Prepared by Narelle Brown, Puppy 1 Instructor
Hills Howler Edition: October 2022
Loss of hair and bald patches can be distressing for your dog. Alopecia describes the full or partial loss of hair and can be seen by:
- Hair loss and patches of dark skin
- Scaling of the skin
- Dry and brittle coat
- Inflammation and crusting around the bald patch
- Itching
Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
Not to be confused with shedding, which for some breeds can at times seem excessive. Shedding is normal – it is the natural replacement of the old hair with new hair.
If shedding is excessive and is accompanied by bald spots, it may be a bacterial infection. Alopecia can be inherited and may appear at birth or later in the dog’s development.
There can be a number of causes so a full history and consultation with a vet will be required to determine whether the alopecia is inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
Inflammatory diseases that may cause destruction or damage to the hair shaft or follicle include:
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Severe inflammatory diseases of the skin
- Skin trauma, such as burns
- Mercury, thallium, or iodine poisoning
Non-inflammatory diseases that can inhibit or slow hair follicle growth include:
- Diet deficiencies (particularly protein deficiencies)
- Hormonal imbalances (such as hypothyroidism)
Causes can also include allergic reactions and hot spots, parasites and fleas, ringworm and excessive over-grooming and mould.
Some breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Dobermans and Staffordshire Bull Terriers can
experience seasonal alopecia.
Temporary hair loss can occur during pregnancy, lactation, or several weeks after a severe illness or fever.
What Can You Do?
- Ensure you have flea control
- Visit vet for skin scraping – consultation, blood and urine tests may be required
- Look at the environment for possible allergic responses, moulds, plants, etc.
- Review food, treats and possible dietary deficiencies or food allergies
- Wash your dog in gentle dog shampoo
- Wash bedding and check environment for other possible causes (e.g. mosquitoes)
- Check with breeder if any inherited problems
Bibliography:
MSD Veterinary Manual
Purina.co.uk
