Thinning Hair in Canines

Dog owners whose pooches' locks have taken on a noticeably thinner appearance would do well to educate themselves on canine hair loss. There are a wide variety of causes for thinning hair in canines, many of which are easily treatable by your vet. Familiarizing yourself with some of them will help you restore your dog's coat to its former glory.

  1. Canine Parasites

    • Parasites are among the most common causes of thinning hair in canines. These parasites include lice, ticks, mites and fleas. Additionally, parasite bites coupled with excessive itching often lead to skin infections, which only serve to increase hair loss and thinning. So, if your dog appears to be losing hair and is constantly scratching himself, head to your local vet or animal dermatologist.

    Hypothyroidism

    • A common cause of thinning hair and hair loss in humans, hypothyroidism is another possible reason for your dog's thinning locks. This condition, which is particularly prevalent in older dogs, represents a thyroid hormone deficiency and is synonymous with hair loss, weight gain, skin infections and depression. In addition, dogs stricken with hypothyroidism may be very high strung or irritable.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Your dog's thinning hair may be caused by something as simple as an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to a particular ingredient in her food is usually to blame. If you notice thinning hair in your dog, stop and consider whether or not she was recently introduced to a new flavor or brand of dog food.

    Seasonal Hair Loss

    • In some cases, your dog's thinning hair may not be cause for concern. Certain breeds, poodles chief among them, shed excessively throughout the spring. The hair loss then ends early in the summer. In the interim, it is not uncommon for the dog's hair to take on a much thinner appearance.