Why Does My Dog's Hair Always Fall Off?

Hair loss in dogs can be reflective of a serious problem or indicative of a breed that sheds frequently. Determining which is the case can be important for your dog's health and your own peace of mind. By examining where the hair loss occurs and how frequently, you can decide what steps you need to take to alleviate hair loss and keep your dog in good shape.

  1. Concentrated Hair Loss

    • All dogs, like humans, lose hair to some degree, but some dogs may experience sudden, rapid hair loss in certain areas. Look for patchiness, red spots, irritated skin or infections, as these may be reflective of a problem that isn't related to shedding. Sometimes this hair loss may be caused by an injury, in which case a bandage or Elizabethan collar will prevent your dog from licking or scratching it to make it worse.

    Reasons for Loss

    • Reasons for hair loss include calluses, dermatitis, flea allergies, canine atopy, mange, hot spots, ringworm or Cushing's Disease. Each of these has its own set of symptoms, and many have easy remedies that you can do yourself. However, in the case of a more serious problem, you should consult a veterinarian who can offer a more specific diagnosis.

    Natural Shedding

    • The hair on dogs goes through a natural cycle, just like human hair. Follicles go through a growth phase (anagen), a resting phase (telogen), a regressive phase (catagen) and a shedding phase (exogen). In the course of this process, dogs will naturally lose hair follicles, which are replaced by newer and younger follicles. This helps dogs maintain a healthy coat, but it can result in a lot of discarded hair.

    Internal Factors

    • A dog's hair and skin are closely linked to its internal health, which is why nutrition, blood flow and organ function play a large role in hair loss. Take note of any changes in diet that might be linked to hair loss. Certain breeds might have particular diseases that are prevalent; look up your breed online to see if a corresponding disease might be the cause of hair loss.