There are several reasons a dog loses hair, some of which are hard for owners to determine. Animal clinics commonly treat this problem. Vets use microscopic skin scrapings from a dog to discover the root cause and treat the condition. Rather than try to treat it yourself, it's best to give your dog professional medical attention and stop the problem before it grows worse.
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Fleas and Mosquito Bites
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Some dogs lose hair from excessive scratching due to fleas or mosquitoes. When bitten, they scratch them to the extreme, and patches of hair fall off. Examine your dog's tail base and stomach, checking for fleas, and ask your veterinarian for the best method for controlling fleas. For outdoor pets, use an insect repellent to reduce mosquito bites.
Treating Mange
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The two types of mange are demodectic mange and sarcopic (scabies) mange. A genetic disorder usually found in younger dogs, demodectic mange is caused by a parasite living in the hair and skin oil glands. It doesn't cause itching, although secondary bacterial infection can result. Demodectic mange is treated with dips of Mitaban (amitraz) or ivermectin. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasite burrowing through layers of a dog's skin. This causes extreme itching and is contagious to both dogs and humans. Treatment is done orally, or by an injection of ivenmectin.
Treating Ringworm
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Ringworm is a fungal infection that doesn't cause itching. Transmitted by contact, ringworm causes hair breakage because of the fungus attacking hair shafts. Although it can disappear, a dog can remain a carrier of ringworm. Ringworm is treated with itraconazole, fluconzole, itraconazole, griziofulvin and topical iodine preparations.
Treatment for Food Allergies
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Sometimes, dogs lose hair because of food allergies. Dogs with a dermatitis itch due to food allergies have cells releasing antihistamines when certain proteins are consumed. Because food allergies are hard to isolate, all other options for treatment must first be assessed. A dog must be placed on a trial diet for 2 to 3 months.
Nerves, Stress and Boredom
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Terrier breeds often suffer hair loss because they're nervous, stressed or bored. The condition worsens with dogs that are left alone for long periods, as well as obese, older or lame dogs. This type of dermatitis is difficult to cure. Treatment may involve using topical bitter mists to relieve boredom, as well as anti-obsessive compulsive behavior drugs such as cholomipramine.
Canine Atopic Dermatitis
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Canine atopic dermatis is a inherited condition in which dogs develop symptoms to allergens such as dust and mites. Whereas the respiratory system is involved when humans have a common allergic reaction, with dogs, it's the skin that's involved. However, treating with antihistamines isn't effective. To treat, use soothing creams or shampoos, as bathing agents reduce yeast and bacteria.
Sesonal Hair Loss
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Some dogs, such as boxers, experience hair loss (dog alopecia) simply because it's common to their breed. Usually, the hair grows back without any treatment. However, medical attention is needed if the condition is so severe you can see the dog's skin.
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