What Should You Do if Your Dog is Losing Their Hair?

Alopecia, another name for hair loss, describes bald patches, thinning hair, or fractional hair loss in body parts the hair is typically found. Alopecia may arise due to several factors such as allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, inadequate nutrition, or underlying medical conditions.

Seasonal shedding, which happens naturally with seasonal vicissitudes as part of your dog’s hair growth, is not the same as alopecia. See an animal hospital in El Paso or a vet, though, if you’re worried that your dog is shedding more than usual.

Even while watching your dog lose hair might be scary, visiting your local vet can frequently help address the condition. All cases of hair loss, from mild to severe, need a thorough examination so your veterinarian can accurately diagnose the issue, rule out any underlying causes, and recommend the best course of action.

What does hair loss mean?

Alopecia, or partial hair loss in dogs, describes bald areas, thinning hair, or partial hair loss. Dogs can get alopecia at any point in their lives. Dogs can suffer from alopecia in a variety of ways. Most of the time, hair loss is just temporary, and it returns after the underlying reason is addressed. On the other hand, hereditary types of alopecia can occasionally cause recurrent episodes or permanent hair loss.

Either one or more places may be affected by the hair loss. It may be extensive or symmetrical. Other symptoms including itching, irritation, red spots, darker skin, flaky skin, brittle coat, or heavy shedding are frequently present in conjunction with it. Secondary problems like an infection or fluid discharge might occasionally occur.

Common reasons behind hair loss in dogs

Bacterial infection

A bacterial skin infection happens when certain circumstances allow germs to grow and proliferate, leading to an allergic response. An allergic response, a flea infestation, a wound, or an underlying illness that compromises immunity may be the cause of this.

A fungal skin infection can develop in your pet as a result of naturally occurring yeast or fungus overgrowth in their body, contact with an infected animal or human, or exposure to fungal spores in the environment. Ringworm and yeast infections are common fungal skin illnesses.

Parasites or Mange

Mites are the parasite cause of mange, a skin disorder. These tiny organisms reside within the hair follicles or beneath the skin’s surface. Their incessant burrowing and gnawing results in irritation, which in turn produces bald areas, poor hair, and hair loss.

Another frequent parasite that can cause hair loss is fleas. Dogs who have fleas may get so itchy that patches of hair begin to fall off. Bites from fleas can cause serious allergic reactions in certain dogs. Flea allergic dermatitis, as it is generally called, is a painful skin ailment that causes hairless, itchy “hot spots,” which are typically visible on the base or rear of the tail.

Allergies

Frequent scratching and, frequently, a skin rash when the pet comes into touch with the irritation cause are the most prevalent symptoms of an allergy in pets. Frequent scratching can result in sores like raw and inflammatory skin regions, which also need to be attended to. It can also cause hair loss.

It can be challenging to manage environmental allergies in pets, but the goal is to minimise your pet’s exposure to allergens and address symptoms as soon as they appear. Injections, medications, and shampoos are examples of treatments. Similar to treating human allergies, managing food allergies entails a process of exclusion to rule out potential causes. You can get complete instructions on how to do this for your pet from your veterinarian.

Under nutrition

The maintenance of a healthy coat is greatly influenced by nutrition, which is an essential component of pet care. The health and well-being of your dog depend on a diet that is both full and balanced. Along with poor coat condition and hair loss, insufficient diet can cause obesity and allergies, among other diseases.

Treatment of hair loss in dogs

Your veterinarian will need to do a comprehensive physical examination and gather information about your pet’s past in order to identify the reason of hair loss. Other symptoms, the length of hair loss, the rate of progression, and other general health issues can all be considered here. They will also take into account breed-specific genetic disorders.

Your veterinarian could take skin samples or examine your pet’s hair for parasites. Additionally, they could recommend diagnostic laboratory testing including skin biopsies, blood tests, or urine tests. Your veterinarian could suggest further testing, such x-rays or ultrasound imaging, to rule out interior issues if they think there might be one.

A precise diagnosis and the underlying cause are necessary for successful therapy. While the underlying reason of your pet’s hair loss may not always be immediately apparent, your veterinarian may recommend medicine to assist ease any discomfort or itching your pet may be experiencing.

The Conclusion

Do you want to book a session with a leading pet lab in El Paso? Consult an expert at Eastwood Animal Clinic, where a team of skilled and experienced veterinarians can provide the best quality pet care including professional dog grooming services in El Paso. From consulting an El Paso vet to pet vaccinations in El Paso, get complete pet care in a leading animal hospital in El Paso.

Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to know about professional dog grooming in El Paso?