HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR LOSS & DANDRUFF IN DOGS : TREATMENT & PREVENTIVE CARE

HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR LOSS & DANDRUFF IN DOGS : TREATMENT & PREVENTIVE CARE

Dog’s fur is a good indicator of its well-being and overall health. It can be divided into three different types of fur: a soft downy undercoat, stiffer guard hairs and whiskers. Changes in the fur’s condition can be affected by various health issues, such as thyroid problems, allergies, insufficient nutrition, external parasites, hormone imbalances or infections.

Alopecia is a medicinal terminology for abnormal hair loss in dogs. The word alopecia comes from the Greek word “Alopex,” meaning fox, as foxes can be affected by mange and lose hair.

Alopecia is a symptom that can affect dogs and cats of all breeds, age, or gender. Hair is essential to help regulate body temperature, and it provides physical protection against UV radiation. In dogs, hair has a predetermined length and rate of growth, depending on the breed.

Short coated breeds (e.g., Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Basset Hound and etc.) have a more constant turnover of hairs. In contrast, longer coated breeds (e.g., Poodles, Golden Retrievers, etc.) have a longer duration of growing hair (anagen) and may need more regular grooming and brushing.

Most dogs usually shed their hair regularly, regardless of age, gender, or dog species. Whether on the carpet, in the car, on your sofa, or bed, dogs will most definitely leave behind some hair.

Shedding follows a natural pattern driven by day length from hormone production by the brain’s pineal gland (the same reason birds migrate at certain times of the year). Typically, in the northern hemisphere, dogs will shed more in the longer daylight months (this just so happens to be warmer months) in the spring and summer. They will bulk up hair production in the winter. The temperature does not control shedding. Hence, the question every pet owner has is, “When should I worry when my dog is losing hair?”

More often than not, pet owners do not worry about dog hair loss. They simply find creative ways to clean up the hair or keep it within a confined area. However, if you observe large balls of hair around your house or notice spots of missing hair on your dog, then you should definitely take a closer look as to why.

It’s important to know what type of fur your dog’s breed has, as it indicates the level of maintenance it requires on a regular basis. 

• Long hair requires regular grooming and can be the most time-consuming hair type. Long haired breeds are e.g. Lhasa Apso, Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.
• Curly hair might require visits to a professional groomer approximately every 2-4 weeks, or at least regular grooming sessions at home on a monthly basis. This type of hair tangles and knots easily and can break easily due to its tendency to become very dry. Breeds with curly hair are e.g. Poodles, Bichon Frises and Portugese Water Dogs.
• Short haired breeds, such as Labradors, Beagles or Pugs, are the easiest to groom. These breeds have a smooth and soft fur which often has a soft undercoat to help regulate their body temperature.
• Wire (or broken) coats feel rough and bristly when groomed. Some wire haired breeds might need regular visits to a professional groomer as the old and dull hair is usually plucked or stripped with a specific knife. This kind of fur can be found from e.g. Scottich Terriers, Cairn Terriers or Otterhounds.

SHEDDING

Dog hair grows and dies in cycles, which results an every-day nuisance for dog owners, called shedding. Dog’s hair grows to a certain length determined by the breed’s genetics – then stops growing, dies and falls off. Shedding can cause the dog to itch, which can be relieved with regular grooming.

Shedding is connected to seasonal temperature changes as well as to the day length. Dogs who spend their time mostly outdoors tend to shed heavily when the days lengthen in the spring, as dogs who live indoors, tend to shed throughout the year. In addition to seasonal temperatures, also female dogs’ hormonal changes and recovering of medical anesthesia can cause extensive shedding.

When the hair loss seems to be something else than just normal seasonal shedding, it can be related to sickness. If you spot some of the issues below, you should explore the reasons with your dog’s vet:

• The hair has become dry and brittle
• The hair falls out unevenly
• There are larger bald patches or clumps of lost hair
• Hair loss is accompanied by another skin problem, for example dermatitis
• Dog is tender to the touch, or resists being touched where the hair has fallen

The causes for unusual hair loss can be for example:

• Allergies
• Hormonal problems
• Internal or external parasites
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Endocrinological sicknesses, like thyroid hypofunction

 HOT SPOTS 

Although swimming is good exercise and fun, excessive bathing can cause the dog skin problems. When the coat is wet for long periods of time, the skin is left to simmer and can be infected. Hot spot-dermatitis is common, especially for those dogs, that have a dense coat and thick undercoat. Hot spot is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria is common in dog’s skin. Moist and dirty coat and small scratches on the skin promote the proliferation of the bacteria which can cause an inflammation. Hot spot-dermatitis is a red, swollen and infected area in the dog’s skin, and sometimes hard to detect through a thick fur. The dog may scratch or lick itself, and the skin is itchy and sore. A hot spot-area may expand rapidly even into a palm-sized patch on the skin.

