Hair loss or 'Alopecia' is one
of the most common problems faced by dogs. Learn more about loss of hair
in dogs and its various causes.
Hair Loss in Dogs
A common veterinary condition, hair loss (Alopecia) in dogs is sometimes considered a normal process of shedding. However, in case you notice tufts of pet-hair on your rug or a continuous thinning of your pet's coat, its time to pay your utmost attention. Though a dog may suffer from hair loss for many reasons, in most cases, hair loss is a major symptom of various fatal diseases and infections. Hair loss may even arise due to poor nutrition. Sometimes, there might be symmetrical hair loss on both sides of the body and sometimes hair loss might be in an asymmetrical manner and occur in patches. Generally, symmetrical hair loss denotes that there is some kind of hormonal disorder in your pet, while patchy hair loss means that he is suffering from some kind of skin infection.
Sometimes, thyroid problems may cause shedding of hair, thereby leading to thinning of the dog's coat. Eventually, it gets a peculiar appearance - overweight with brittle fur that is thinning. Old is also one of the most popular reasons for hair loss in a dog. Hence, it is very important for dog-owners to have an idea as to what exactly is causing unhealthy shedding of hair their canine. Whenever you notice any abnormal loss of hair in your pet, immediately get him diagnosed by a good veterinarian. With proper medication and treatment, you will get back your fluffy friend in no time. To know more about hair loss in your canine, we have enumerated below a few major reasons.
Causes of Hair Loss
- 'Callus' or persistent pressure (mostly in giant dogs)
- 'Cushing's Disease' or high level of corticosteroids
- 'Acanthosis nigricans' or infection caused by friction, hormonal abnormalities, or hypersensitivities
- Drug or injection reaction caused by a drug which is inhaled, given orally, or applied topically
- Interstitial cell tumor or tumor of the testicle
- 'Kerion' or complication of ringworm infection
- 'Demodectic Mange' or infection caused by the Demodex mite
- 'Diabetes Mellitus' or diabetic conditions in dogs
- 'Folliculitis' or infection in the hair follicles
- 'Sarcoptic Mange' or infection caused by the Sarcoptes mite
- Tail Gland Hyperplasia' or enlargement of the sebaceous gland of the tail
- Allergic reactions to various substance like metals, chemicals, mites, pollens or certain food
- Sebaceous adenitis or the destruction of the sebaceous glands
- 'Leishmaniasis' or hair loss caused by a parasite of blood cells
- Certain growth hormones lead to hair loss. They are witnessed during puberty and mostly in puppies
- Excessive estrogen in the body or 'Hyperestrogenism'
- Excessive stress (observed during pregnancy and nursing)
- Fungal infections, like ringworm
- Insufficient hormone production by pituitary gland (Pituitary Dwarfisim)
- Low estrogen level or 'Hypoestrogenism'
- Low thyroid hormone production or 'Hypothyroidism'
