![Shedding is normal, but severe hair loss or bald spots show your pet has a serious health issue. Stress, hormones, and flea allergies all cause hair loss. Owner holds hair from a Labrador retriever. Severe hair loss could signal a serious health issue.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Excessive-hair-loss-scaled-e1712087456286.jpeg)
You love your dog, and you hate to see anything out of the ordinary happen to it. But sometimes bad things happen to good dogs, and excessive hair loss is one of those ailments.
Hair loss can come through a variety of illnesses like an allergic reaction, skin conditions and thyroid gland malfunction, and so on. The good news is that the loss of hair is treatable.
Why is my dog losing hair?
- Why is my dog losing hair?
- Warning signs
- Alopecia in dogs
- Mold as a source for dog hair loss
- How to treat mold sickness
- Prevention is the best medicine
- Feed a healthy diet
- Grooming prevents hair loss
- The cost of treating your dog’s hair loss
- Dog breeds prone to hair loss
- Some final words on hair loss
Over the years you have owned your dog, you may have seen shedding take place. That is normal for most dogs. But when you start to see bald spots in your dog’s fur, then that is a sign your pet has a problem.
Here are some of the common causes of hair loss in dogs:
- Thyroid gland problems
- Hormone issues
- Allergic reactions
- Flea allergies
- Trauma
- Infections
- And more
You can combat hair loss issues in several ways. First, take your dog to the vet and see what medication they can prescribe, or the vet may have to do surgery to remove tumors or other physical growths that may be responsible for the hair loss.
Or you may have to change the food you are feeding your pet or the shampoo as you are using to wash their fur. You can also help your dog by adding fish oil or Koi CBD oil to your dog’s diet.
Warning signs
Hair loss is a common problem that many dog owners may overlook.
As responsible pet owners, it is important to know how to identify hair loss and take necessary steps to treat it.
Regular grooming
The first step in identifying hair loss is to regularly groom your pet. This includes brushing their fur, checking for any bald patches or excessive shedding.
By doing this, you will have a better idea of what your pet’s normal coat looks like and any changes will be more noticeable.
Check for parasites
Parasites such as fleas and ticks are one of the main causes of hair loss in pets.
These tiny creatures feed on your pet’s blood and can cause irritation leading to excessive scratching and eventually hair loss.
It is important to regularly check your pet for any signs of parasites and use preventative measures such as flea collars or topical treatments prescribed by your veterinarian.
Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat in pets. If your pet’s diet lacks essential nutrients, it can lead to dry skin, dandruff, and hair loss.
Consult with your veterinarian about the right type of food for your pet’s breed and age.
Allergies
Just like humans, pets can also suffer from allergies which can manifest through skin issues including hair loss.
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, certain foods or ingredients in grooming products.
If you suspect that your pet has allergies, consult with a veterinarian who may recommend allergy testing or prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.
Glandular issues
Hair loss in pets can also be caused by hormonal imbalances which affect the function of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland.
These imbalances can result in conditions such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism which require proper diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.
Stress
Like humans, pets can also experience stress which can cause hair loss.
Changes in routine, new environments or the loss of a companion can all contribute to your pet’s stress levels.
It is important to provide a calm and stable environment for your pet and consult with a veterinarian if necessary.
Alopecia in dogs
This source for your dog’s hair loss has many origins of its own. Like in humans, hair loss in dogs may be caused by stress, which can come through an unhealthy living environment in the home, a genetic reaction or this ailment can be the result of an autoimmune disease.
Also, growing areas of hair loss may be due to manage, which is a result of a mite called Demodex. Somehow that little creature found its way onto your dog and made a home in its fur.
When this is the case for your dog’s hair loss problem, then you need to go to your vet and get some anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, or antibiotics medication to treat the problem. It is the only way to get rid of this skin condition.
Mold as a source for dog hair loss
![Mold sickness can cause dogs to lose their hair and suffer from bald spots or excessive hair loss. Dog with bald spots or excessive hair loss.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Excessive-hair-loss2-scaled-e1712087537899.jpeg)
As you know, mold can grow just about anywhere, and it has a devastating effect on food, wood, carpets, and other household items. Mold is also harmful to humans and can cause allergic reactions and other health issues.
