All dogs lose hair at a certain rate; It varies depending on the time of year (molts), breed, quality of life or the health of the animal. However, when hair loss in dogs is excessive, without allowing time for its regeneration, we are faced with a problem.
In this article we offer some tips to stop hair loss in dogs, as much as possible.
Causes of hair loss in dogs
If we observe bald areas in the mantle of our hair, scaly skin, or dry and dark hair, it is possible that our dog is suffering from a serious health problem, be it skin or of another nature.
In this case, the most appropriate thing is to take our animal to the vet as soon as possible. Here are the most common causes of hair loss in dogs:
- Inadequate or insufficient diet: A poor diet that does not contain a correct balance of macro nutrients, minerals and vitamins, can cause hair loss in dogs. In this sense, we must ensure that our animal eats everything necessary, in the appropriate proportions and provide it with a quality feed.
- Stress: Stress is another of the great factors that cause hair loss in dogs. We will need to find out what causes stress and address it as a problem in itself that requires our attention.
- Dermatitis and mange: These two skin diseases cause hair loss in dogs, in a particularly intense way. If we observe completely peeled areas of the mantle, we can find ourselves faced with scabies or some type of dermatitis.
- Post-vaccination alopecia: Some dogs are more sensitive to vaccinations. It usually happens with small breed dogs. It is temporary and affects the area where the vaccine was given, which has become infected and therefore hair falls out.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes a series of hormonal changes that can also cause hair loss in dogs; evidently in females.
- Allergies: Itching is one of the symptoms that occurs with allergies. This causes the dog to continually scratch and lick, which further exacerbates the problem and damages the skin causing hair loss. It goes without saying that it is necessary to find out what the origin of the allergy is. While we find out, it is advisable to provide him with a hypoallergenic feed.
- Parasites: The parasites of the skin or ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc.) can also be behind the cause that causes hair fall in dogs. The animal scratches and loses hair, damaging the skin.
- Molting times: During shedding times (autumn and spring), many dogs lose hair, which they later regain.
Hair loss in dogs depending on their breed
Certain breeds are slightly more prone to hair loss in dogs. Some examples: Collie, German Shepherd, Boxer, Labrador retriever, Golden Retriever, or Cocker Spaniel. Breeds such as the Sharpei or Bulldog are somewhat more prone to scabies and due to this scratching and subsequent fall.
Tips to reduce hair loss in dogs
Proper diet
Disregarding the existence of exogenous causes, such as parasites, mange, stress, etc., the best and most complementary way to address hair loss in dogs is to provide them with a quality diet.
A quality feed that contains all the macro nutrients, minerals and vitamins, with an appropriate balance for its breed and characteristics, is the best prevention to avoid hair loss in dogs.
Sometimes our dog may have some type of allergy and we may not be able to give him any feed, having to select those that contain less proportion of a certain component. However, this should not be an inconvenience for not being able to offer you a food that contains the proteins, carbohydrates and lipids that you need, either in one form or another.
The use of supplements is only recommended with the approval or prescription of the veterinarian.
From time to time, we can give you homemade food to complement your quality feed. Some fruits such as apples (without seeds), cucumber, banana or watermelon, are good for their water content, which helps hydrate the skin.
We can also give you chicken meat cooked with white rice. The important thing is to alternate your diet with a variety from time to time (not always), rich in vitamins, proteins and water.
Speaking of water, it should always be at your fingertips and we must make sure you drink enough.
Add olive oil
Olive oil is rich in omega 3 acids, which are great for your hairy leather. We can add a teaspoon from time to time to your feed or food. It is also beneficial against dandruff.
The tuna, the salmon and almost all blue fish contain a lot of omega 3. Much of this fatty acid is so beneficial to the skin of the fish.
Hair brushing
Frequently brushing our dog’s hair helps to keep the coat stronger and its coat healthier.
Short-haired animals need a natural bristle brush. If our dog has curly hair, we can use a waterproof brush, and a rake brush if it is thick or long. We can also use a straightening brush after normal brushing.
Regular baths
It is also very healthy to bathe our dog as often as necessary, depending on the type of its hair. The correct washing helps to keep the skin healthy and to expel hair and dead skin cells earlier.
Using a suitable shampoo for its skin and coat type is essential to take care of the dog’s coat, preserve its shine and prevent hair loss.
Excessively frequent bathing is not recommended.
Hair loss in dogs due to stress
If the cause of hair loss in dogs is stress, we must address it as a problem in itself that requires our attention.
We have to bear in mind that stress in dogs is a pathology that can trigger many other added diseases, in addition to reducing their quality of life.
Control parasites
Taking the appropriate measures to avoid parasitosis, such as the use of the collar and the flea pipette is a measure of the first order if we want, not only to preserve the loss of the hair of our dog, but also its health in general.
