Dog Pathological Hair Loss: 7 Reasons and Solutions to Cope with Hair Loss Problems

Dog Pathological Hair Loss: 7 Reasons and Solutions to Cope with Hair Loss Problems

Dog hair loss is a normal physiological phenomenon, but if the amount of hair loss increases significantly and lasts for a long time, it may indicate that the dog has developed pathological hair loss. There are many reasons for pathological hair loss, including skin diseases, malnutrition, environmental factors, etc., which can have a certain impact on the dog's health.

Below we will analyze the seven factors that cause dog pathological hair loss in detail, and provide some countermeasures to help you understand the reasons for dog hair loss and take timely measures to solve the problem.

1. Skin disease causes hair loss

Skin disease is one of the most common causes of pathological hair loss in dogs, such as skin diseases caused by parasites or bacteria such as mites and fungi, such as folliculitis, eczema, etc., all of which can cause dogs to lose a lot of hair.

Symptoms:

Itching, dogs will often scratch the skin, causing hair loss;
Increased dandruff, the skin surface appears red spots, papules, scales, etc.;
Hair loses luster and becomes thin and brittle.

Countermeasures:

Take the dog to the doctor for a skin disease examination and treatment in time;
Use antibacterial, antifungal, or miticidal drugs recommended by a veterinarian;
Keep the dog's living environment clean and hygienic, disinfect regularly;
Pay attention to the dog's diet and supplement some vitamins and minerals to enhance skin resistance.

2. Excessive salt intake

Dogs' need for salt is much lower than that of humans. Excessive salt intake can lead to hair loss in dogs. This may be because excessive salt can put a burden on the dog's kidneys, affecting the body's water metabolism and thus affecting hair growth.

Symptoms:

Significant hair loss, especially in the body;
Thirst, frequent drinking;
Increased urine output;
Lethargy, loss of appetite.

Countermeasures:

Avoid feeding dogs human food, especially high-salt foods;
Choose high-quality dog food and pay attention to the salt content of the dog food;
You can supplement some foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, etc.;
If the dog already has symptoms of excessive salt intake, it should be taken to the doctor for timely treatment.

3. Using human shampoo to bathe dogs

The pH of a dog's skin is different from that of humans. Using human shampoo to bathe a dog will destroy the dog's skin's pH balance, leading to dry skin, itching, and increased dandruff, which in turn causes hair loss.

Symptoms:

Increased dandruff, dry skin;
Dogs often scratch the skin, causing hair loss;
Hair loses luster and becomes dry and brittle.

Countermeasures:

Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dogs;
Don't bathe your dog too often, usually once or twice a month is enough;
Dry your dog's water with a towel after bathing to prevent your dog from getting cold.

4. Malnutrition

Dogs are malnourished or their nutrition is unbalanced, and the lack of vitamins and minerals will cause slow hair growth and hair loss.

Symptoms:

Hair becomes dry, sparse, and lacks luster;
Lethargy, loss of appetite;
Weight loss, decreased resistance.

Countermeasures:

Choose nutritionally balanced dog food and pay attention to the protein, fat, vitamin and mineral content of the dog food;
You can supplement some foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, etc.;
Take your dog for regular checkups to detect and address malnutrition problems in a timely manner.

5. Bathing too often

Some owners, in order to keep their dogs clean, will frequently bathe their dogs. However, excessive frequent bathing will destroy the dog's natural skin oil, leading to dry skin, itching, and hair loss.

Symptoms:

Dry skin, itching;
Dogs often scratch the skin, causing hair loss;
Hair loses luster and becomes dry and brittle.

Countermeasures:

Don't bathe your dog too often, usually once or twice a month is enough;
Choose shampoos specifically designed for dogs and avoid using strong irritating shampoos;
Dry your dog's water with a towel after bathing to prevent your dog from getting cold.

6. Insufficient sunlight

Sunlight is very important for the health of dog fur. It can help dogs synthesize vitamin D and promote hair growth and health. If the dog lacks sunlight, it will also cause hair loss.

Symptoms:

Hair loses luster and becomes dry and brittle;
Lethargy, loss of appetite;
Decreased resistance and susceptibility to diseases.

Countermeasures:

Take your dog outside for some sun every day, but be careful to avoid direct sunlight at noon;
You can supplement your dog with some vitamin D, such as cod liver oil, etc.;
Try to avoid using blackout curtains and let sunlight into the room.

7. Emotional hair loss

A dog's emotions can also affect its physical health, such as fear, tension, anxiety, etc., which can cause hair loss in dogs.

Symptoms:

Significant hair loss, hair loses luster;
Lethargy, loss of appetite;
Easy to bark, restlessness, and other behavioral abnormalities.

Countermeasures:

Try to minimize your dog's fright and stimulation;
Spend more time with your dog, interact with your dog, and comfort your dog's emotions;
You can try some methods to relieve your dog's emotions, such as playing soft music, massaging your dog, etc.

Summary of experience

Pathological hair loss in dogs is caused by a variety of factors and requires owners to carefully observe the dog's condition and take timely measures.

Take your dog for regular checkups to detect and address problems in a timely manner;
Keep the dog's living environment clean and hygienic;
Provide a nutritionally balanced diet for your dog;
Avoid using human shampoo to bathe your dog;
Supplement vitamins and minerals appropriately;
Take your dog outside for some sun every day;
Spend more time with your dog and comfort your dog's emotions.

As long as you take good care of it, you can make your pet have healthy hair and maintain its beautiful brilliance!

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