Alopecia in dogs is a pathological hair loss that leads to partial or complete baldness of the animal's body. The causes of the disease can be chronic health problems, as well as natural ones, such as seasonal molting. In each case, the disease has its own characteristic symptoms and methods of treatment.
Baldness classification
There is no generally accepted system for classifying alopecia in pets; different sources separate the types of the disease in their own way. Experts agree that canine alopecia can be divided into three conditional types, which also have their own subspecies:
- According to etiology, they are divided into 2 subspecies: inflammatory and non-inflammatory;
- Localization classification is divided into 4 subspecies: nested, telogen, mirror or multifocal;
- Geneticity: hereditary and acquired (Alopecia X).
This classification of the disease is used by veterinarians for an accurate diagnosis in accordance with the standards.
Causes of Alopecia in Dogs
Depending on the type of baldness, the disease can have completely different causes. Hormonal problems are considered the most common cause, so alopecia in dogs is still conditionally divided into two subspecies: hormonal and non-hormonal. Only in 40% of cases, hair problems occur for other reasons.
Problems with hormones
According to the latest data from scientists in the field of veterinary medicine, it has been established that hormonal hair loss in dogs is associated with genetic problems. The official name of the disease lopezia X means not fully understood mechanisms for the development of problems and transmission through the genes. To date, transmission through an autosomal dominant relationship is considered the most likely.
Most often, endocrine alopecia affects adult and elderly dogs.
Hormonal problems can be caused not only by hereditary factors, but also acquired ones. The most common causes of hormonal problems that cause baldness are diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyperandrenocorticism. In the first case, alopecia develops due to insufficient production of thyroid hormones, in the second - an increased level of cortisol (Cushing's syndrome).
Most often, the endocrine nature of alopecia leads to baldness on the abdomen and hind limbs, chest, anus and genitals, armpit.
seasonal molt
The change of coat in dogs is a natural process. The condition is characterized by the systematic loss of old hair at certain times of the year. Moulting usually happens 2 times a year, but there are breeds in which this happens a little more often. It is easy to distinguish seasonal molting from pathological baldness by characteristic features:
- Uniform hair loss without bald patches and bald spots;
- After combing, you can notice a better coat of shorter length;
- Seasonality - fall occurs in spring and autumn;
- The dog's behavior has not changed.
When changing coat, the dog may itch a little, it is important not to confuse this symptom with the appearance of itching from other diseases. This process can be accelerated by systematically combing the coat every day during the shedding period.
Seasonal shedding is not a disease and does not require any treatment. The shedding should stop on its own in 2-3 weeks.
Improper nutrition
The cause of pet hair loss can be an unbalanced diet with a lack of vitamins and minerals. Most often, problems with hair appear in dogs eating monotonous natural. For healthy hair growth, the body of the animal needs vitamins B and C.
Problems with hair loss due to lack of vitamins are not experienced by dogs consuming dry or canned food. Usually such feeding is piecewise saturated with useful substances.
Baldness after grooming
Hair growth problems after shearing are experienced by dogs with hair growth problems. In fact, the slow growth of the coat is the first sign of accumulated problems. In this case, it is necessary to contact the veterinary clinic and conduct an examination of the pet. The doctor will find out whether the absence of new hair is the norm or a disease. If health problems are identified, the animal's diet should be changed and drug therapy should be carried out.
allergic reactions
Allergic dogs suffer from patchy alopecia because of the intense itching that accompanies the disease. The animal combs the place of discomfort until bald patches appear. In this case, baldness is not associated with hair growth problems, but is a secondary symptom of allergies.
Dogs, like humans, can experience stress, and Chihuahuas and Labradors are the most prone to such disorders. As a result of stressful situations, the animal's body experiences a multicomponent reaction in response to strong stress. Scientists have proven that such a state of the animal can lead to hair loss, including (Yang E.V., Glaser R., 2001). The causes of stress are:
- moving;
- First visit to exhibitions and competitions;
- Aggression from a person or other dogs;
Due to stressful situations, the mildest form of alopecia develops - diffuse. Symptoms of the disease may be invisible and everything normalizes by itself. Complications can arise if the pet experiences stress very often.
Pregnancy
By itself, the period of gestation of puppies does not cause baldness. Pregnancy entails a lack of vitamins in the pet's body, hormonal disruptions and stress. During this special period, the cause of baldness may be one of the factors or all together.
To avoid alopecia in a dog during pregnancy, it is necessary to improve the nutrition of the animal and ensure a quiet life, without unnecessary stress and close attention, especially children.
Symptoms of alopecia in dogs
Each type of alopecia is characterized by its own signs, and there is no single clinical symptomatology. Depending on the cause and type of baldness, dogs suffer from the following symptoms:
Differential diagnosis by the symptoms of alopecia is not possible, to determine the causes and type of the disease, you need to contact the veterinary clinic where the studies will be carried out.
Diagnostics
First of all, the veterinarian will make an external examination of the dog and take an anamnesis. Next, the doctor will choose one of the diagnostic methods to detect alopecia in a pet:
- Biopsy;
- Phototrichogram;
- Glow with an ultraviolet lamp;
- Biochemical, mycological and bacteriological studies of skin scrapings;
- General analysis of blood, urine and feces.
