Hair loss in dogs is a common disorder; it can result in the dog having partial or total hair loss. This disorder, also known as Alopecia can affect the animal’s skin, immune, lymphatic and endocrine system and it can affect all dogs irrespective of age, breed and gender. Though hair loss in dogs is something natural, when this occurs to an extent of baldness, it symbolizes deep health issues.
There are various conditions and cases that can cause hair loss in dogs, some may be normal while others indicate the presence of a certain disease. These conditions can be behavioral, genetic or medical in nature. it is imperative to diagnose the exact cause of the hair loss before treating.
Most cases of hair loss in dogs are caused by Mange resulting from a type of mite Demodex. It may also occur due to the disruption in the growth of hair follicles from trauma, immune disease, infection or abnormalities in the immune system. Multiple hair loss may be because of the inflammation of hair follicles and a widespread area of loss of hair is an indication of a certain disease pattern.
Excessive hair loss may be linked to hormonal imbalance, skin disease and tumor. The following are the
conditions that can lead to hair loss in dogs:
Hormones: Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease causes excessive loss of hair to the extent of exposing the skin. Because hormonal imbalance pose dangerous health risks and can be treated through surgery or hormonal therapy.
Tumors: This can lead to hair loss when appears on the ovaries or the testicles and this can only be solved by removing the affected organ.
Alopecia X: Dogs suffering from this conditions experience hair loss on all areas of the body. Though the hair will re-grow, nutritional supplements like Nupro can speed this process of hair growth.
Pattern Baldness: When a dog experiences baldness in a sequential and gradual process, especially around the ears it can be due to poor nutrition.
Mange: This is the loss of hair around the eyes and it may be as a result of infestation by sarcoptic mite. Mange is associated with generalized or patchy hair loss. This can be treated using permethrin
Infection by fungi can also cause hair loss. This causes hair loss in multiple areas and it is accompanied by mild scaling and reddening of the skin. Ringworm and bacteria can also cause this kind of hair loss. Excessive steroid levels in the body of the dog due to low thyroid level and increase in the level of estrogen can result to symmetrical loss of hair.
Loss of hair in dogs can be treated through the administration of drugs, food supplements and surgery. The form of treatment depends on the medical condition that has caused the disease. Surgery may be used in the removal of the tumor and organs that cause hormonal related hair loss. There is also vaccination that is available to dogs. This can treat various cases of hair loss. Drugs are administered depending on the type of the condition.
