Natural Remedies for Dog Hair Loss

Hair loss, or "alopecia," in dogs involves a partial or total loss of hair in areas of the skin where it normally grows. A variety of factors including diseases or chronic health conditions, environmental causes, lack of nutrition and old age can trigger canine hair loss. It is important first to ascertain the root cause by talking with your vet in order to successfully address it. Hair loss in canines can signify a secondary ailment which may have a detrimental effect on the body's other organs. Additionally, treat your dog with natural remedies like goldenseal, flaxseed oil and tea tree oil to arrest the hair loss and provide relief from the pain and discomfort caused by dry and exposed skin. Always check with your veterinarian before using anything on your pet that has not been prescribed by the veterinarian.

  1. Goldenseal

    • Goldenseal is an anti-inflammatory herb that can be used to treat hair loss and soothe inflamed skin. According to the Lowchen Australia Web site, goldenseal is an antiseptic which works by preventing bacteria from getting attached to the body's cells. Prepare a weak solution of goldenseal tea, cool it and sprinkle over your dog's food or water or apply it on the body areas where your dog is experiencing hair loss. It does not matter if your dog licks away the solution; it is absorbed by the body. Since goldenseal is quite potent it should be used in moderation. Check with your veterinarian on the appropriate dosage for your dog based on its size, breed and age.

    Flaxseed Oil

    • Flaxseed oil is a good source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids which benefits your dog's skin, coat and overall health. Flaxseed oil, consequently, can work as an excellent remedy to treat hair loss in dogs. However, because dogs are unable to synthesize fatty acids in their bodies, flaxseed oil must be included in their diet. The Daily Puppy Web site recommends combining 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil with your dog's food to restore lost hair and prevent further hair loss. If dandruff is the cause of your dog's hair loss, flaxseed oil will work to moisturize its skin internally and cure the dandruff.

    Tea Tree Oil

    • A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and several similar studies mentioned on the Alt MD Web site have demonstrated the antifungal and antiseptic efficacy of topical application of tea tree oil in treating canine skin infections, including hair loss. Mange is another condition that affects dogs and causes hair loss. Dogs suffering from mange will display several other symptoms including intermittent scratching that causes scaly, red patches on the skin, accompanied by hair loss. Gently rubbing tea tree oil on the dog's mange-infested skin provides relief from the scaled and sore skin and halts and prevents further loss of hair.