An ultrasound may be ordered to study the functioning of the thyroid gland. The activity of B- and T-lymphocytes in the blood, the content of antigens and protein are being studied.
Best Treatments
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the veterinarian should prescribe the appropriate treatment for the dog. There are also general recommendations that are aimed at stimulating hair growth in a dog:
- Give the dog stimulating vitamins (Velkot, Polidex Super Wool);
- Increase the frequency of bathing your pet up to 1 time per week;
- Masks of castor and burdock oil with egg yolks.
Do not give your dog human drugs to stimulate hair growth (eg Minoxidil). The consequences of the use of such funds can lead to the death of the animal.
After malnutrition
Alopecia after an unbalanced diet requires a gradual increase in nutrients in the diet. Veterinarians recommend starting to give the dog fish oil, dairy products, seafood, adding olive and linseed oil to food. Vitamin complexes containing vitamin A can also be prescribed.
Treatment of hereditary hormonal alopecia
The genetic predisposition to baldness is formed due to hormonal problems. Therapy is performed according to hormones. The effectiveness of this therapy is small, therefore it is used in combination with the use of hair growth-stimulating agents.
Contact or food dermatitis
This type of alopecia has an allergic etiology and side effects. It is treated with a complex of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian:
- Antihistamines (Diazolin, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin);
- Antiseptic ointments (Ranosan, Safroderm, Septogel);
- Allergen elimination.
The use of such a complex of therapeutic measures helps to eliminate the symptoms of baldness in 2-3 weeks. In advanced cases, self-treatment is impossible, the dog remains in the hospital.
Treatment for baldness due to infection
The treatment regimen depends entirely on the type of infection that led to baldness. First of all, the treatment is aimed at eliminating foreign bacteria, fungi and viruses from the body. Treatment is with antiviral drugs.
Prevention: what affects hair loss?
Preventive measures should be aimed at the overall health of the pet. Review the diet, it should contain the full range of essential nutrients. Also, veterinarians recommend giving prophylactic doses of vitamin complexes to improve health. Improve the condition of the coat with special shampoos and balms.
Having brought a furry miracle into the house, the owners become attached to it, and this miracle, over time, becomes a favorite member of the family. A shiny and beautiful coat in a dog is a sign of health. If the hair begins to fall out strongly, you should be wary. Perhaps the dog develops alopecia.
What is alopecia
A pathology in which a pet partially or completely loses its hair. Not to be confused with normal shedding. Baldness or hair growth disorder are alarming signs in the dog's body. These may be internal or external deviations from the norm.
Owners of these dog breeds should be especially attentive to their pets:
- staffordshire terrier;
- bulldog;
- doberman;
- poodle;
- spitz;
- chow-chow;
- miniature pinscher.
There is no clear cause for hair loss in animals. The process is unpredictable and sometimes fast. There is no clear scheme and methods of treatment, so the disease is called "alopecia X".
Alopecia X in dogs is not a specific disease, it is a complex of symptoms and a combination of several diseases, which hinders the treatment and diagnosis of pathology. The dog itself does not feel much discomfort, the absence of itching and pain does not prevent the pet from enjoying life. But it is unpleasant for the owner to collect wool around the house in tufts and watch how the pet is going bald.
The cause of hair loss remains unknown, but some studies point to a hormonal imbalance in sex hormones. Usually this is a hereditary factor.
Large-scale baldness begins with some parts of the body, but alopecia in a Spitz dog spreads further. The tail, body, hips are deprived of wool, and the paws and head remain fluffy.
The disease is expressed in different ways, it all depends on the causes. It can be partial hair loss or total.
seasonal molt
A common cause of hair loss. With a normal lifestyle, the animal molts twice a year. The most common dog breeds that shed are:
- like;
- spitz;
- husky;
- St. Bernard;
- dalmatian.
Seasonal molting (spring-autumn) is found in other breeds:
- alabai;
- pug;
- Newfoundland;
- German Shepherd;
- sheltie.
Virtually no shedding
- basenji;
- poodle;
- Giant Schnauzer;
- Airedale;
- Yorkshire Terrier.
If the dog lives in a climate that is hot for him, then he will lose his hair more often.
Signs of normal molting in a pet:
- Hair loss does not create bald patches.
- The animal feels great.
- When combing a dog, a more shiny and fluffy coat is visible, rather than bald patches.
- The dog itches a little.
To speed up the molting process, you will have to comb your pet two or three times a day.
Baldness in dogs can be caused by other reasons.
Unbalanced diet
Often the owners feed the dog natural food. it is useful if the diet contains enough vitamins B and C, as well as biotin vitamins. Do not forget that the dog eats fruits and vegetables with pleasure, but the owners most often miss this moment.
Alopecia in dogs develops as a result of a lack of vitamins in the body. The wool will begin to fade and fall out much more strongly. There are bald patches, which is very upsetting for the owners.
Dogs fed with industrial feed receive a balanced diet, and the risk of getting this kind of disease is much lower, almost eliminated.
Hormonal problems
Hormones are responsible for all metabolic processes in the animal's body, including hair growth. Hormonal changes are rare. But when they occur, it is they who become the source of the development of alopecia in dogs.
Causes of pathology:
- Hypothyroidism is a lack of thyroid hormones.
