Every pet owner wants to see their pets looking healthy. Many pet parents go the extra mile and invest in regular vet checkups, treatments, and medications to keep their furry friends thriving. Caring for your pet can be expensive if you want to provide high-quality care. Luckily, companies like Bivvy can help you cover some of these expenses for only $15 per month. Thus, ensuring your pet receives the best treatment and care available. One of the conditions dogs commonly suffer from is hair loss, and there are many treatments for this condition. However, knowing the causes and how to avoid them can help you.
Alopecia is a term used in medicine to describe abnormal hair loss. Alopecia is derived from the Greek word “Alopex,” which means “fox,” because foxes can be infected by mange and lose their hair.
Alopecia is a symptom that can afflict any breed, age, or gender of a dog or cat. Hair is necessary for regulating body temperature and providing physical protection from UV rays. Depending on the breed, dogs’ hair has a specified length and rate of development.
Causes of Dog Hair Loss
If you observe that your dog is losing hair, it may be as a result of some conditions and some of them include:
- Friction (from a collar, for example)
- Pressure sores
- Nervous chewing or licking
- Post-surgical clipping
- Trauma and/or scarring
- Ringworm (fungal infection)
- Infection (bacterial, yeast, or fungal)
- Allergies (fleas, food, environmental, contact)
- Abnormality in the growth of the hair shaft
- Mites (Mange)
- Cushing’s disease
- Thyroid disorder
- Chemotherapy
- Sex hormone imbalance
- Skin cancer
Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing this condition, your best bet will be to talk to a vet. The vet will examine your pet to determine the cause and start treatment immediately. Diagnosis is usually based on a number of factors such as skin condition, pattern of hair loss, and symptoms experienced. You will find more details below:
Blood Profile
Testing the pet’s blood helps to determine whether there is immune system illness, thyroid disorder, abnormalities, Cushing’s disease, etc. With the result, you will know what your pet’s condition is and what treatment is needed.
Biopsy
If a tumor or skin cancer is suspected to be the cause of hair loss, your vet may decide to send a sample of the affected region to the lab for proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This procedure is known as biopsy and you can check here to get more information about it.
The pattern of Hair Loss
General hair loss can occur as a result of bacterial or mange infection. If there are just patches of this condition, then it could be as a result of conditions such as ringworm, mites, bacterial infection, or mange. If this occurs in the tail base region, then you could be dealing with a flea allergy. If it is around the face and paws, then environmental allergies could be the cause. Finally, thyroid disorder, adrenal gland disorder, or abnormal sex hormone levels can also cause symmetrical hair loss.
Treating Dog Hair Loss
If your pet has been diagnosed with this condition, it is your responsibility to get it back to its normal. Here are a few steps to take if you are a DIYer:
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is an antibacterial as well as antifungal treatment. It can help your pet’s immune system. It can also be used to treat bald spots or as an anti-fungal wash to relieve itching and alopecia.
Make Use of Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, like apple cider vinegar, has an organic acid with antibacterial components. It is extremely beneficial in the treatment of hair loss. Cut a lemon into slices and place them in a dish of warm water to infuse. After that, strain the mixture to remove any remaining particles. The liquid should then be applied to the bald region.
A Natural and Balanced Diet
The health of your dog’s coat can be affected by diet. Giving your dog a more organic and balanced diet will be quite beneficial. Reduce the quantity of retail foods it consumes and replace them with homemade alternatives. You can prepare vegetables and rice, and allow it to feed well. Consult your veterinarian for suggestions to ensure you’re feeding it the correct diet.
Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera applied to bald regions reduces itching as a result of hair loss. This anti-fungal plant can be used to treat fungus infections such as ringworm. Aloe Vera is rich in nutrients that help to maintain a healthy scalp.
Make Use of Natural Supplements
Cannabidiol oil is a popular natural supplement. This is a cannabis-based product that is high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This supplement can be added to your dog’s food to help with itching. You can also use it to on a bald spot. You may always acquire different CBD products if your pet doesn’t enjoy the earthy taste of the oil.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also be useful when applied to your pet’s coat. Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, which helps to eliminate dangerous bacteria such as yeast that builds up on a pet’s injured skin.
These are some tips to help you treat your pet’s fur loss. You can also find other helpful tips to take care of your pet here: https://www.wikihow.com/
Conclusion
Depending on your pet’s susceptibility to skin diseases, hair loss may involve multiple treatments. Always obey the veterinarian’s guidelines while administering treatment. You may need to schedule follow-up appointments to assure that the problem is resolved and any infection has cleared. Monitor your pet’s skin and hair growth and notify the veterinarian of any changes or problems so that treatment can be adjusted accordingly.