It is normal for dogs to shed hair when they are in the process of molting. However, there are also cases of unusual dog hair loss that you need to pay attention to. In this article, we will learn about the causes of dog hair loss and how to fix it.
Recognize signs of unusual hair loss in dogs
It is normal for dogs to lose hair during molting. However, it is not normal for a dog to lose such a large amount of hair that the coat becomes thin or even bald. If the dog's coat becomes thin or is visibly bald… this could be a symptom of a disease leading to hair loss.
Finding the cause is the best way to help your dog recover from shedding. Besides, lack of attention and not treating the right cause of the disease can make the condition worse. Symptoms of abnormal hair loss include:
- Excessive hair loss causes the hair to thin, forming bald patches.
- Constant scratching
- Constantly licking the feet.
- Skin becomes brittle, loses smoothness, darkens compared to healthy skin areas on the body.
- The soles of the feet darken
Causes of dog hair loss and how to treat it
Dogs lose a lot of hair due to diseases including the following diseases:
1. Dogs lose a lot of hair due to fungi, bacteria, parasites
Skin diseases in dogs caused by fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause the hair on the chest, neck, legs, face, etc. of the dog to fall out in patches, accompanied by localized itching and swelling that is getting worse and worse. by dogs scratching, licking wounds.
In addition, dogs with scabies and other dermatological diseases also have signs of dermatitis, round spots appear on the skin and hair loss in this area along with the appearance of dandruff, the longer the dog itch, scratch and lick it. The more wounds, the more the disease spreads because the areas are scratched, licked, drooled, and ready to be damaged with parasites.
To treat the disease, you need to go to the veterinarian so that the doctor can prescribe the right medication. Besides, dermatological diseases are more likely to occur after dirt, because allergies cause unhygienic behaviors. Therefore, you should maintain the cleaning of the environment around the dog periodically and wash the dog clean to prevent recurrence of the disease.
2. Dogs lose a lot of hair due to lack of substance
A dog's diet is not suitable, lacking in nutrients can lead to hair loss without itching. If you feed your dog too much salt (sodium / sodium causes dogs to lose hair), or do not provide them with the necessary vitamins and minerals, it will cause the dog to lose nutrition leading to hair loss.
To improve this situation, you need to adjust the dog's diet by adding foods such as beef, lean meat, or duckweed... Usually, the main diet for dogs is grain food. Dried seeds or pre-packaged food will not lose hair due to lack of nutrition.
3. Dogs shed a lot due to allergies
Allergies that cause hair loss in dogs are caused by environmental factors such as pollen inhalation – contact with plants causes hair loss and itching at the place of contact with the allergen. Or allergic to mold, items like soap cause fungus to start on the feet.
Or maybe allergies due to drugs or chemicals, bugs stuck in the dust when taking the dog out on the street, the park for a walk. Or a food allergy causes hair loss on the feet and elsewhere on the body.
Typical symptoms in dogs with allergies are often itching leading to a lot of scratching, swelling of the skin, biting and hair loss. Food allergies, in particular, develop slowly and are persistent, making it difficult to understand the cause of abnormal hair loss.
If you see that your dog is showing signs of hair loss due to allergies but can't find a specific cause, you need to bring your dog to the veterinarian to have it find out the cause of the disease.
4. Dogs shed a lot due to dirt
Dirty dog shelters, unclean hygiene is also the cause of dog hair loss. Or if you do not regularly bathe your dog, the naughty dog or rushing into the dirty, sandy and wet places also makes the coat a good shelter for bacteria to attack and destroy the dog's skin. Dogs cause skin diseases and hair loss.
5. Dogs lose hair due to a lot of bathing or shower gel/shampoo
Bathing dogs too much, using non-dog shampoo oils with high pH also has the risk of making the dog's coat frizzy and shed more hair. When bathing a lot, you will inadvertently remove the oil layer, killing the beneficial bacteria that protects the dog's skin and coat, making their skin dry, brittle, brittle and less clingy.
6. Dogs lose a lot of hair due to genetics
Re-creating new breeds of dogs can lead to genetic diseases. Dogs with genetic problems often experience patchy shedding. Some breeds that shed a lot due to genetics can be mentioned: Chinese Crested, Mexican hairless (Xolo), American Terrier hairless or Doberman Pinscher, Dachshund, Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound and Whippet.
7. Dogs lose a lot of hair due to old age
Hair loss in older dogs occurs due to the aging process. As dogs age, they will lose their hair but do not regrow it quickly, and the body will appear bald spots. Hair loss and dry skin in older dogs are signs of decreased cell activity. Their fur begins to become sparse, easily damaged and brittle.
Older dogs are also at risk for hormone problems such as hypothyroidism, a disorder when the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. They may experience weight gain, excessive weight loss, sluggishness, and hair loss. In Cushing's disease (common in old age), the dog's body produces too much of the hormone cortisol, causing symptoms of hair loss, thirst, and constant hunger.
To fix it, you can change up their food and add premium nutrients that provide nutrients that support skin and coat, as well as overall health.
Here is some information on how to handle when Dogs shed a lot that we want to share with you. Wish you have healthy and lovely dogs. If you need to know more about other ways to take care of dogs, please contact http://vanchuyenchomeo.com/ for advice.
English 
Vietnamese