Pet Dermatology: Alopecia in Dogs

Loss of hair is a common condition in dogs. Alopecia is distinct from shedding. It is a specific process during your dog’s hair growth cycle and can vary based on breed. Alopecia describes either thick or patchy hair. The underlying reason may affect how hair loss develops.

Any breed of dog, regardless of age, might have hair loss. It is essential to see a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice hair loss, as the cause can vary from minor to severe in severity. Hair loss in dogs can happen at any age, in any breed, or in any part of the body. It’s often a clear condition.

Depending on your pet’s propensity for skin conditions, hair loss can require many treatments. Follow the advice of your veterinarian when administering medication. You may need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the issue is resolved and the infections are healing.

Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs

A variety of things, such as reactions to allergies, specific skin conditions, and other health conditions, can cause hair loss in dogs. The best approach is to see a veterinarian for a precise diagnosis and suggested course of treatment because one cause may exhibit similar symptoms as the other. 

Allergies

Itchy skin and hair loss can be two apparent signs that your dog has allergies. Your dog may have allergies to certain dietary elements or environmental components, such as pollen or dust mites. Your vet can test to determine if your pet has allergies to food items or the environment. Visit a veterinary dermatology department for more information.

Parasites

The most prevalent skin condition in dogs is allergic flea skin dermatitis, often referred to as hypersensitivity to flea bites if your dog is not sensitive to fleas, the irritation that these parasites cause can cause the skin to scratch or bite their skin repeatedly, leading to hair loss.

Hair loss in dogs can be due to mites and lice. The lice that cause hair loss in dogs are not the same species as those found on people, and they can be spread through dogs with diseases, crowded living areas, grooming equipment that has been contaminated, and unhygienic conditions. Beyond the loss of hair and redness, itching and dry skin and coat are some symptoms of lice in dogs. Look up “Animal Hospital of Clemmons” for the best results.

Skin Conditions or Infections

They are susceptible to skin disorders and cracked, dry skin, as do humans. The skin of your dog may become highly itchy due to these conditions. To ease their discomfort, canines frequently scratch, lick or scratch themselves. With time, this may cause hair loss.

In many cases, dogs with bacterial or fungal skin disorders also have an allergic component. Skin infections can also arise from wounds, bites, and scrapes.

Post-grooming Alopecia

After shaving or trimming an animal with a thick coat, post-grooming alopecia can result. This may cause patches of hair that grow back. This may also occur when you remove a small portion of your dog’s coat is removed during the procedure. The hair will eventually come back in its typical length and texture; however, it can take some time. Contact an emergency vet clinic for any emergencies you have.

Pressure Sores

These sores tend to develop on older or less mobile dogs and are caused by the pressure of being at a single location for long periods. Similar to bedsores in humans, they usually appear on the hips of dogs, elbows, or sides and may persist for a prolonged time.

Since pressure sores may be challenging to heal, prevention is vital. Keep your dogs in good health; should it be necessary, consider getting a wheelchair; and always give them warm, fresh bedding. If you discover pressure sores on your dog’s body, take them to the doctor.