First aid for the hot spot is to cut or shave the hair around the dermatitis, so that the skin can breathe. The skin can be very painful, and sometimes the dog has to be taken the vet to be sedated, so that the hair can be shaved. The inflated skin is cleansed with a non-burning disinfectant, suitable for dogs. The area may also be washed with an antiseptic shampoo, that is suitable for dogs. Try to prevent the dog from licking the area. You might have to use a collar for that.

If the infected area is very large and the infection doesn’t heal with home care, the dog must be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Prolonged inflammation is often treated with antibiotics or cortisone. If the hot spot recurs repeatedly, the root of the cause must be examined by a vet. You can try to prevent the inflammation for example by cutting the coat thinner on those areas, where the skin would easily moist and by drying the dog’s fur carefully every time it gets wet.

What is dandruff in dogs?

Dandruff in dogs is very similar to that of dandruff in humans. It is characterized by the presence of white flecks on the hair of the canine. It is a myth that dandruff is caused by poor hygiene. While environmental factors can be involved, it is usually due to imbalances in the organism.

This is why dandruff is commonly linked to seborrhea. Seborrhea is a condition whereby the sebaceous glands are overactive, producing too much of the oily substance which is necessary to keep the dog’s hair in condition. When there is too much oil produced, it can result in poor conditioning of the coat and skin.

However, the white specks which we call dandruff are actually skin cells. Normal skin cells on a dog’s skin will shed, but are usually not visible to the naked eye. When the skin cells are very large or shed more quickly than usual, they can result in dandruff.

Normal dog hair shedding

We should know that the quality of a dog’s hair is determined by many factors. These include their hormone levels, nutrition, genetics or the frequency of brushing. Although dogs will engage in self-grooming, we need to assist them in this process by combing their hair and washing it only when needed (too much washing can be just as damaging as too little).

If the dog is lacking in any of these areas, their coat can lose conditioning. When this happens, it can lead to dry skin and the hair becoming dry and brittle. Dandruff is a common cause, since skin flakes will appear due to the dryness. The hair can also fall out if it is in poor condition.

Another cause of hair loss is a natural process known as shedding in dogs. Both the skin cells and hair follicles will shed throughout the year in most dogs. However, the shedding season is a period when hair sheds more due to a change in the seasons and climate. This usually occurs in spring and autumn, but dogs which spend a lot of time inside can have altered shedding patterns.

Shedding in itself shouldn’t cause dandruff and bald patches, even if the hair might look a little thinner at times. Below we look at how dandruff and bald patches on the dog’s skin can occur.

Seborrheic dermatitis

When the dog has seborrhea, it can lead to something known as seborrheic dermatitis. This occurs when the overproduction of oils on the skin leads to the pore becoming blocked and inflamed. This inflammation can cause the skin to break and flake off as dandruff.

Since the dermatitis can be very itchy, the dog will usually try to scratch the areas which are most bothersome. In these cases, the hair can fall out due to a combination of inflamed skin and trauma from the dog scratching. The resultant bald spots usually have reddened and inflamed skin visible.

The natural cycle of dog shedding

All animals, especially our dogs, go through shedding on a regular basis. It’s one of their lives’ many natural cycles. The hair shafts of your fur-baby go through two processes: growing and shedding. And these phases play an important role in determining the rate of dog hair growth in dogs and can vary according to breed, age, health condition, environment, etc.

Dog hair growth can happen continuously in certain breeds. Dogs whose hair is growing continuously like the Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus have stronger hair shafts and are generally considered to be low shedding dogs.

Meanwhile dogs like the Huskies, Malamutes, and Retrievers have weaker hair shafts and have teeming undercoats, causing them to shed more. Double coated dogs will usually appear fully and shed more often. Examples of double coated dogs include Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Labrador Retrievers. Keep in mind that a Bernese Mountain Dog shedding will draw substantially more fur than low shedding dogs, but it can still be considered a normal amount for the breed. Although they can have a lot of fur, you should not shave double-coated dogs as it can damage their natural coat.

