Why Is My Pet Losing Hair?

Pets of all kinds can lose fur and feathers. They can be susceptible to something in their environments or something within their own bodies. Many conditions can be cured with treatment. Some disorders, such as alopecia, can show up and disappear with no foreseeable reason at all.

  1. Allergies

    • According to uvma.org, the most common cause of itching in dogs is an allergy to something in their environment or something in their own body, such as pollen, food, contact with irritants or flea bites. According to PetEducation.com, cats can also be susceptible to similar conditions if there are allergens in their environments.

    Sarcoptic Mange Mites

    • In dogs and cats, sarcoptic mange mites burrow into the skin, causing severe allergic reactions and itching. Continuous scratching causes massive hair loss and thickening of the skin. A foul odor sometimes accompanies the itching and other symptoms.

    Demodectic Mange Mites

    • The follicle mite, the demodex mite, causes the itching. It is present in dogs and cats. It is attributed to stress or illness that causes the animal to be susceptible to outbreak. Bacterial infections may be caused by open wounds in both sarcoptic and demodectic mange.

    Alopecia Areata

    • Alopecia areata can also strike dogs and cats. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, meaning it is a disorder in which the body is attacked by its own immune system. During this illness, pets lose hair in patches, especially on the head and neck. Dogs and cats usually recover from this disorder spontaneously.

    Feather Loss

    • Pet birds can also experience feather loss because of sickness or intentional feather plucking. Feather plucking is seen as a behavioral disorder which can be treated. Other causes of feather loss can be beak and feather disease, bacteria, parasites and internal diseases. A history examination and physical checkup done by a vet can help diagnose the bird's problem and aid in proceeding with treatment.