The majority of dogs shed naturally. Seasonal shedding normally happens twice a year. Once when the dog’s hair falls out to allow a thicker Winter coat to grow through, and again when that coat falls out as the weather becomes warmer. Breeds that originated in cold climates shed more hair than those originating from regions with more temperate climates. Extreme or unexplained shedding should be a cause for concern.
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Stress
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Prolonged periods of anxiety or stress can cause a dog to shed. Long periods of stress take their toll on a dog’s immune system, and a weakened immune system can cause excessive shedding. Dogs may even chew out their own fur if they are particularly agitated.
Poor Diet
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These dogs have nice glossy coats, which is a sign of a healthy diet. A diet lacking in fat and fatty acids will reflect in the condition of a dog’s coat. A serious lack of the necessary fats can cause a dog to shed. Feeding your dog flax seed as a dietary supplement is a good way of increasing the fatty acids essential for good skin and coat condition.
Change of Climate
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Fur growth is influenced by temperature. Seasonal shedding is a response to weather becoming cooler or warmer, but if the ambient temperature in the home changes drastically, it can cause extreme shedding.
Infection
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Bacterial infections of the skin, such as those occurring in an open wound, often lead to drastic, temporary shedding. It is essential to keep wounds clean, using antibiotics if necessary, to ensure they do not become infected.
Disease
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Inherited conditions, such as alopecia, result in dramatic fur loss. Alopecia is a condition causing varying degrees of baldness, from small temporary bald patches to chronic and complete hair loss. This and similar conditions are linked to abnormally low levels of growth hormone. Dermatitis is another cause of fur loss, especially if left untreated. Skin cancer can sometimes cause fur loss as well.
Environmental Irritants
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If your dog comes in contact with harmful substances, such as pesticides, his skin can become inflamed, red and very sore. If this condition is left untreated, your dog’s fur may begin to fall out.
Allergies
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Allergic reactions, such as those caused by dust, pollen, environmental irritants and certain foods can cause skin irritation. If the skin irritation persists for a prolonged period, excessive shedding is likely to result.
Parasites
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Parasitic infections and infestations such as mange, fleas and ringworm can cause extreme fur loss. The loss is due to irritation and discomfort, which causes a dog to scratch at the skin. Mange is typically localized around the ears, elbows, knees and face, while flea- and ringworm-related fur loss can occur anywhere on the body.
Burns
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A burn to the surface of the skin will most likely cause localized fur loss due to damaged follicles. Burns sustained through contact with a hot surface, such as a radiator, may not be easily visible until your dog's fur begins to fall out.
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