According to the American Kennel Club, for dogs that shed seasonally, you’ll notice that most of the heavy shedding occurs in the spring and fall. In the spring weather, your dog’s coat will become a little bit lighter, in preparation for the warm weather, even in low shedding dogs.

What Causes Hair Loss In Dogs?

1. Blame The Genes

Italian greyhounds, Chihuahua, Dachshunds, and Dobermans are more prone to hair loss than others.

Thanks to their genes, these dogs may start showing signs of hair loss just after their first year. Look out for bald spots on the lower neck, the outer side of the ears, chest, belly, and thighs.

Fact: Remember genetic hair loss is either symmetric or at one spot with usually no inflammation.

• Infections

Redness, hives, and alopecia are all caused by bacterial infection. Other than these, ringworm is a fungal infection that is a major cause of hair loss in dogs.

Itchy skin, inflammation, and hair loss around the eyes, ears, and mouth are symptoms that your dog fur is infested with mites.

• Allergies

Like humans, dogs can be allergic to a lot of stuff. From food to the environment or parasites, anything can spark these allergic reactions.

And allergies are one of the reasons why dogs face hair loss. Get to the root cause and make sure that your pup stays away from the triggering element.

• Crushing’s Disease

A serious medical condition in dogs is caused by the overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal gland.

Crushing’s disease might be one reason for your dog’s hair loss. Excessive eating, drinking, urinating, and panting are other symptoms to watch out for.

• Rashes

Prolonged and excessive rashes can be a cause of hair loss. Rashes can occur due to various reasons.

Excessive rubbing of skin, medications, chemicals from shampoos, sometimes dog clothes or collars, the cause could be anything. Rashes can appear within minutes or hours of exposure.

• Calluses

This is more common in heavy dogs. Over time, the weight of the body can cause sores on the parts that come in constant contact with hard surfaces.

These pressure sores further lead to calluses that harden or thicken the skin, resulting in hair loss.

• Other Medical illnesses

There can be numerous underlying issues that can cause hair loss. Poor nutritional food is a major reason.

Hypothyroidism, growth hormone disorders, lactation, pregnancy, or even stress and anxiety among dogs can make them lose a significant amount of hair.

10 Signs Your Dog Is Losing Hair 

Sometimes it is easy to confuse hair shedding with hair loss. But then if you look closely for alopecia symptoms, you can tell what’s up in your doggo’s fur world.

Sometimes there may not be any apparent signs initially. Like when infested with fleas, ticks, or lice, it is not easily visible.

But over time, if the core problem is not diagnosed, your dog starts showing signs which are out of the norm. Here are some of these common symptoms of alopecia to guard against.

1. Noticeable Bald Spots

Extreme and frequent hair shedding leads to visible bald patches over the body of your dog. They could be anywhere from behind the ears to under the belly.

2. Reduced Fur Coat

It’s not always the bald patches. Sometimes visible thinning of the dog’s coat may raise concerns. That is a true sign that it’s not the hair shedding your dog is going through.

3. Skin Irritation Leading To Scratching

Is your dog irritated and scratching on the same spots and still not relieved? Check for underlying issues. Skin irritation and scratching could be signs that your dog is going through alopecia.

4. Dandruff

Yes, dogs have dandruff too. Notice the white flaky stuff in its hair – that’s dandruff. Hair loss is one of its significant symptoms.

5. Bleeding Or Oozing Mucus

Excessive scratching on itchy dry skin can cause wounds to open. As a result, you can witness occasional bleeding or oozing and eventually hair loss.

6. Unpleasant Smell

An unpleasant smell reveals a sign of infection. Bacterial or even fungal yeast infections in dogs are usually packed with a foul odor. These infections become a major cause of hair loss.

7. Redness And Inflammation

Notice any unusual redness and inflammation on your pet’s skin? Something in your dog’s body is acting up. It can be a sign that your dog is going through hair loss.

8. Flaky And Dry Dog’s Skin

Canine scabies or Demodex mites often lead to alopecia. If your dog has extremely dry and flaky skin that means he is under the belt of skin disease.

9. Hives

The appearance of hives on your dog’s skin is a clear symptom of hair loss. Hives are visible and they may change their shape and place. So be on the lookout for red or skin-colored bumps with clear edges.

10. Thickened Skin

If you see thickened skin on any body part of your dog, know that your dog is going through alopecia. The most common places to look for are the pressure points of the body like elbows and knees.

SYMPTOMS OF DOG HAIR LOSS

When determining whether or not the loss of dog hair is normal, dog owners should look for some signs and symptoms that occur when there is a problem.

