Your puppy may have looked cute when he was a little fluffy ball, but sudden hair loss isn't so cute. For some dogs, hair loss is natural; it can be a seasonal shedding to keep them cool in the summer. Other times hair loss can be the result of a poor diet, weakened immune system or an allergic reaction to fleas.
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Seasonal Shedding
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For certain breeds of double-coated dogs, such as the husky or akita, seasonal hair loss is normal. As summer approaches, these dogs will shed their inner coat to keep them cooler. While it may look as if they have developed a patchy skin disease, seasonal hair loss is not indicative of poor health. Regular brushing can help to speed the shedding along.
Allergic Reactions
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If your pet's hair starts to fall out suddenly and for no apparent reason, it could be an allergic reaction to something in their environment. A pet may develop an allergic reaction to anything from flea bites to the food they eat. When this happens, a dog's skin can become irritated or itchy. The dog will scratch and bite at the itch until the hair falls out. They may also develop a secondary infection from scratching and biting at the affected areas. You should consult a vet if you suspect that your dog is having an allergic reaction. A change in diet or preventative flea control may help to resolve certain allergic reactions.
Sarcoptic Mange or Ringworm
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If your dog's hair falls out in clumps and the skin underneath appears irritated, your pet may be infected with a parasite or fungus that leads to conditions like mange or ringworm. A vet can test skin scrapings from your pet to determine if this is the case. Such topical parasites can be treated with medicated shampoos, medicated dip treatments, or an internal parasite medication such as ivermectin. Always consult your vet before medicating your pet; some dogs should not be given ivermectrin in large doses.
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