But did you know that mold is also harmful to your dogs? When you see your dog scratching or licking themselves, especially on their paws, they may have a mold sickness. The mold has gotten onto your dog’s skin, and its poisons are starting to take its toll.
Other symptoms tell you that your pet may not be mold-free:
- Dog bald spots
- Patches of hair
- Noisy or labored breathing
- Sneezing, coughing, rubbing the face on the floor or furniture
- Running nose or discharge from their eyes
- And more
Mold is a stealth poison that sneaks up on a home, a family, and their pets. You need to watch for all the signs to make sure you can get the right treatment for your pet.
How to treat mold sickness
There are two ways to treat mold sickness in dogs. The first method is to go to your vet and get the right medication. Part of this treatment may involve not letting your dog go home with you until you resolve the mold problem.
The second method of treatment is to remove the mold in your home. You will have to search out and remove all the mold spots. Unfortunately, some mold problems are more difficult to remove than others and require a significant expense to get done.
That means that you may have to hire professionals to help you remove the mold from your home. Different areas are hard to get into, and professionals know how to handle that problem as well.
The best thing to do is call for a quote and let them come out to your home to see how much your problem is going to cost you.
Prevention is the best medicine
Having your pet contract mold sickness is not a good thing. But it can be a warning that you and your family are in danger of coming down with health issues you could avoid.
One way to prevent you and your pet from contracting any mold-related illness is to install a dehumidifier. If you live in a high humidity area and do nothing to get rid of that excess moisture, then you are putting everyone in your house, including your pet, at risk.
The way to get rid of humidity and prevent mold from taking up residence in your home is to install the right dehumidifier in all the rooms or just one whole-house unit. The choice is up to you.
Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some tips on how you can keep your dog healthy and prevent hair loss or skin problems:
Regular grooming: Brushing your dog’s coat regularly not only keeps them looking good but also helps to distribute natural oils that keep their coat healthy.
Proper nutrition: A well-balanced diet with essential nutrients can strengthen the immune system and help prevent allergic reactions.
Flea prevention: Keep your dog’s environment clean and use flea prevention products to avoid flea bites which can cause allergic reactions.
Environmental control: If your dog has allergies, try to limit their exposure to potential allergens such as dust, pollen, or mold.
Consult a veterinarian: If you notice any signs of hair loss or skin issues in your dog, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Feed a healthy diet
![Golden retriever eats watermelon. Dogs can enjoy some fruits and vegetables like watermelon.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fruits-and-vegetables_watermelon.jpg)
Feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Not only does it provide them with the necessary nutrients they need to thrive, but it also plays a crucial role in preventing hair loss and skin problems.
A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to a range of health issues for dogs, including excessive shedding, dry skin, and even hair loss. To ensure that your dog’s coat remains thick and shiny, as well as their skin stays healthy, it’s important to feed them a diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Choose high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for your dog’s age, breed, size, and activity level. This will ensure that they are receiving the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Cheap dog foods often contain fillers and by-products that do not provide adequate nutrition for your pet.
Protein is vital for maintaining strong muscles and promoting healthy skin and coat growth. Look for dog food containing high-quality sources of protein such as chicken or fish. Avoid foods with too many grains or plant-based proteins as these can be harder for dogs to digest.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also crucial for keeping your dog’s coat shiny and reducing inflammation in their skin. Sources of omega-3s include fish oil supplements or foods such as salmon or flaxseed oil.
In addition to choosing the right commercial dog food formula, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your pup’s diet can provide added benefits. These nutrient-dense foods are packed with antioxidants which help support their immune system while also promoting healthy skin cell turnover.
It’s also important to monitor how much you are feeding your furry friend as overfeeding can lead to obesity which can cause several health issues including hair loss due to hormonal imbalances.
Always make sure that your dog has access to clean drinking water at all times. Just like humans, dogs need to stay hydrated to maintain healthy skin and keep their coat moisturized.
