Don’t ignore hair loss warning signs: Learn how to keep your dog healthy

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 result from various illnesses, such as an allergic reaction, skin conditions, thyroid gland malfunction, and so on. The good news is that hair loss is treatable.

Why is my dog losing hair?

You may have seen shedding over the years you have owned your dog. That is normal for most dogs. But when you start to see bald spots in your dog’s fur, 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. The vet may also have to perform surgery to remove tumors or other physical growths that may be responsible for the hair loss.

You may also have to change the food you feed your pet or the shampoo you use to wash its fur. You can also help your dog by adding fish oil or Koi CBD oil to its diet.

Warning signs

Hair loss is a common problem that many dog owners may overlook. 

As responsible pet owners, it is vital to know how to identify hair loss and take the necessary steps to treat it.

Regular grooming

The first step in identifying hair loss is to groom your pet regularly. This includes brushing their fur and checking for bald patches or excessive shedding. 

By doing this, you will have a better idea of your pet’s normal coat and will be more aware of any changes.

Check for parasites

Parasites such as fleas and ticks are among the leading causes of hair loss in pets. 

These tiny creatures feed on your pet’s blood and can irritate, leading to excessive scratching and 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

Like humans, pets can suffer from allergies, manifesting through skin issues, including hair loss. 

Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, or ingredients in grooming products. 

If you suspect your pet has allergies, consult 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 or thyroid glands.

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 your pet a calm and stable environment and consult with a veterinarian if necessary.

Alopecia in dogs

This source for your dog’s hair loss has many origins.

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, which can result from an autoimmune disease.

Also, growing areas of hair loss may be due to mange, resulting from a mite called Demodex. Somehow, that little creature found its way onto your dog and made a home in its fur.

If this is the case for your dog’s hair loss problem, you need to go to your vet and get some anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, or antibiotic medication to treat the problem. It is the only way to get rid of this skin condition.

Mold as a source of dog hair loss

As you know, mold can grow just about anywhere. It has a devastating effect on food, wood, carpets, and other household items. Mold also harms humans and can cause allergic reactions and other health issues.

But did you know that mold is also harmful to your dogs? When your dog is 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 homes, families, and pets. You must watch for all the signs to ensure you 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 proper 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.

That means you may have to hire professionals to help you remove the mold from your home. Different areas are hard to reach, and professionals know how to handle that problem as well.

The best thing to do is call for a quote and have them come to your home to estimate the cost of your problem.

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 contracting health issues you could avoid.

One way to prevent you and your pet from contracting mold-related illnesses is to install a dehumidifier. If you live in a high-humidity area and do nothing to get rid of excess moisture, you are putting everyone in your house, including your pet, at risk.

Installing the right dehumidifier in all the rooms or just one whole-house unit can eliminate humidity and prevent mold from growing in your home. The choice is yours.

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 it looking good but also helps distribute natural oils that keep it 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

Feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet is essential for its overall health and well-being. It provides the nutrients it needs to thrive and plays a crucial role in preventing hair loss and skin problems.

A poor diet lacking 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 and its skin stays healthy, it’s important to feed it a diet that meets its nutritional needs.

Choose high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for your dog’s age, breed, size, and activity level. This will ensure they receive the right proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals balance. 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 protein sources, 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 that help support their immune system and promote healthy skin cell turnover.

It’s also important to monitor how much you feed your furry friend, as overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause several health issues, including hair loss due to hormonal imbalances.

Always ensure that your dog has access to clean drinking water. Like humans, dogs need to stay hydrated to maintain healthy skin and moisturize their coats.

Grooming prevents hair loss

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 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, 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 to prevent hair from becoming tangled and matted, which can lead to skin irritation and potential hair loss.

It also helps distribute natural oils evenly throughout the coat, 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, which can cause discomfort while walking or running around. This discomfort may then result in excessive scratching, which 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 advise on how often to groom your dog based on its breed and individual needs.

The cost of treating your dog’s hair loss

When your dog starts losing its fur, the best thing you can do is not delay getting help. The more you delay, the more expensive the treatment will be. Sometimes, you consider paying up to $350 for common ailments like parasites, infections, etc.

Allergies and other diseases cost a lot more and can cost $1,500 if you are not careful. So do not hesitate to help your pet.

Dog breeds prone to hair loss

Due to genetics, diet, and environment, some dog breeds are more prone to hair loss and skin conditions than others. 

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 developing allergies to food ingredients like beef, dairy products, wheat gluten, or cornmeal, which causes itchy rashes on their skin and 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 (an 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 develop hotspots easily because of the warm environment created under their fur. They are also prone to allergies and other skin conditions, such as acanthosis nigricans (dark, thickened patches of skin) and seborrhea (excessive oil production).

Shar Pei

These wrinkly pups are genetically predisposed 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 heads, feet, and tails. 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 proper steps to get your dog healthy again.

The longer you wait, the more costly it can be. If mold is the source, do a quick search to find where the mold is hiding and get rid of it immediately.

Kelly Sanders is the editor-in-chief of TheDehumidifierExperts, a website dedicated to helping people fight against mold and mildew issues with useful tips and advice.

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