For an owner, see how, from one day to the next individual calves or areas with alopecia on the dog’s skin is puzzling.
However, beyond the aesthetic problem posed by this problem, we must put the animal under observation to find the underlying cause and the treatment that solves this problem.
Causes of hair loss in dogs
What are the most common causes of hair loss in dogs?
Allergies
It is one of the most common and annoying causes, and as I recently explained in an article, hair loss is one of the main signs.
Allergies can be due to the environment (pollen, mold, mites), whose treatment must be supervised by the veterinarian to improve the quality of life of the animal, to food, whose solution is to change its diet or to fleas, whose A solution must be sought in prevention with right antiparasitic treatment.
Biting, scratching, etc. on the skin leads to hair loss and bald spots.
Parasite infestation
Without good hygiene and without good parasite prevention, fleas, ticks, and lice can wreak havoc. However, we should not limit ourselves to these parasites.
Others such as scabies or ringworm cause hair loss around the ears, eyes, abdomen, and torso, along with other problems such as inflammation of the area, itching, and redness.
For example, symptoms of ringworm are characterized by circular or patchy alopecia, inflammation, and infected scabs.
Genetics
Genetics is also one of the most common causes of hairlessness.
It is the case of several dog breeds that are genetically more prone to alopecia than others.
For example, the Chinese Crested or the Peruvian Hairless Dog.
However, it is also the case in other better-known breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, the Dachshund, the Chihuahua, or the Whippet, which sometimes suffer from uneven alopecia on the body following a curious pattern, since the lack of hair It occurs on the ears, torso, loin, thigh, or lower neck.
Ulcers or calluses
Commonly called corns, they are correctly known as pressure ulcers.
They are lesions located on the elbows of dogs or other bone pressure points (for example, on the hips), and the hair that has always been abundant in these areas ends up disappearing with regular contact with hard surfaces.
This constant pressure and friction cause the skin to lose its hair, harden, forming that “callus,” and even crack and bleed.
Pressure ulcers are prevalent in older dogs, exceptionally large or giant breeds that are heavier.
Cushing’s syndrome
This syndrome or disease is derived from hyperadrenocorticism.
What does this word mean? Well, an excess of corticosteroids prolonged in time that increases the levels of the hormone cortisol.
Cushing’s disease’s symptoms include hair loss, darkening of the skin, and the development of a prominent belly, and, as I have discussed, it affects dogs that have used steroids excessively.
Has your dog been losing its hair in a specific area? Analyze what the cause may be and do not hesitate to visit the vet.
You know what I always say: having the vet for any questions will increase your dog’s quality of life.
