Dog Baldness And Hair Loss

Dog baldness and hair loss

Men and women worry about hair loss, but our furry friends are also prone to this problem. There are many reasons for your dog to start losing hair, the best way to figure out why is to consult with your vet. Depending on which breed of dog you have, your dog could start to develop bald patches and baldness. Other common reasons for dogs to go bald include allergies and infections. Proper grooming and pet care can help remedy your pet’s hair loss problem, but first, get educated about potential causes for dog baldness.

Dog hair loss causes

Hair loss might be a symptom that your dog is allergic to certain foods, pollens or other triggers. Fleas and other parasites cause hair loss because your dog will bite and scratch at the irritated area, leading to increased hair loss. Older dogs are at risk for hair loss from Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease is typically seen in dogs six years and older. It’s a condition where dogs produce too much of the hormone cortisol. In addition to hair loss, you may notice your dog eating, drinking and urinating more. Other symptoms include heavy panting and a pot-bellied appearance.

Breeds and baldness

Some dog breeds are more likely to experience thinning hair and baldness than others. Chihuahuas, greyhounds, Boston terriers and dachshunds are examples of breeds that go bald. You’ll likely first notice bald spots on your canine’s chest, back and thighs. There are limited options for dog hair loss treatment, but fortunately Fido has never complained. Once the vet has ruled out other causes of hair loss, you’ll learn to love your furry friend with or without bald spots.

Dog breeds with thick, furry coats can experience post-clipping alopecia. This condition is when your dog experiences persistent bald spots after getting shaved. Post-clipping alopecia is pretty common. Patience is the best medicine as you wait for your canine’s hair to fully regrow.

Proper grooming for your dog’s hair and health

Caring for your dog’s fur is just as important as maintaining your own hair. Even if you pay for professional grooming, every pet owner should know the basics. Not only does grooming your dogs keep them healthy, but it also helps the two of you build a trusting relationship. It takes patience to properly care for your dog’s hair. Dog grooming includes brushing, bathing, hair clipping, nail trimming, teeth brushing and special attention to the dog’s eyes and ears.

Brushing basics

As you brush through your dog’s fur, check for ticks, scrapes and other changes in your dog’s skin. Depending on how long your dog’s hair is, you may need to spend time brushing its coat each day. If the fur is smooth and short, you’ll need two kinds of brushes. Start with a rubber brush then go over the coat with a sturdier bristle brush. If your dog has a long coat, gently remove tangles with slick, bristly brush.

Bath time tips

For the best results, use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs. Dog skin can be irritated by the chemicals in human shampoo. Check for a shampoo that’s specifically formulated to work with the fur unique to your breed of dog. Be mindful of the water temperature. Even though humans love long hot showers, your canine does not. Keep the water level shallow and take care not to get water in your pet’s ears, eyes or nose. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo and conditioner out of your dog to avoid irritating the skin underneath the fur.

When it comes to bath time, different dog breeds have additional needs. Bulldogs, for example, have several folds in their face. Dirt and bacteria can easily be trapped in these folds, leading to irritation and infection. Carefully rinse and dry these folds to keep your bulldog happy and healthy.