- Hyperandrenocorticism is an elevated level of cortisol in the blood.
- Alopecia X is a collection of several diseases.
Endocrine alopecia often affects adult or elderly pets. Especially males. Dryness of the skin appears all over the body, hair begins to fall out, irritation and scratching occur.
Sometimes you can see how the pet's hair falls out symmetrically. This is not complete baldness, but diffuse. The amount of hair with or without clearly defined boundaries, between the affected and healthy areas of the skin, is reduced.
Symmetric alopecia in dogs is also endocrine in nature. The problem appears most often:
- on the inner surface of the abdomen and hind legs;
- on the lateral parts of the chest and abdominal cavity;
- in the region of the anus and genitals;
- on the inner surface of the neck;
- in the armpit.
Itching with such alopecia is absent, but it causes concern for pet owners. Unfortunately, this problem is very common.
After the services of a groomer
The initial stage of hormonal failure is considered baldness in dogs after a haircut. Most often this happens when the dog needs surgery. Then the animal's hair is shaved off with a machine.
The risk zone for such baldness includes pets with a thick undercoat (malamutes, huskies, chow chows). After shearing, some dogs have to wait a long time for their coat to grow back.
This is a sign of health complications and the onset of alopecia in dogs. The photo above shows a shorn pet, happy and content, but sometimes the hair does not grow back for several weeks, and sometimes for years.
Allergy
Allergics are not only people, but also dogs. Usually it is a food allergy. The pet has loose stools and watery eyes.
If the dog itches and whines, it is most likely an allergy to the shampoo used to wash the animal. Such alopecia is often focal.
Alopecia in dogs due to allergies causes them to refuse to walk and eat. The general condition worsens. Particular attention should be paid to places where alopecia can intensify:
- behind the ears;
- on the neck;
- on the stomach;
- under the paws.
In these areas, scratching, dry skin and sores appear. The dog itself aggravates its condition by constant scratching and infection of the ulcers. In such cases, the component that causes inconvenience should be identified, eliminated from use and treated.
The cause of alopecia in dogs is often the defeat of the body by round or flat helminths. To avoid disease, it is recommended that the dog be given anti-worm medications every three months.
In such cases, the pet refuses to play, walk and eat. Stress can arise from the loss of the owner, the move, the loss of another animal to which the dog has become attached. In such cases, the dog loses hair evenly throughout the body, and stool and blood tests are normal.
Good communication with the pet will come to the rescue. He should be given more attention than usual. Create a quiet and warm environment. Give vitamins and high-calorie food.
Pregnancy
The appearance of baldness in a pregnant female is often caused by vitamin deficiency, worries and hormonal failure.
The expectant mother should always be able to eat well and quench her thirst. A pregnant dog needs rest and does not like increased attention.
Diagnostics for alopecia
To begin treatment for alopecia in dogs, you need to make the correct diagnosis, which is not easy. They will try to help save the pet and restore its beauty.
The main diagnostic methods include:
- phototrichogram;
- biopsy;
- microscopic examination of fallen hair and scraping of the skin;
- glow with a Wood's lamp;
- biochemical analysis of skin scrapings;
- bacteriological and mycological cultures of skin scrapings.
When there is a suspicion of hormonal disorders, blood is taken to balance hormones. Establish the activity of B- and T-lymphocytes, the content of the protein involved in the synthesis of iron, the presence of antigens.
Differential diagnosis - expensive tests are carried out, which not everyone can afford. But you can't do without them. It will be impossible to establish the cause of the pathology and provide assistance.
Treatment
It all depends on the cause of the disease, measures and actions will depend on this - that is, the appointment of how to treat alopecia in dogs. With an imbalance of hormones, hormone therapy is prescribed:
- with hypothyroidism - "Levothyroxine";
- with Cushing's disease, Mitotan, Trilostan are suitable;
- with hypoestrogenism, after castration - "Melatonin".
- selenium sulfide;
- chlorhexidine;
- miconazole.
Areas of hair loss are lubricated with a solution of "Phosmet". When large areas are affected, enter:
- "Melarzomin";
- "Dihydrochloride";
- "Prednisolone".
To restore the coat after treating the source of the disease, the doctor prescribes the following drugs:
- "Melatonin";
- "Mitotan";
- "Methyltestosterone";
- "Trilostan";
- "Lysodren".
During the treatment of idiopathic alopecia, complex therapy is used with the help of drugs:
- "Anipril";
- "Prednisolone";
- "Ketoconazole";
- "Leuprolide";
- "cimetidine".
The combination occurs clearly according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor.
After the time has passed, a positive result should appear. If this is not the case, then the treatment regimen is changed.
Why a dog's hair falls out, and bald patches form on the skin, find out from our article.
The dog is bald. What should the owner do
Most dog owners know that a pet has a seasonal molt several times a year. However, if the pet’s hair falls out intensively, and bald patches, scratches and sores form on the skin, it’s time to think about the health of the dog. After all, it can be a symptom of a dangerous disease. Let's talk about the main causes of dog hair loss and how to treat it.
Why is the dog going bald? Possible causes of pet hair loss
The dog begins to go bald for several reasons. In order to successfully treat baldness, it is necessary to determine what is causing it.
