Hair Loss in Dogs
 

Also known as "alopecia" hair loss has a number of causes. All dogs lose a certain amount of hair but alopecia is an excess loss of hair. Hair loss may be complete (all over the body) or partial (confined to one or several locations).

Hair loss may itchy (pruritic) or non pruritic. Below are some causes of hair loss.

Pruritic:

• Parasites (fleas, ticks, mange etc)

• Flea allergy dermatitis

• Pyoderma (infection of the skin)

• Allergy

• Abscess

• Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots)

Non pruritic:

• Hormonal disorders (Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, hyperestrogenism)

• Over grooming (psychogenic alopecia)

• Acanthosis nigrans (primarily seen in Dachshunds)

• Ringworm

• Drug reaction (topical, injected)
• Telogen defluxion (hair loss which occurs during the resting phase of the hair growth cycle)
• Anagen defluxion (hair loss which occurs during the growing phase.
• Sunburn
• Seborrhea
• Pressure sores
• Zinc responsive dermatitis

Symptoms of alopecia:

Obviously, hair loss is the main symptom of alopecia. This may be all over, in one or several spots.

There may be other symptoms that go along with hair loss depending on the cause including itching, the presence of parasites,  red, inflamed skin, sores on the skin. There may be additional symptoms associated with the underlying cause (if there is one).

Diagnosis of hair loss in dogs:

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and may wish to perform the following tests:

• Food elimination trial - If the suspected cause is food allergy, your vet will place your dog on a food trial which lasts between 8-12 weeks. A special diet will be prescribed and all other types of food including vitamins, minerals & treats must be eliminated to avoid invalidating the results. If the coat clears up after the specified time then a food allergy is a likely cause.

• Fungus culture - Your vet may take some samples of your pet's hair from a patch and grow them in a lab on a special culture mix which enhances fungal growth. The benefit of this test is the lab will be able to diagnose the exact species of fungus (if there is one).

• Woods lamp - Hair is removed from the dog & inspected under a special UV lamp.

• Skin scrapings  to check for the presence of mites.

• Complete blood count & biochemical profile.

• Specific blood tests to check for hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease and other hormonal disorders.

Treatment of hair loss in dogs:

Treatment will depend on the cause of hair loss and may include;

• Eliminating parasite infestation

• If food allergy is the cause, eliminating the particular food from the diet

• Anti-fungal treatment for ringworm

• Antibiotics to treat infections or wounds

• Anti-histamines and anti-prutitic shampoos to treat itching

• Thyroid hormone replacement to treat hypothyroidism

• Zinc supplements and nutritionally balanced diet to treat zinc responsive dermatitis

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or behavioral) in your pets. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice. aaa