Grooming prevents hair loss
![Owner uses slicker brush to groom Siberian Husky.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/proper-grooming-e1712090448691.jpg)
Grooming maintains your dog’s appearance and prevents hair loss.
Brushing
Regular brushing is crucial for preventing hair loss in dogs.
It helps remove loose and dead fur, which can otherwise lead to matting and tangles that may cause irritation and itching, resulting in excessive scratching and further hair loss.
Depending on your dog’s coat type, you may need to brush them daily or a few times a week using a suitable brush or comb.
Bathing
Bathing is another important aspect of grooming that helps keep your dog’s skin clean and healthy.
Use a mild shampoo specifically formulated for dogs to avoid stripping their natural oils, which are essential for maintaining a healthy coat.
Bathing too frequently can dry out their skin, leading to excessive shedding and potential hair loss.
Trimming
Regular trimming of long-haired breeds is necessary for preventing hair from becoming tangled and matted, leading to skin irritation and potential hair loss.
It also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat evenly, keeping it shiny and healthy.
However, be cautious while trimming as cutting too close to the skin can cause cuts or irritate sensitive areas.
Nail care
Trimming your dog’s nails regularly not only keeps them looking tidy but also prevents overgrowth that can cause discomfort while walking or running around; this discomfort may then result in excessive scratching that leads to hair loss due to friction with the skin.
Regular check-ups
It is essential to take your dog for regular check-ups with a veterinarian. They can identify any underlying health issues that may be causing hair loss and provide appropriate treatment.
Additionally, they can also advise on how often you should groom your dog based on their breed and individual needs.
The cost of treating your dog’s hair loss
When your dog is starting to lose its fur, the best thing you can do is not delay in getting help. The more you delay, the more expensive the treatment will be. In some cases, you are looking at paying up to $350 for common ailments like parasites, infections, and so on.
Allergies and other diseases are a lot more and can ring in at $1,500 if you are not careful. So do not hesitate to help your pet.
Dog breeds prone to hair loss
![Chinese Crested dogs are known for their hairless bodies and tufted ears.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/small-dog-breeds-Chinese-Crested.jpg)
Some dog breeds are more prone to hair loss and skin conditions than others due to genetics, diet, and environment.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are known for their playful and friendly nature. However, they are also prone to developing skin allergies which can cause excessive itching and scratching leading to hair loss. This breed is particularly sensitive to flea bites and environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold.
Bulldog
Bulldogs have a short coat that makes them look adorable but their skin is quite sensitive. They are prone to develop allergies from food ingredients like beef, dairy products, wheat gluten or cornmeal causing itchy rashes on their skin which leads to hair loss.
Poodle
Poodles have a thick curly coat that requires regular grooming but this breed is also predisposed to several skin problems including sebaceous adenitis (a condition where glands become inflamed) and atopic dermatitis (allergic reaction caused by airborne particles).
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have long silky fur that requires constant maintenance but they also suffer from different types of dermatitis such as eczema or hot spots due to allergic reactions caused by fleas or food.
Dachshund
Dachshunds with long coats tend to develop hotspots easily because of the warm environment created under their fur. They are also prone to allergies and other skin conditions like acanthosis nigricans (dark, thickened patches of skin) and seborrhea (excessive oil production).
Shar Pei
These wrinkly pups have a genetic predisposition to developing various skin ailments such as allergies, bacterial infections, and even autoimmune disorders. Regular grooming and proper nutrition can help prevent or manage these issues.
Chinese Crested
These unique looking dogs have a genetic condition called alopecia which causes them to lose their hair, leaving only tufts of fur on their head, feet, and tail. While this condition is not life-threatening, it can lead to skin infections if left untreated.
Some final words on hair loss
Hair loss is not always a severe health problem. But it can be. The best thing you can do is talk to your vet as soon as possible and take the right steps to get your dog healthy again.
The longer you wait, the more costly it can be. If mold is the source, then do a quick search to find where the mold is hiding and get rid of it right away.
Kelly Sanders is the editor in chief at TheDehumidifierExperts – a website dedicated to helping people fight against mold and mildew issues with useful tips and advice.
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