Why Does My Jack Russell Terrier's Hair Keep Falling Out?

Jack Russell terriers are known for their intelligence and their high energy levels. Being short-haired dogs, some people assume that they are not going to have problems with hair loss. However, as many terriers, Jack Russell terriers tend to shed a great deal, and while some of that shedding is the cause of ordinary canine metabolism, there are sometimes other reasons for the hair loss.

  1. Causes

    • There are any number of reasons that your Jack Russell terrier might be losing his hair. It can be caused by poor nutrition, or it might have something to do with a medical condition. In some cases, it can even be triggered by a change in the environment. It can take a little bit of detective work to figure out what the reason for the hair loss might be.

    Nutrition

    • Jack Russell terriers are high-energy dogs with a high metabolism. They need a lot of quality protein, and when they don't get it, they tend to accelerate their shedding, as well as increasing their itching and scratching. According to The Pet Center, many skin and coat issues can be alleviated by switching to a high quality, meat-based dog food.

    Medical

    • Any number of medical conditions might lead to an excessive hair loss in your Jack Russell terrier. It can be a ringworm fungal infection or an outbreak of demodectic mange. In some cases, a thyroid imbalance can lead to having clumps of hair fall off of your Jack Russell. If you suspect that there might be a medical reason behind the hair loss, take your dog to your veterinarian, so tests can determine the cause of the excessive shedding.

    Stress

    • Jack Russell terriers are extremely intelligent dogs, and that means that they can sometimes suffer from stressful conditions, such as separation anxiety. When the dog gets stressed out, he will sometimes lick at himself until his skin is raw. This is known as acral lick dermatitis, and this particular condition can sometimes lead to hair loss in your Jack Russell terrier.

    Treatment

    • Depending upon what is causing the hair loss, any number of treatment avenues are available. You can put your Jack Russell terrier on a high-quality dog food in the event that it is a nutritional deficiency causing the condition. If your veterinarian determines that there is a medical reason, you will probably be given medication to give to your dog. Should stress be causing it, there are methods that you can employ to relieve the stress. Consult with your veterinarian prior to providing any treatment on your own.