What Can Cause Dogs to Lose Hair?

The texture of the fur and the thickness of the coat can tell you a lot about your dog's health. Under normal circumstances, most dogs shed their hair seasonally or annually. Some breeds may shed hair throughout the year. This type of hair loss is normal and does not warrant any cause for concern. At times, however, hair loss in dogs may be a symptom of an acute disease. In short, hair loss is an indication of medical and allergic disorders.

  1. Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis

    • Exposure of skin to antibiotics, metals such as nickel, rubber, wool, plastic and chemicals, like those present in dyes and carpet deodorizers, can cause allergic reactions. Red skin or small blisters appear on the skin and often result in inflammation, itching and hair loss. For your dog's health and comfort, you need to identify and restrict exposure to the allergen. Steroids and antihistamines can alleviate itching and discomfort, and facilitate healing.

    Atopy

    • When dogs inhale pollen, house dust mites or molds, it can result in atopy, also known as allergic inhalant dermatitis. Inflamed ears, constant itching, licking of feet and development of hot spots are common symptoms of atopy. Your dog needs to be kept away from allergens. Immunotherapy, steroids, fatty acid supplements, biotin and antihistamines can minimize the allergic reaction.

    Callus

    • Callus is seen mainly in big breeds, and occurs due to chronic pressure. Thickened, hairless and raised areas on pressure points are known as calluses. At times, these areas can get secondary infections, which may require antibiotics. Give the dog soft bedding and pad the affected area to eliminate calluses.

    Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease occurs due to a rise in corticosteroids in the body. The increase in corticosteroids can occur when the body produces higher amounts of the steroids due to the presence of a tumor or due to high dosage or prolonged treatment with corticosteroids. Symptoms of Cushing's disease include weight gain, hair loss, thinning of skin, hyperpigmentation, easy bruising of the skin, seborrhea, black heads, fatigue, potbelly, increased thirst and urination. If a glandular tumor is present, the doctor can surgically remove it to reduce the natural elevation in corticosteroids. If the dog has been receiving corticosteroids, the vet can gradually reduce the dosage until the medication is stopped completely.

    Demodectic Mange

    • This skin problem occurs due to infestation of Demodex mites and results in hair loss, scaliness and redness of the skin, pustules, ulcers, itchiness and darkening of the skin. Medicated dips and baths are effective in getting rid of the mites. Generally, dogs with weak immune systems are more prone to Demodex mite infestation.

    Flea Allergy Dermatitis

    • Flea allergy dermatitis is caused when there is a severe reaction to the saliva of fleas. It causes intense itching, redness, hair loss papules, crusts and scales. At times, flea allergy dermatitis can give rise to hot spots. The itching is controlled with the help of steroids and antihistamines, while the fleas are eliminated during flea baths and dips. In addition, the house and the dog's bedding should be thoroughly cleaned to get rid of fleas. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the house and wash the bedding in warm water and antiseptic.

    Folliculitis

    • Staph bacterium results in folliculitis, which is an infection of hair follicles. Boils form in follicles and burst to form lesions with crusty centers, and have red or dark borders; the lesions turn into scaly and itchy rings. Often short-coated breeds suffer from hair loss, while longhaired breeds get seborrhea and have hair loss. Folliculitis tends to appear on skin with less hair, such as the abdomen. Treatment involves giving the dog antibiotics for around four weeks. If the problem is a recurring one, the dog may have an allergy or hormonal imbalance.

    Food Allergies

    • Many dogs are allergic to something in their diet. Food allergies cause hair loss, inflamed ears, excessive licking of feet and itchy and red skin. The only recourse is eliminating the food that causes the allergic reaction from the dog's diet.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hair loss in dogs can also occur due to hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. At times, the thyroid gland may be completely dysfunctional. Hypothyroidism results in hair loss, dry and brittle hair, seborrhea, lethargy, secondary bacterial infections, obesity, changes in the skin pigmentation and slow metabolism. The treatment involves lifelong supplementation of thyroid medication.

    Fungal Infection

    • Ringworm is the most common fungal infection that causes loss of hair, scaliness of the skin, pustules, encrustation and itching. Antifungal medication is the only treatment. Once the fungal infection abates, the hair regrows.