Reasons for Hair Loss in Dogs

Dogs are not only pets, but they are considered as friends of the family. That is why, when a pet dog starts losing its hair, it is difficult for you, as a pet owner, to witness your pet suffer. It is is no wonder that you and the rest of the family starts digging into the reasons for hair loss in your dog. In your search, you may come across many conditions and diseases, which alone, or in combination with the other conditions, may be hair loss in dogs causes. The following is a brief note on reasons for hair loss in dogs.

Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs

The list of dog health problems or the conditions which cause hair loss in dogs is extensive. It rules out the quick diagnosis of the reason or the conspiring reasons for hair loss in dogs. The following are the most commonly found causes and the hair loss in dogs treatment given in each case.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis
One of the reasons for hair loss in dogs is allergic contact dermatitis. It may happen that your dog is allergic to substances or molecules that, because of some reason, were introduced in your pet's environment. It is natural for its immune system to take countermeasures, in response to the intrusion of these substances. However, your pet's reaction may prove to be a hypersensitivity reaction, which can be explained as an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergy causing substance. This may precipitate in your dog losing hair. This rare disease may be brought upon your pet by allergens or substances, such as certain antibiotics, metals such as nickel, wool, dye or a deodorizer getting accidentally mixed in the dog food.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis may happen to any dog, because the substance which comes in contact with the dog or any other pet, is noxious in nature. It is not that only your pet is allergic to it. Substances such as sap in poison ivy may act as an irritant. However, your dog doesn't start losing hair immediately after the its skin comes in contact with the irritant. It requires many physical contacts with the substance. Irritant contact dermatitis can be seen mostly in young dogs, which are as curious as cats and love exploring their environment to find new things. More on: dog allergies

Callus
The most common reasons for hair loss in dogs, especially, in large and short haired dogs, is callus formation on elbows. Calluses may replace the hairs on the dog's elbows, if the dog is sleeping on a hard surface. In this case, treatment can be given by provided soft bedding for the dog. The dog should be taken to the vet, so that calluses can be examined for infection and treated, before it worsens or develops into something complex.

Cushing's Disease or Hyperadrenocorticism
Cushing's disease, also referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, is one of the reasons for hair loss in dogs. This condition is related to chronic overproduction of the glucocorticoid hormone by the adrenal glands. There is 50% chances of your dog losing its hair, as a symptom of this disease. This condition is observed in the middle age and older dogs and can start in the areas of wear. It may cause your dog to lose body hair, except in body parts, like the extremities and head, in its worst form. More on: canine cushings disease.

Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange in dogs is a skin disease, which is also referred to, as red mange or puppy mange. It is caused by mites and generally, young and older dogs, are the victims. Mites of various types, live inside of the hair follicles of adult dogs as well as humans, hence this condition is also called as follicular mange. The infiltration of the skin by this parasite may develop in young dogs having underdeveloped immune system. It may also affect older dogs having suppressed immune system. Treatment can be achieved with ointment containing 1% rotenone or by the daily application of gel containing 5% benzoyl peroxide. Regular use of shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide and a proper diet, along with fatty acid supplementation may help your dog. More on: demodectic mange in dogs.

Folliculitis
Bacterial infection of the hair follicles, which are skin pores, may result in hair loss in dogs, especially in the areas of abdomen. A vet may want to take a sample or scraping of the dog's skin to be examined under the microscope. Depending on the findings of the test, the vet may decide on the treatment, which may be in the form of an antibiotics for 28 to 38 days.

Lice
One of the common reasons for hair loss in dogs, is lice infestation of various types. When the infested dog tries to relieve the irritation caused by the lice, it dislodges the hairs on its skin. Dog lice can be eliminated by applying pyrethrin shampoo. You can start the treatment by using pyrethrin spray or powder on the dry skin of dog for 10-14 days. Alternatively, you can use fipronil, to get rid of the lice. More on: dog fleas.

Pattern Alopecia
Your dog may exhibit one of the three types of pattern alopecia. The dogs of dachshund breed may lose their hair due to pinnal alopecia, in the areas of ears. American water spaniels and Portuguese chihuahuas breeds, on the other hand, may lose the hairs in the areas of neck, thighs and tail. The third pattern of hair loss can be observed in the areas of the abdomen and the back of dachshund, chihuahua, whippet, and greyhound breeds.

Worms
One of the causes of hair loss is dog worms or intestinal parasites, such as hookworms or tapeworms. Worms are found, especially, in young dogs. This infestation can lead to dermatitis, i.e. infection of the skin and loss of hair in dogs. To cure your dog's infection and stop hair loss, you will have to treat the puppy and its mother. The larvae of these worms can pass on from an infected mother to the young pup. A vet may decide on the best treatment for your dog, after examination of the stools of your dog. More on: intestinal parasites in dogs.

The above list of reasons for hair loss in dogs is far from complete and does not include all dog illnesses that cause it. However, it is enough to make us understand the problem faced in arriving at a reason as the possible cause of the hair loss in dogs. If you observe hair loss in dogs, especially in your pet, it is better to consult a vet to solve the problem. Sometimes, it is good to know how to treat a sick dog and when to call a vet. It will be the best dog care, you can offer to your best friend in need!