If the hair loss is excessive, dog owners may get instructions from the vet to check the skin surface for any tell-tale signs of abnormal hair loss. Dry, scaly, or even dark grey skin is an indicator that the dog’s hair loss is not normal.

When the hair is too thin, it is highly likely that the dog is experiencing a condition responsible for the thinning of hair and may, therefore, lose more hair on their body surface. Red and inflamed skin may also be visible around the area of hair loss, which is an indication of infection. The constant itching and the oozing of moisture, pus, or blood around the area of hair loss are also of great concern and is an indication to consult with your veterinarian.

The one symptom that dog owners sometimes fail to acknowledge is a foul odor coming from the surface of the dog’s skin. Foul-smelling skin is a definite signal that the dog’s hair loss is not normal. The smell could be from secondary infection. The odor can also come from the glands in the skin (apocrine and sebaceous). In this case, the glands release more oils when the skin is irritated (e.g., from allergies), and these oils oxidize and leave a foul odor.

 Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Dogs

If your pet is experiencing hair loss, they should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and treat the condition. Diagnosis is based on the onset of signs, pattern of hair loss, skin condition around hair loss and whether the pet is itching or uncomfortable.

• Pattern of hair loss – Generalized hair loss could be a sign of mange or bacterial infection. Patches of hair loss could indicate conditions like ringworm, bacterial infection, mites, or mange. Hair loss in the rump and tail base area is often due to a flea allergy. Hair loss from the paws and face is sometimes environmental allergies (atopy). Symmetrical hair loss could be a sign of adrenal gland disorder, thyroid disorder, or abnormal sex hormone levels (endocrine disorders).
• Blood profile – Blood testing will help to diagnose certain immune system conditions, hormone abnormalities, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, and Diabetes mellitus.
• Biopsy – If skin cancer or a tumor is suspected, or in persistent unresponsive skin lesions, the veterinarian may want to send a sample of the affected area to the laboratory to determine diagnosis and treatment.
• Skin impression smears – Pressing a microscopic slide on the affected area and analyzing it can show the presence of bacteria, yeast, or inflammatory cells.
• Skin scraping – Scraping the skin gently with a blade to gather hair follicles onto a slide can help detect the presence of mange mites.
• Luminescence – Some ringworm species will glow a fluorescent green-yellow under ultraviolet light.
• Allergen elimination trials – Feeding a hypoallergenic diet, treating fleas, or eliminating the use of certain shampoos or drugs may reveal an allergy to a certain food.
• Allergy testing – Skin and/or blood tests can narrow down the list of potential environmental allergens.

Treatment of Hair Loss in Dogs

Depending on the diagnosis, a variety of treatments are available for dog hair loss.

1. Antibiotics (oral or topical) will treat bacterial infections.
2. Antifungals (oral or topical) can treat yeast and ringworm infections.
3. Steroids may be required to treat certain skin conditions.
4. Immunosuppressive Drugs or Anti-cytokine Drugs may be needed for environmental allergy (Atopy) control. Often life long treatment is needed.
5. Immunotherapy may be needed orally or by injection for allergy desensitization.
6. Behavioral medications can treat nervous chewing or licking.
7. Medicated shampoos or dips can treat cases of mange.
8. Hypoallergenic diets will often solve hair loss due to food allergies. Allergies to foods take some time to define. The veterinarian will recommend a prescription or over the counter hypoallergenic diet and explain the proper method of transitioning to the new diet.
9. Monthly flea preventative can clear up hair loss associated with flea allergies
10. Thyroid medication and hormone therapy can reverse hair loss in hormonal and endocrine disorders.
11. Vitamin E, Vitamin A and fish oil supplements may be recommended for pets with certain conditions or a predisposition to dry skin or skin infections.
12. An Elizabethan collar (e-collar or cone) may be required to prevent your pet from licking at or itching the affected site until healed.
13. Surgery may be required to remove sections of skin cancer or tumors. Neutering or spaying your pet may be required for sex-hormone disorders.

 PREVENTION OF DOG HAIR LOSS

It is basically impossible to eliminate dog hair loss. The most a pet owner can do is to implement some measures to reduce hair loss.

You should apply monthly flea preventatives to reduce any itching that may occur as a result of flea saliva. Also, you should put your dog on a healthy diet complemented using all the necessary supplements. A healthy diet consists of a proper balance of all the food groups. It is topped off using omega 3 & 6 supplements to keep the skin healthy and supple.