Wrong pet diet
Most often, baldness in a dog indicates that the animal is not properly fed. Your pet's diet lacks vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Also, the cause of baldness is feeding the dog with cheap industrial feeds that contain large amounts of flavor enhancers, dyes and preservatives.
If your pet's baldness is due to poor nutrition, you need to balance the diet and add vitamin supplements to it.
Dog goes bald due to allergies
A pet may be allergic to the components of even high-quality expensive food. In addition to bald patches, the dog has severe itching. She combs the body, thereby causing hair loss.
In dogs, allergies are usually of a food nature, sometimes developing to drugs, dust, plant pollen, and chemicals. In addition to itching and hair loss, you will notice redness of the skin, rashes that usually occur on the abdomen, back, armpits, between the fingers.
Dog baldness is also provoked by microscopic scabies mites that affect the pet's skin. The animal suffers from severe itching, hair falls out, peeling, crusts and abscesses form on the skin.
Hair loss is caused by various types of dermatitis, eczema, fungal skin lesions.
Ringworm is a fungal skin disease. This disease is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. In most cases, young dogs and pets with weak immunity get sick. Helps the development of the disease unbalanced diet and poor living conditions of the animal. When infected, round-shaped bald spots form on the dog's skin, which are usually located on the head, limbs, and tail of the pet. In the center of the bald area, the skin is red and flaky.
Baldness of the dog with improper care
With frequent bathing, the use of products that are not intended for washing the pet, the quality of the coat deteriorates, and the dog begins to lose hair. Wash the animal as it gets dirty with special shampoos that can be purchased at any pet store. It is advisable to do this no more than four or five times a year.
Another reason why a dog may go bald is the use of clothes in the warm season. Under a suit or overalls, the dog's skin overheats, sweats, which provokes hair loss. Dress the dog only in adverse weather, and at home and on the street, when it is warm, the pet should be without clothes.
Dog goes bald for no apparent reason
The dog sometimes goes bald for no apparent reason. This may be due to hormonal failure, stress or hereditary predisposition.
- Hormonal disorders
Cause hair loss in dogs Cushing's syndrome, lack or excess of estrogens, lack of thyroid hormone.
- Stress
If the pet is constantly worried or stressed for a long time, then he may begin to lose hair. After eliminating the source of stress, after some time, the pet's hair grows again.
- hereditary predisposition
Some dog breeds are prone to hair loss. These include Chihuahua, Poodle, Miniature Pinscher, Pomeranian. With baldness due to hereditary factors, hair falls out on the trunk and hips, but remains on the head and paws. At the same time, the dog looks healthy on the outside, does not experience itching, no peeling and redness on the skin.
Diagnosis and treatment of hair loss in a pet
The condition of the dog's coat is an important sign of good health, so if your pet is bald, contact your veterinarian at the clinic.
According to the symptoms associated with hair loss in a dog, the doctor will be able to guess the cause of baldness. For example, with seasonal molting and a lack of vitamins, the pet's hair falls out gradually. And the dog looks healthy, nothing worries her.
In addition to examining the animal, the veterinarian will conduct the following studies to determine the exact cause of baldness:
- Blood and urine test
- Thyroid examination
- Determination of the level of hormones in the blood
- Skin scraping
Only a veterinarian can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment. Subject to the doctor's recommendations, the pet's coat will recover in a few months. Self-treatment of a dog for baldness usually leads to disastrous consequences.
Prevention of hair loss in dogs
Preventing baldness in a dog is quite simple. It is necessary to properly care for and maintain a pet. Observe the following rules:
Protect your pet from infection with the IN-AP complex
IN-AP complex is a complex drug that has a wide spectrum of action: against fleas, ticks, lice, withers, round and tapeworms. Including destroys the larvae of dirofilaria - deadly heartworms.
The drug does not have toxic, skin-irritating and allergenic effects. When used in accordance with the instructions, there are no side effects.
In general, alopecia is baldness caused by one reason or another. This definition fits both seasonal and age-related baldness associated with molting, and baldness after the disease. And if everything is clear with seasonal baldness, because it is so conceived by nature and here we are not able to change anything, then it is necessary to take appropriate measures with diseases.
It is necessary to understand the cause of alopecia. Each breed of dog has certain periods when they change their coat. The easiest way is to consult a veterinarian, he will certainly be able to determine the cause of hair loss in your pet.
And if you yourself decide to diagnose the cause of baldness, you should re-read all possible literature describing the breed. It is possible that your experiences are in vain, and the dog is just in puberty or is preparing for winter. Fortunately, there are plenty of sources of information for all kinds of breeds and it will not be a problem to find them and understand them in detail.
If you notice unnatural hair loss, or baldness in a certain area of your dog's skin, you should sound the alarm. Surely the dog is sick with something, because natural fallout occurs all over the skin, as a rule, does not lead to complete baldness. Seek help from a veterinarian. There you will be diagnosed with the disease, the correct treatment will be advised.
