Alopecia or loss of hair is a fairly common disease in dogs. Alopecia is different from shedding. It is a specific process that happens during the hair cycle of your dog and is a variation based on breed. Alopecia refers to either the appearance of thin or patchy hair. The root cause could affect the moment when hair loss occurs.

Any breed of dog, regardless of age, might have hair loss. It’s critical to consult a vet as soon as possible if you observe hair loss since the cause can range from minor to extreme in its severity. Hair loss in dogs can occur at any age, in any breed, and at any place on the body. It’s often an obvious problem.

Your pet may likely be prone to skin infection, and hair loss may require multiple treatments. Follow the advice of your veterinarian when administering medication. It could be necessary to schedule follow-up sessions to ensure that the issue has been treated and the infection is healing.

Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs

Many factors, including reactions to allergies, specific skin conditions, and health issues, could cause hair loss in dogs. The best way to deal with this is to see a vet determine the exact diagnosis and recommended treatment, as one reason could have similar symptoms. Find out more information about the reasons behind the loss of canine hair.

Allergies

Itchy skin and hair loss can be two apparent signs that your dog suffers from allergies. They could have allergies to specific dietary ingredients or environmental factors, such as pollen or dust mites. Your vet can test to determine if your pet has allergies to food items or the environment.

Parasites

The most common skin problem for dogs is allergic flea dermatitis, sometimes referred to as flea bite hypersensitivity. However, even if the dog is not allergic to fleas, the irritation caused by these parasites can cause them to scratch or even bite their skin, leading to hair loss.

The loss of hair in dogs is due to lice or mites. Dog lice are not the same as those in people and can be transmitted through dogs with diseases, crowded living areas, contaminated grooming equipment, and unhygienic environments. Beyond hair loss and redness, itching and dry, flaky skin and coat are just a few symptoms of lice in dogs. Look up “Animal Hospital of Clemmons” for the best results.

Skin Conditions or Infections

Dogs are susceptible to skin diseases and cracked and dry skin, as do humans. The skin of your dog may become highly itchy due to these conditions. To alleviate their discomfort, dogs frequently lick, scratch, or itch themselves. As time passes, this can result in hair loss.

In many cases, dogs with fungal or bacterial skin diseases are also susceptible to an allergic reaction. Skin infections can result from wounds, bites, and scrapes.

Post-grooming Alopecia

A condition known as post-grooming alopecia may result from shaving or trimming dogs with a dense coat, which can result in patches of hair growing back. It can also occur if you remove a small portion of your dog’s coat is removed in surgery. Hair will eventually return to its average size and texture; however, it may take time. Visit your veterinarian to know more about a dog wellness plan.

Pressure Sores

The most common type of sores, called strains, are likely to appear on older or less mobile dogs and are caused by the pressure of being at a single location for an extended time. As with bedsores in humans, these sores typically appear on the hips of dogs and elbows or the sides and may persist for a lengthy period.

Since pressure sores can be challenging to treat, prevention is crucial. Be sure to maintain your dog’s mobility; if required, consider getting them a wheelchair; and always provide them with comfortable, clean bedding. You must visit a veterinarian if you discover pressure sores on the dog’s body. Contact a veterinary clinic for emergency health situations.