Hair loss is one of the most common health conditions facing dog owners. Shedding is a fact of life for dogs, but when it goes beyond seasonal hair loss, further investigation is necessary. Hair loss, or alopecia, is common in many dog breeds. It can be caused by a number of internal and environmental factors, so discovering the source is vital to successful treatment.
Instructions
Clean your pet's bedding and sleeping area thoroughly. Hair loss is often caused by an irritation in a dog's environment. Wash the bedding in hot water and hang it to dry, avoiding as many chemicals as possible. Avoid using carpet-cleaning solutions, air fresheners or perfumes in the dog's sleeping area and see if this helps reduce the hair loss.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine if the hair loss is the result of a medical condition. Your vet will examine the coat, take a skin scraping to check for skin irritation, and draw a blood sample to check for proper hormone levels and thyroid functions. If the test results determine the alopecia is the result of a medical issue, your vet will prescribe a course of treatment. If the test results determine everything is normal, your vet will discuss the possibility of a food or environmental allergy.
Administer any medications as directed by your vet. Hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances and thyroid problems can be controlled with proper medication. If the hair loss is caused by a skin irritation, apply any topical medications as indicated to alleviate itching, swelling and scabbing. Wear rubber gloves if necessary to prevent contracting any contagious skin conditions, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet.
Treat your dog for fleas on a regular schedule. Many dogs are allergic to flea bites and will lose excessive amounts of hair if infested, so treat flea issues promptly. Bathe your dog in a flea shampoo and apply a topical flea treatment as recommended by your vet to keep fleas at bay.
Place your dog on a healthy diet to prevent hair loss caused by substandard dog food. A number of low-cost dog foods are full of grains and fillers to which many dogs are allergic. Read the labels on your dog food and make sure that meat or meat products are among the top ingredients, as this will indicate a lower amount of grains. While a higher-quality food may be more expensive, it will benefit your dog's overall health.
Play with your dog throughout the day and make sure it is well-stimulated. Boredom can be stressful for your dog, and too much stress can cause excessive hair loss. Take your dog for plenty of walks, allow it time to run, and interact with it frequently to prevent boredom and to keep it happy and healthy.