The main causes of hair loss in dogs
Very often, pets shed hair due to hormonal imbalances. As a rule, with such ailments, hairless areas are symmetrical, and do not cover the entire body, but only some of its areas. The main hormonal diseases, due to which the coat of a dog climbs strongly, include:
- Hypothyroidism- Pathology of the thyroid gland. It affects overweight individuals and older dogs. Among dogs with hypothyroidism, the most common are dachshunds, cocker spaniels, retrievers, dobermans, irish setters, Airedale Terriers. Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, and a significant deterioration of the entire coat on the body, and hyperpigmentation of the skin, and slowing of the pulse. Such a problem is treated with synthetic hormones for the treatment of thyroid diseases (for example, Levothyroxine tablets);
- Pituitary dwarfism(growth hormone deficiency) is a rare disease that is traditional for german shepherds. With such a disease in dogs, the coat falls out on the back and stomach. In addition, with a lack of growth hormone, dogs stop growing by 3-4 months, have problems with teeth growth, have thinned skin (often damaged by dermatitis), dandruff. Treatment involves the introduction of hormonal drugs;
- Cushing's syndrome(an excess of the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for resisting the body to stressful influences) - with such a disorder, the dog's hair can fall out in any part of the body. In addition, with Cushing's syndrome, animals experience intense thirst, often pee, and behave inappropriately. Their skin has an inflamed appearance, cracks. Animals with such a hormonal failure eat little, actively lose weight, but their stomach looks bloated. Most often, this disease occurs in dogs of the Dachshund and Boxer breeds. Treatment requires drugs aimed at suppressing the production of cortisol (for example, Vetoril capsules);
- Hyperestrogenism(overabundance of estrogen) - an ailment that occurs in both females and males. At the same time, in addition to hair loss on the sides and on the abdomen, animals also have such symptoms of hyperestrogenism: swelling of the vulva and nipples in females, testicular swelling (in males), skin roughness, and increased sulfur production. Treatment of the disease is solved in an operable way by removing the reproductive organs (ovaries or testes, depending on gender);
- Hypoestrogenism(insufficient estrogen production) - occurs, as a rule, in middle-aged females with gynecological problems. With hypoestrogenism, hair falls out in the groin (or only near the vulva), the skin becomes thin and soft. The disease is treated with the introduction of the hormone estrogen.
The veterinarian can answer the question why the dog's hair falls out after examining the animal and the necessary tests. If the pet's hairline has begun to thin sharply or bald spots have formed, it's time to consult a specialist, since this process can be a symptom of a serious illness that can only be eliminated with medication.
There are two main groups of causes that cause hair loss:
- hormonal nature - changes in the work of the body, due to a violation of the work of individual glands;
- non-hormonal nature - violations caused by other, as a rule, external factors.
With a change in the hormonal background, baldness occurs symmetrically throughout the body, while with an asymmetrical, chaotic arrangement of bald spots indicates other diseases that are not associated with impaired hormone production.
Hormonal disorders
The most common hormonal causes that cause unscheduled shedding include:
- An excess of cortisol (Cushing's syndrome) - in addition to baldness, it is accompanied by intense thirst and profuse urination, frequent infectious diseases, swelling and sagging of the abdomen.
- Violation of the production of growth hormone - usually manifests itself during puberty in males in the form of the formation of symmetrical bald spots in different parts of the body.
It is believed that Chow Chows, Boxers, Poodles, Pomeranians and Airedale Terriers are most susceptible to this hormonal disorder.
- An excess of estrogens is accompanied by hair loss in the genital area in females and swelling of the foreskin in males.
- Estrogen deficiency - most common in spayed middle-aged females and causes first a slowdown in hair growth in the genital area and subsequently in other parts of the body. At the same time, thinning of existing hairs is observed, and the skin becomes very soft and tender.
- Violation of the production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) - there is fragility and dryness of the coat and the formation of bald spots on the neck, chest, back and other areas, while lethargy and apathy appear, a sharp increase in body weight and the resistance of the dog's body to infections decreases.
Non-hormonal causes
If the hormonal background of the dog is not disturbed, you need to look for other causes of excessive baldness. Among the most common options are:
- Allergic reactions - are also accompanied by irritation and scratching of the skin, redness of the eyes. They can occur on food, household chemicals (used for dog care or for cleaning the apartment), seasonal allergens.
Important: in animals eating natural food, allergic reactions occur much less frequently compared to those who eat ready-made dry food.
- Weakened immunity - can remain after suffering complex diseases, so it is important to maintain the pet's health during this period with additional vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Zinc deficiency - provokes dryness and coarsening of the bald skin, the appearance of scales and cracking of the soft pads on the dog's paws.
- Improper care - do not use "human" shampoos and too hot water to bathe pets. For long-haired pets, a full bath is recommended once a month, and for wire-haired pets, even less often. Don't forget to brush regularly.
Frequent bathing causes the fatty substances that form a protective layer on the dog's skin to be washed off, as a result, the quality of the coat deteriorates, it becomes drier and thinner.
Dwarf breeds are especially susceptible to stress. For example, Chihuahuas can get nervous with active play and loud noises. To save her from stress, it is enough to provide silence and a relaxing holiday, leave her alone less and not grab her hands sharply.
- Scabies - caused by the presence of the smallest scabies mites and is accompanied by itching, the dog's hair falls out in places. First of all, there is baldness of small areas around the eyes, corners of the mouth, but if left untreated, the bald spots merge, forming a continuous baldness of the skin, and pyoderma (bacterial infection) may develop.
