A dog loses hair through normal shedding, stress, infections or disease. Dog hair loss is often a major symptom of life distress or chronic disease. Dog hair is important to dog health because it protects the dog from temperature extremes and cushions the skin against abrasions and physical damage. Hair loss from seasonal shedding is normal. Other causes of hair loss may require veterinarian diagnosis and treatment.
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Allergies
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Allergic reactions are a major cause of patchy hair loss. The dog may be allergic to airborne pollen, food ingredients or environmental exposure to allergens. Licking of paws, inflamed hot spots or small bumps are typical symptoms of allergy. Once the irritant is identified, the dog exposure can often be restricted. Allergy symptoms may be eased with shampoos, fatty oil supplements, steroids or antihistamines.
Folliculitis
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Damage to hair follicles causes hair loss. Allergies, hormonal problems or bacterial infections cause belly hair loss, scaling or skin lesions. A veterinarian can take a skin sample and inspect it for staph bacteria or other infections. Usually antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection. The hair regrows when the follicles heal. The cause of the follicle damage should be identified to prevent a recurring problem.
Endocrine Problems
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Endocrine glands control normal function and development. The glands produce hormones critical to dog health. Some endocrine diseases and problems cause serious hair loss. Examples are hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. The dog may look like it has bad haircut. Hair is slow to grow back and is brittle or dry. Prescription medication that controls the hormone level helps the hair.
Parasites
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Many parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice cause hair loss. These parasites hide in dog hair next to the skin and feed off dog blood or skin. Inflammation from the parasites causes infections and bald patches. Mange is an example of hair-loss disease transmitted by parasites. Parasites are killed with a variety of shampoos, topical or oral medications. Control is critical as parasites often infect dogs with life-threatening diseases.
Ringworm
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Ringworm causes hair loss, skin scales and crusty sores. The hair loss is usually in a ring pattern and may itch. Various types of fungus cause ringworm, and it is usually spread by contact with an infected animal or items such as bedding or grooming gear shared with an infected animal. Ringworm can be detected by veterinarian analysis and treated with a topical antifungal ointment.
Stress
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When a dog has stress in its life such as illness, surgery or loss of an owner, the dog may blow its coat. Instead of normal shedding, the dog loses big clumps of hair. Handfuls may come out at a touch or in the dog bedding. When the stress eases and the dog regains a regular routine, the coat usually grows back with no additional treatment.
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