Shedding is completely normal and healthy for dogs. It’s a way for them to make room for new fur growth and to keep cool in warmer months. However, excessive hair loss, bald patches, or areas of your dog that look sparser than other parts could be a sign of an underlying issue. Here is what you should know about hair loss in dogs.
Usual Dog Fur Issues
While each pup is unique, many health conditions cause hair loss in dogs. Not all dogs will experience the same intensity of symptoms or on the same part of their body for the same duration of time, but these are a few of the most common concerns with canine coats:
- Excessive Shedding: If you’ve been noticing a lot of fur around the house and you don’t know why your pup might be shedding an abnormal amount of hair, it could be due to various causes, such as allergies or hormonal changes. Thinner fur may be expected, but if it’s atypically excessive, it’s best to have your dog seen by a vet.
- Bald Spots: If you see patches of hair loss on your pup, don’t worry – it’s quite usual in dogs and can be caused by many things. However, if it results from an underlying health issue, you must speak with your vet about it as soon as possible.
- Thinning Fur: If you spot any patches of sparse fur on your dog, take note. This common condition tends to happen in areas exposed to friction, heat, and moisture – such as the ‘armpits,’ ears, and under their tail. While some thinning in these areas is normal, it’s still best to discuss it with your vet if you notice changes to your dog’s coat.
Causes of Dog’s Bald Spots
There are several possible causes for changes in your dog’s appearance and hair health – from allergies, stress, and even poor nutrition to fleas and more. If your puppy’s hair loss is getting worse or seems to bother him, it’s best to talk with your vet about it. Your vet can help you determine the probable cause and whether there is cause for concern.
Allergies
Allergies can cause bald spots and hair loss. If your fur baby occasionally has allergies or food sensitivities, it might affect their skin and coat. As the immune system is busy combating allergens, it may not be able to attend to the rest of the body, which could damage the health of a pet’s skin and hair. If you spot any bald patches or thinning areas on your pup, allergies might be to blame.
Stress and Anxiety
If your fur baby is stressed, has separation anxiety, or is often on edge, it can lead to baldness and hair loss. Like humans, our furry friends need a healthy immune system to stay in tip-top shape. If they’re always anxious, their immune system is overworking and might affect their skin or coat health.
Genetics
There are plenty of `hairless’ dog breeds out there. Other breeds are more prone to hair loss issues. If your pup is shedding excessively or looks sparse in certain areas, the breed might be causing their balding.