- Mutational alopecia (blue doberman syndrome) - accompanied by profuse baldness of all parts of the body and the formation of pustules and papules. Visually, it seems that the animal "ate" the moth.
- Yeast infections - most often develop in areas of high humidity (for example, in the armpits, skin folds, or interdigital areas) and are accompanied by an unpleasant odor and excessive oiliness of the affected areas.
Breeds with wrinkled skin and a large number of folds on the body are most predisposed to this kind of infection - sharpei, bulldogs, etc.
- Solar dermatitis - characterized primarily by facial baldness, can also cause ulcers and autoimmune problems.
- Adenitis of the sebaceous glands - causes symmetrical baldness of the head, neck and back of the animal and may be accompanied by an infectious lesion of the hair follicles.
As a rule, this is due to the state of health of the dog's body.
There are two factors behind this phenomenon:
- hormone;
- non-hormonal.
Hormonal
With hormonal causes, the disappearance of the hairline begins with the neck, chest, and then passes to other parts of the animal's body. This happens if there is a malfunction in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Immunity is reduced, the villi become brittle.
If the animal has been sterilized, then the production of the sex hormone will be reduced. The dog will quickly gain weight, will be subject to frequent infectious diseases. The skin of the animal will become softer, the growth rate of the undercoat will decrease.
An excess of cortisol, which is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates in the dog's body, leads to increased thirst and subsequent frequent urination, which also affects the volume of the hairline.
Improper functioning of the sebaceous glands leads to the formation of bald patches on the back.
Non-hormonal
Non-hormonal factors are as follows:
- stress due to change of residence;
- moving;
- surgical intervention;
- pregnancy.
In addition, the possible reasons leading to such a reaction include bathing the dog with shampoos and using conditioners. This negatively affects the chemical composition of the skin, it begins to itch. The pile breaks and falls out.
Bald spots in a pet can appear due to several factors. It is also very important to note that a dog can go bald, both completely and patchy. Most often, there is baldness of the fluffy tail of dogs, bald patches on long ears in a domestic dog, as well as focal bald spots on the base of the body.
Thus, it is worth highlighting the main reasons why a dog can go bald.
Seasonal shedding
Very often, baldness of the ear and parts of the body can appear due to seasonal hair loss. Dogs usually shed twice a year. However, sometimes this phenomenon can be observed more often.
In order to determine that a pet's baldness is visible due to molting, you should pay attention to the following main symptoms:
- the dog begins to actively scratch the body;
- hair falls out evenly throughout the body;
- the animal feels well, does not give any alarming signals;
- if the dog is well combed, then there will be a shiny and beautiful coat;
- wool begins to peel off in spring and autumn.
Symptoms of alopecia in dogs
There are no pronounced symptoms of this disease. The fact is that alopecia appears either gradually or suddenly.
If you notice that your pet is losing too much hair, you need to contact your veterinarian, who should find out what is causing the alopecia and what disease is contributing to it.
Diagnosis and signs of baldness
In the case of non-hormonal baldness, the effectiveness of treatment depends on the correct determination of the cause of baldness and its elimination. It is recommended to add foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, which contribute to the rapid growth of wool.
With a hormonal cause of the disease, appropriate drugs are prescribed. Unfortunately, the effect of them is unstable and baldness can start again.
Treatment
There is no universal way to get rid of alopecia. Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, so the treatment depends entirely on the source of the problem. If alarming symptoms appear, the owner of the animal should contact the veterinarian to examine the dog, assess the condition of the coat, conduct the necessary tests and identify the reasons for its loss.
Depending on the results of the examination and symptoms, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment:
Each of the treatment options can be supplemented with vitamin and mineral complexes, fish oil and other drugs to strengthen the immune system.
You can also ask a question to our website staff veterinarian, who will answer them as soon as possible in the comments box below.
Only a veterinarian can determine why a dog's hair began to fall out in a particular case. Therefore, making a diagnosis on your own is completely useless, and unsafe.
The doctor will take tests, find out the catalyst disease and explain how to treat the animal.
If the cause is a hormonal disorder, then a treatment regimen with special medications will be prescribed.
Usually prescribed Metatonin and Trilostane. Recovery occurs within 6 weeks. If improvement is not noticeable, then the drugs are reviewed.
With a fungal infection, hair falls out in shreds. Bare areas, inflamed, covered with crusts. With a significant lesion, the coat may not recover even after treatment. Immunostimulating agents are intended to stabilize the immune system.
Feed during the treatment period should contain vitamin complexes to stimulate the growth of the undercoat.
Allergy
The owner of the pet can prevent alopecia by himself if he monitors the state of the dog's immunity and provides him with a balanced diet.
Treatment of hair loss in dogs necessarily occurs under the supervision of a veterinarian. Many infectious diseases can cause a sharp deterioration in the health of the animal, so it is better not to treat it yourself. It is possible to treat baldness with a folk method only if it is due to stress or malnutrition.
First, the dog begins to feed carbohydrate food. If the reason still lies in the diet, then the dog is transferred to a complete feed.
If the pet does not eat food, then they select the right diet from natural products. For example, these:
- meat;
- vegetables and fruits;
- seafood;
- cereals;
- kidneys and liver.
In addition, vitamins, growth yeast or additive preparations are given. Such preparations are specially made for the development of the animal's fiber structure and its rapid growth. The dog can be wiped with high quality oil once a day. It softens and moisturizes the skin and coat.
