likely all there is.
2.Fleas, Ticks & Mites:
Why is my dog losing hair common cause .Most commonly a vet will advise that the parasite group is one of the biggest reasons for hair loss. Fleas irritate dogs which results in intensive scratching and chewing. This abrasion of the coat leaves the skin exposed and fur can be worn away, especially in the tail area and rear legs.
Scabies caused by mites often results in bald spots that develop red or scabby skin, sometimes starting on the face, ears, and legs.
If your dog seems to be scratching excessively, you may find it useful to consider a vet visit with a skin scrape, or flea and mite treatment.
3.Allergies
Why is my dog losing hair common cause . Just like humans have got allergies dogs also get allergies; generally skin conditions are the common in dog. There are number of causes that leads to such allergies from diet, weather and even from different types of shampoos result in itching and redness leading to hair loss. This hair loss accompanied with compulsive licking or chewing of particular part can lead to conclusion about dog’s allergies.
4.Hormonal Imbalances
Why is my dog losing hair common cause . Another hormone imbalance that can cause hairloss is hypothyroidism or Cushings Disease. This tends to cause hair loss on the back and side areas, symmetrically with less itching. The hair loss tends to appear on the back with also thinning hair appearing on the sides.
This is likely to be more evident in older dogs.
A blood test at the vet would establish this easily.
5 . Stress and Anxiety
Why is my dog losing hair common cause . Looks easy enough.. Stress can affect hair loss in dogs, a new pet, separation anxiety can cause extreme grooming or even self-induced bald patches.. Have there been changes in the house and has hair loss correlated with those, worth looking in to.
6.Poor nutrition
Why is my dog losing hair common cause . As with so many conditions hair loss can also be attributed to the lack of correct nutrition. Lack of essential fatty acids, protein or vitamins can cause dull and brittle coat which has an increased rate of shedding. It is rare that this is observed in quality dog food but can affect dogs on improperly balanced home diets. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/hair-loss-alopecia-in-dogs
7.Infections
Why is my dog losing hair common cause . Bacterial or fungal infections can also be causes of hairloss. One is ringworm. The name gives it away-it is not caused by a worm but fungus, and can appear in circular patches of hairloss with scaly and crusty skin-so worth getting checked rather than left.
When to actually worry
Individual strands scattered more around are totally fine and nothing to lose sleep over
- Rapid, sudden hair loss
- Sudden hair loss which is accompanied by other symptoms such as appetite and/or weight change