Most of all, if you want to prevent your dog from losing hair, you should always ensure the proper grooming for your companion. Grooming involves regular cleaning using the correct shampoos as well as brushing and combing of the hair. Brushing or combing your dog’s coat regularly helps to work the natural oils from its skin onto its hair. The oil your dog’s body naturally produces works to create a healthy barrier which can protect its coat from damaging hair loss.

 Tried & Tested Dog Hair Loss Home Remedies 

So here is our “A” list of 8 over-the-years-trusted dog hair loss home remedies.

Before you dig deeper into this, remember that identifying the main culprit behind the hair loss woes is crucial. Only then can you select the remedial trajectory that will work.

1. Humidifying The Air

Try humidifying the air in your house especially if you live in a climatically arid location.

This will not only be rewarding for your dog’s skin health but yours as well and also for your plants (that is if you are a plant parent too).

A dry scalp is equivalent to scalp diseases like dermatitis and dandruff. So keep those natural oils where they intend to be.

Place the humidifier in an area where your doggo spends most of his time.  you have to just make sure that you regularly maintain the humidifier and check the humidity levels or it can take a hazardous turn.

2. Well-Balanced Diet

There is more to food than just satisfying the taste buds. Optimal pet’s skin and hair care start with your dog’s diet. So it is very crucial to know what you are feeding him and in what ways is it beneficial for your dog’s health.

FDA approves the ingredients used in dog processed food packages that have substantial nutritional value and help build your pet’s immune system.

Your dog’s outlook, which is majorly about his fur coat, speaks volumes about his daily nutrition.

Make sure you give them a healthy diet that is free of allergens and is nutrition-packed. May it be store-bought or homemade.

3. Regular Brushing And Grooming

It is not about the looks only when it comes to brushing your dog’s coat regularly. Brushing causes scalp stimulation.

The hair follicles that exist on the top layer of your dog’s skin produce oil and keep the scalp skin moisturized and help in hair growth.

Using a brush suitable for your dog’s coat will distribute that oil evenly throughout the fur, making it shiny and soft.

Other than that, the dead hair gets shed off regularly, making way for new hair growth. And who doesn’t love good lustrous locks anyways?

Just make sure that you make your doggo proficient in stand command so that no mishap occurs during the brushing routine.

4. Spot The Allergens

You need to know what things is your dog allergic to since they play a major role in alopecia in them. These allergies can be triggered by the food they eat or any environmental factor.

That’s not going to be easy. But a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do! Eliminating allergens like soy, wheat, and corn from the diet is the simplest.

Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, or dust might take an effort.

Cleaning up with an anti-bacterial or anti-fungal spray is an easy process that can be used to counter environmental allergens.

5. Provide Supplemental Nutrition

Supplemental probiotics, Omega fatty acids, and Vitamin E play an important role in new hair growth and keeping the fur shiny.

If for any reason, your dog’s diet is not providing ample values of vitamins, fatty acids, or other nutrients, it is important to take the aid of supplements.

These supplements come in great-tasting chewy treats. The furry friend will be happy to get a doggie treat and you will be happy that your dog is going to have healthy skin.

These supplements help build strengthen your dog’s immune system and especially come in handy when your dog is being fed on a diet made at home.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar To The Rescue

When talking about dog hair loss home remedies, how could we not mention apple cider since it is one of the most popular natural ways to cure unhealthy and infested skin?

When the apples get fermented by sugar, the byproduct is an acid that is used for killing pathogens (harmful bacteria and viruses).

Your best bet would be to pick organic undiluted apple cider vinegar. Dilute with water by the ratio of half and half.

A spray bottle is convenient for spraying 2-3 times a day. Avoid spraying on extremely irritated areas. Consult a vet if it is not showing any promise.

Warning: Apple cider vinegar if used directly on the dog’s skin, especially an irritated one, can cause a burning sensation.

7. Olive Oil As Soother

Olive oil is another natural remedy that is Omega3 and Omega6 rich. The only problem here is giving your dog olive oil orally causes health issues for them.

But the good news is that you can use it topically and still get the most out of it.

Olive oil is also a great anti-oxidant which is a tough fighter against chronic disease and inflammation.

Great moisturizing properties help in dealing with dry and itchy skin issues. And not to mention, it is rich in antibacterial properties as well.

A regular good massage with olive oil may keep the mites away too.

8. Aloe Vera The Healer

Aloe Vera when applied to your dog’s skin creates a cooling effect. Not only that, but it heals skin rashes and soothes inflammation. For centuries, aloe vera is known for its healing and medicinal value.