Treatment of hair loss and baldness depends on the clinical picture of the cause of the formation and development of pathology in the animal. To determine the root cause, the veterinarian performs a visual examination of the patient and prescribes laboratory tests and diagnostic tests.
As noted more than once above, hair loss is a sign of an underlying disease that must be accurately diagnosed so that effective treatment can begin.
Treating hair loss in a dog should not be started on your own without consulting a doctor. In order to identify the cause of baldness in a dog, you need to do the following:
do a pet blood test to diagnose hormonal disorders;
test for hypersensitivity of the skin;
take a skin biopsy, diagnosing possible diseases at the micro level.
dandelion infusion;
powder from green and marine brown algae.
The latter are rich in vitamins and minerals and contribute to the rapid growth of wool.
If the cause of hair loss is different, then the doctor prescribes the treatment. By following his instructions, you can easily eliminate baldness in your pet.
To find out the reason why the dog is partially or completely bald, you need to check the usefulness of its nutrition and conduct a series of studies. Usually, a urinalysis, a clinical blood test, a biopsy of a skin area are given, the thyroid gland is examined and the level of adrenal hormones in the blood is determined. The condition of a dog's coat is an important sign of its health, so at the first incomprehensible signs of hair loss, you should contact your veterinarian.
In any case, self-treatment is unacceptable, because it can only aggravate the condition of the dog and endanger its health, and even life. Treatment for eczema varies depending on the type of disease. Furunculosis is successfully treated with a diet, special medicines and ointments.
Preventive measures for alopecia
To prevent such diseases in the future, it is necessary to carry out preventive procedures and carefully care for the pet. We must not forget about vaccinations against infections and rabies, because by doing them at the prescribed frequency, you greatly reduce the chances of contracting serious diseases. And the pet itself will feel much better, because its body will not fight the infection itself. And the animal body, as well as the human body, has to fight constantly.
Remember that a dog, especially a young one, often leads an active lifestyle. She constantly wants to play, she is bored and needs to actively move. If you notice an unnaturally calm behavior in your pet, or a sickly appearance, pay attention to the state of health.
Also, in order not to have to treat alopecia in dogs, it is necessary to periodically comb the coat with special combs. This is especially true for long-haired breeds. Thus, you can rid the dog of obsolete hair that interferes and detect skin disorders in time, which, in turn, lead to alopecia. Take care of your dog and you will not have to treat him for unpleasant diseases.
Despite the fact that dogs cannot speak, they always eloquently show us that they do not like or are worried about something. It is only necessary to pay enough attention to the pet and learn to understand its mood swings.
Problems can be avoided if preventive measures are not neglected. For this you should:
In spring and autumn, the dog molts. It continues for 2 weeks.
This is normal. Age molting is also observed, when the soft coat of a puppy changes to the hard coat of an adult animal.
The bitch sheds after childbirth, as well as during lactation. But even in such a period, the owner must closely monitor the appearance of the dog. She needs combing 2 times a day.
For this, a slicker comb is suitable, which does an excellent job of removing falling hair.
Hair loss in a dog is not life-threatening, but it can indicate other dangerous disorders in the body!
To prevent alopecia, veterinarians recommend that owners treat their four-legged pets with attention. They must control their food, follow them on walks, and dogs can pick up something on the street and eat. They need to be given vitamins and minerals.
When baldness is observed not only in the ears of dogs, but also in all parts of the body, it is combed out every day. And also during periods of molting necessarily, in autumn and spring. For three months, the animal is fed with special means of worms for prevention. And twice a year, they kill fleas from a dog, in spring and autumn.
If the pet has thick hair, for example, huskies, huskies, spitz, then a lot of attention should be paid to the coat. If the first symptoms of alopecia begin to appear, the ear, tail or paws begin to become bald, then the dog is shown to the veterinarian in a short time and the treatment process begins. The owner should pay more attention to the pet and follow the rules of hair care.
The main condition for preventing alopecia in dogs is the timely elimination of skin problems. The dog should be carefully examined during grooming and in case of any signs of baldness, contact the veterinarian.
Most often, baldness in a dog begins with the formation of bald spots in the hairline. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the dog will lose all the hairline.
One of the conditions for the health of wool is compliance with the rules of feeding. Many economy-class dry food, such as Oscar, contain low-quality ingredients, dyes and preservatives, the use of which will certainly affect the condition of the pet's coat. Therefore, you need to choose high-quality feed or use natural products.
A beautiful, thick coat in a dog is a sign of the health of the animal and its decoration. Increased hair loss is a call to action for the owner.
There are no specific preventive measures against possible baldness in dogs. It is recommended that you walk your dog as often as possible, take care of its balanced diet so that it receives all the necessary vitamins and nutrients, and take care of its coat.
To recognize the causes and correct treatment, you should consult a doctor who will select the therapy that is right for your dog and prescribe the necessary medications.
Remember that your pet's health is your responsibility. The owner of the dog is obliged to take the necessary measures aimed at its cure.
If the pet belongs to breeds that are predisposed to alopecia, then in case of even a slight manifestation, go to the veterinarian for an examination.
There are statistics that with timely treatment, the chances of neutralizing hormonal baldness are much higher.
