Most dog breeds do shed hair under normal everyday circumstances, so be prepared to give the vacuum cleaner a workout.
Shedding is a natural phenomenon that makes room for the growth of a new coat. Many dogs shed with the different seasons and this is to be expected. The amount of shedding depends on the breed of the dog.
The best way to deal with normal shedding of dog hair is good grooming practices. Regular brushing and combing (depending on the dog’s coat) is necessary to remove loose hair. A daily brushing can save the grief of unwanted dog hair on furniture and clothing.
Unfortunately, hair loss, which is known as alopecia, can also be a symptom of several different dog diseases and allergies and it may take a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying problem. It can take time to come to the appropriate diagnosis.
One of the most common ailments can be allergies to foods. Symptoms include redness, itching, hot spots and feet licking. The only way to get to the bottom of a food allergy problem is to eliminate one thing at a time from the dog’s diet. In some cases, a veterinarian will prescribe a non-allergenic diet and then begin to reintroduce items back into your dog’s menu.
Flea allergies are very common among dogs and are a major cause of hair loss. One fleabite can cause your dog to scratch until he or she is almost bald. If fleas are a problem in your house, you will have to treat both the dog and the home at the same time in order to break the reproduction cycle of the pesty fleas. The problem will require a good shampoo contains ingredients that will kill any fleas on the dog. A complete cleaning of the dog’s bedding is required to help eliminate flea eggs that are about to hatch. Frequent vacuuming of the floors and baseboard areas is a must. Where flea infestations are severe, the situation may require setting off flea bombs indoors.
Allergic dermatitis is a common problem among dogs. Just as humans are often allergic to carpeting, plastics, chemicals, etc., dogs are too. If you figure out what items the dog is allergic to, remove them from the area your dog spends time in if possible. Treatment can include steroids and antihistamines.
Larger breeds of dogs will often suffer from callus. This is often prevalent in the “elbow” area and is defined by a calloused area that has little or no hair growth. Provide soft bedding for the dog. If the dog loves to lie on concrete or hard floors, there is little you can do. Callus areas are not a problem unless they become infected.
Demodectic and sarcoptic mange will cause hair loss. Both can be diagnosed by a skin scraping. There are dips your veterinarian can perform that will take care of the problem. In extreme situations, mange can be fatal.
Ringworm is another illness that can cause hair loss. Consult a veterinarian for medications to cure the problem.
The reason for a dog’s hair loss can be difficult for even veterinarians to diagnose. Proper diagnosis can take some time.
If your dog is suffering from more than normal shedding, seek medical attention because excess hair loss can be the symptom of a serious medical problem.
Related posts:
- Canine Diarrhea – Common Causes and Solutions
- How to De-Mat Your Puppy’s Hair
- Common Puppy Grooming Tools
- Common Types of Puppy Sicknesses
- Five Most Common Puppy Diseases