It minimizes the growth process of yeast infection and soothes bug bites and sunburns. That is why it is so good for dealing with eczema.

It is recommended to do a patch test on the dog’s skin to check for allergic reactions before fully using it.

It is also safe for oral intake in the form of supplements. The antiseptic properties of aloe vera can heal your dog from the inside out.

Try Using Flaxseed Oil

You should also try mixing some flaxseed oil in your dog’s food or flaxseeds in their diet. Flaxseed oil contains a high quantity of Omega 3 fatty acids in it.

Flaxseed is beneficial because Omega 3 fatty acids have been found to treat dogs with dry, itchy skin and hair coat.

Omega 3s also helps treat inflammation in joints, heart, and skin. This is why it works well for hair loss in dogs.

Oatmeal Shampoo

Oatmeal contains avenanthramides and phenols, anti-inflammatory components that help relieve and protect the skin from irritation. Oatmeal also helps form a protective barrier on your dog’s skin to keep the moisture in.

To prepare an oatmeal bath, grind ⅓ of a cup to 1 cup of oats (depending on your dog’s size) in a grinder or food processor until they’re a fine powder. Next, mix the powder into a warm bath until the water looks milky. Add a cup of milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to increase the moisturizing effects even further.

Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt

While it may not seem obvious, many dog skin issues are caused by the digestive system. If your dog’s microbiome is unbalanced, yeast and harmful bacteria can build up on their skin.

Yogurt is a probiotic, and the healthy bacteria it contains can help balance your dog’s GI tract. Like olive oil, many vets recommend adding a teaspoon or two of plain, unsweetened yogurt to your dog’s meals 2-3 times a week.

Keep in mind, however, that some dogs have trouble digesting yogurt. Always consult your vet before adding this food to your pup’s diet.

 Epsom Salt Soak

The condition of the skin and coat of some older dogs may benefit from a warm soak. A warm water soak with a few tablespoons of Epsom Salt may help with rough or coarse dry paw pads and the skin around the elbows. It also helps exfoliate, making a dog’s skin and coat smoother and softer.

Chamomile or Green Tea Bath

Chamomile and green tea help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. Brew a single tea bag in an 8-ounce glass of water, then let the tea bag cool. The tea bag can then be applied to hot spots or itchy, dry patches as needed.

If your dog has dry, itchy skin all over their body, you can run a warm bath and steep several bags of tea in it. After a few minutes, remove the tea bags and let your dog soak for 5-10 minutes.

 Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is another healthy oil that’s great for moisturizing your dog’s skin. Apply the oil directly to dry patches of skin to moisturize and promote healing.

It’s also an antioxidant and can be administered orally to help relieve inflammation and protect your dog from cellular damage.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which food causes hair loss in dogs?

Food containing high volumes of sodium becomes a cause of hair loss in dogs. At the same time, excessive sugar also causes alopecia.

That is why we should avoid giving them table food. Also, there could be ingredients that trigger allergies due to which dogs face alopecia like corn to be precise.

Dog food should be rich in protein, iron, zinc, probiotics, and fatty acids. Loss of these ingredients means loss of hair.

2. Can a dog lose hair due to age?

Yes, age has a lot to do with hair loss. Call it the changing hormones or slower growth of hair follicles; this is all due to reduced cell activity.

That is why senior dogs require supplemental nutrition.

Another reason for senior dogs to lose more hair is the reduced productivity of oil glands that produce an oily substance known as sebum.

This makes the scalp experience dandruff that causes hair loss.

3. What causes bald patches on dogs?

Bald patches on dogs are caused by a variety of elements. Some are medical and some environmental.

Hormonal imbalance, infections, parasite infestations, genes, stress, lack of nutrition, pregnancy, and lactation might be the reasons why your dog has the appearance of bald patches.

These underlying issues influence the appearance and expanse of bald patches in dogs.

4. Are my dog’s bald spots going to grow back?

Yes, but only when the conditions causing it in the first place are treated and fully cured. It all depends on the expanse and the root cause of the disorder which is causing it.

Some breeds experience seasonal alopecia. Like bulldogs may start losing their hair in autumn. It usually takes somewhere between six to twelve months for the hair to regrow.

Some supplements also help in hair growth after the rehabilitation period.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

SKIN PROBLEMS IN DOGS: SYMPTOMS,DIAGNOSIS,TREATMENT & PREVENTIVE CARE