Hair loss in animals, as a rule, happens a couple of times a year - during the periods of spring and autumn molting. This is a normal seasonal phenomenon that does not require intervention. But if there is still a lot of time before this period, and the coat becomes noticeably thinner and actively falls out, the owner should worry about the health of the pet. With seasonal molting, there is also no change in the behavior and well-being of the dog, and the impact of other factors is often accompanied by a lack of appetite, lethargy and combing of balding areas. In such cases, it is important to determine the causes and take appropriate measures to eliminate them.
The veterinarian can answer the question why the dog's hair falls out after examining the animal and the necessary tests. If the pet's hairline has begun to thin sharply or bald spots have formed, it's time to consult a specialist, since this process can be a symptom of a serious illness that can only be eliminated with medication.
There are two main groups of causes that cause hair loss:
- hormonal nature - changes in the work of the body, due to a violation of the work of individual glands;
- non-hormonal nature - violations caused by other, as a rule, external factors.
With a change in the hormonal background, baldness occurs symmetrically throughout the body, while with an asymmetrical, chaotic arrangement of bald spots indicates other diseases that are not associated with impaired hormone production.
Hormonal disorders
The most common hormonal causes that cause unscheduled shedding include:
- An excess of cortisol (Cushing's syndrome) - in addition to baldness, it is accompanied by intense thirst and profuse urination, frequent infectious diseases, swelling and sagging of the abdomen.
- Violation of the production of growth hormone - usually manifests itself during puberty in males in the form of the formation of symmetrical bald spots in different parts of the body.
It is believed that Chow Chows, Boxers, Poodles, Pomeranians and Airedale Terriers are most susceptible to this hormonal disorder.
- An excess of estrogens is accompanied by hair loss in the genital area in females and swelling of the foreskin in males.
- Estrogen deficiency - most common in spayed middle-aged females and causes first a slowdown in hair growth in the genital area and subsequently in other parts of the body. At the same time, thinning of existing hairs is observed, and the skin becomes very soft and tender.
- Violation of the production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) - there is fragility and dryness of the coat and the formation of bald spots on the neck, chest, back and other areas, while lethargy and apathy appear, a sharp increase in body weight and the resistance of the dog's body to infections decreases.
Non-hormonal causes
If the hormonal background of the dog is not disturbed, you need to look for other causes of excessive baldness. Among the most common options are:
- Allergic reactions - are also accompanied by irritation and scratching of the skin, redness of the eyes. They can occur on food, household chemicals (used for dog care or for cleaning the apartment), seasonal allergens.
Important: in animals eating natural food, allergic reactions occur much less frequently compared to those who eat ready-made dry food.
- Weakened immunity - can remain after suffering complex diseases, so it is important to maintain the pet's health during this period with additional vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Zinc deficiency - provokes dryness and coarsening of the bald skin, the appearance of scales and cracking of the soft pads on the dog's paws.
- Improper care - do not use "human" shampoos and too hot water to bathe pets. For long-haired pets, a full bath is recommended once a month, and for wire-haired pets, even less often. Don't forget to brush regularly.
Frequent bathing causes the fatty substances that form a protective layer on the dog's skin to be washed off, as a result, the quality of the coat deteriorates, it becomes drier and thinner.
Dwarf breeds are especially susceptible to stress. For example, Chihuahuas can get nervous with active play and loud noises. To save her from stress, it is enough to provide silence and a relaxing holiday, leave her alone less and not grab her hands sharply.
- Scabies - caused by the presence of the smallest scabies mites and is accompanied by itching, the dog's hair falls out in places. First of all, there is baldness of small areas around the eyes, corners of the mouth, but if left untreated, the bald spots merge, forming a continuous baldness of the skin, and pyoderma (bacterial infection) may develop.
- Mutational alopecia (blue doberman syndrome) - accompanied by profuse baldness of all parts of the body and the formation of pustules and papules. Visually, it seems that the animal "ate" the moth.
- Yeast infections - most often develop in areas of high humidity (for example, in the armpits, skin folds, or interdigital areas) and are accompanied by an unpleasant odor and excessive oiliness of the affected areas.
Breeds with wrinkled skin and a large number of folds on the body are most predisposed to this kind of infection - sharpei, bulldogs, etc.
- Solar dermatitis - characterized primarily by facial baldness, can also cause ulcers and autoimmune problems.
- Adenitis of the sebaceous glands - causes symmetrical baldness of the head, neck and back of the animal and may be accompanied by an infectious lesion of the hair follicles.
Treatment
There is no universal way to get rid of alopecia. Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, so the treatment depends entirely on the source of the problem. If alarming symptoms appear, the owner of the animal should contact the veterinarian to examine the dog, assess the condition of the coat, conduct the necessary tests and identify the reasons for its loss. Diagnosing the cause at home is not only ineffective, but also unsafe, since hair loss can be not only a harmless allergic reaction, but also a symptom of a disease that threatens not only the pet, but also family members (ringworm, scabies).
Depending on the results of the examination and symptoms, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment:
Each of the treatment options can be supplemented with vitamin and mineral complexes, fish oil and other drugs to strengthen the immune system.
You can also ask a question to our website staff veterinarian, who will answer them as soon as possible in the comments box below.