Canine hair loss can be a frightening condition for loving pet owners to deal with, but it’s actually a common problem that, in most cases, can be easily treated with medications. When dogs start losing hair, however, it’s important to identify the underlying cause so that the right treatment can be administered.
Canine Hair Loss Causes
These conditions are the most common causes of canine hair loss (also known as canine alopecia):
Flea and tick infestation
Mange (a parasitic infestation caused by mange mites)
Bacterial infection (caused by ringworm and other fungal infestations)
Cushing’s Disease (caused by excessive levels of cortisol)
Pressure sores on elbows, hips and other bony areas (caused when dogs repeatedly lie on a hard surface)
Other common causes of canine hair loss include:
Allergies
Vitamin deficiency
Scleroderma, eczema and other skin diseases
Low thyroid levels
Estrogen/testosterone imbalances
Canine hair loss can also be caused by serious conditions, including:
Autoimmune disease such as Systemic Lupus
Skin tumors
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Diabetes
Addison’s Disease and other adrenal gland disorders
Another common cause of canine alopecia is genetics. Some dog breeds, such as Chinese Cresteds, Dobermans, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Whippets and hairless terriers are genetically prone to pattern baldness.
Warning Signs
While the most obvious sign of canine alopecia is hair loss and patches of balding, other warning signs can include skin redness, irritation and inflammation, as well as constant scratching in the affected areas.
When to See a Vet
In many cases, canine alopecia is caused by benign conditions that can be easily treated by medications or skin creams, but it can also be a symptom of a serious disease. That’s why it’s important to schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible.
By looking at the pattern of hair loss, a veterinarian can identify its possible causes. For example, patchy hair loss with redness and inflammation can sometimes indicate mange, while multiple areas of hair loss accompanied by redness and scaling might indicate ringworm, bacterial infections or a skin disease such as scleroderma.
By examining the dog and conducting simple blood tests, a veterinarian can diagnose the problem and prescribe treatments so that further hair loss can be prevented and the dog can make a complete recovery.
Treatments
Treatments for canine alopecia depend upon the underlying cause of the condition, and can range from topical ointments to antihistamines (for allergies), antibiotics (to treat infections), de-worming pills and other types of medications, generally given in pill form.
Skin conditions are often treated with prescription creams and ointments. When these are prescribed, it might be necessary for the dog to wear a removable halo to protect the ointment from being licked off by a curious canine tongue.
Cosmetic Options
When people lose hair, they can easily resort to specialists who offer wigs of all types as well as hair replacement therapies.
With dogs, however, these cosmetic solutions are obviously not only impractical, but also unnecessary. Fortunately, dogs have no conscious perception of the physical image they present to the world. Likewise, dogs’ social lives aren’t affected by standards of beauty (as is the case with humans) — and working dogs are judged strictly by job performance, not physical appearance.
A pet with hair loss can, however, suffer more easily from the cold, especially during the fall/winter months or in homes where air conditioning is heavily used. In these situations, it can be a good idea to give them a sweater, as well as extra blankets for the dog’s sleeping areas.
In most cases, canine hair loss is easily treatable, and the dog can usually make a complete recovery. The key to successful treatment, however, is to schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible. The quicker the dog is diagnosed, the more quickly the condition — and the dog’s discomfort — can be alleviated.
At Genesis II, we won’t treat your pet for hair loss, but we know our clients love their furry friends and it’s important to know the signs and causes of hair loss. If YOU are suffering from thinning hair or hair loss and you’re ready to take the first step toward hair restoration call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Chiemsee2016 Via Pixabay
Sources
http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/general-health/common-causes-of-hair-loss-in-dogs
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_alopecia?page=show
http://pets.webmd.com/dog-bald-spot#1
