If you've noticed spots of hair loss and bumps on your dog's head, you are probably a bit concerned. This is obviously not normal and is likely caused by a skin issue of some sort. There are a variety of different causes for this type of skin condition that can be treated with the help of a veterinarian.
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Symptoms
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A dog that is experiencing hair loss on its head may show several symptoms related to the hair loss. The hair may appear thin, or the dog may have a large patch of missing fur, said Dr. Holly Nash of Pet Education.com. The hair loss could also present itself as small patches of baldness. The skin underneath may be red and irritated or thick and crusty. Bumps on a dog's skin can appear as red, raised spots that can either be small or large, depending on the cause. The bumps can sometimes cause a dog to scratch itself excessively and can contain fluid.
Causes
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Allergies are often a common cause for bumps and hair loss on a dog's head. Dogs will sometimes develop patches of bumps accompanied by hair loss when they have allergies. In addition, bacterial infections, such as pyoderma or folliculitis, can also cause these types of symptoms. Nash also states that demodectic mange can cause pustules and hair loss on a dog.
Diagnosis
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Your dog's veterinarian likely will perform a thorough examination on the dog and perform a few tests in order to diagnose what is causing the bumps and hair loss on the dog's head. Skin scrapings are typically used to test for allergies and mange. Cultures and biopsies also may be required to definitively diagnose the reason for the skin issues.
Treatment
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If the bumps and hair loss on your dog's skin are caused by allergies, a veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines and fatty acid supplements to alleviate the symptoms. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics for long periods of times. If the symptoms do not resolve, an underlying issues, such as an allergy or hormonal imbalance, may be to blame. Demodectic mange is typically resolved with dips that contain insecticide, such as amitraz.
Prevention
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Depending upon the cause of the bumps and hair loss, the symptoms may be preventable. If allergies are the reason, keeping your dog on antihistamines long-term may prevent them from coming back. In addition, if the dog has a flea allergy that was the cause for the symptoms, it should receive year-round flea preventative. Demodectic mange is highly contagious, and keeping your dog away from animals that may have the condition can prevent your dog from contracting the condition.
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