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.
Underlying Health Issues
If your furry friend is experiencing more hair loss, an underlying health issue may be the culprit. Stress caused by discomfort can lead to bald spots and hair loss in pets. That's why it's vital to consult with your vet about any changes to your pup's skin or coat - they can help you get to the bottom of what's causing them distress and identify any underlying health issues.
Alopecia
If your pup has an area of skin without fur or an entire section of its body with no coat, Alopecia could be the cause. This autoimmune disorder affects your pet's ability to regrow fur. If you think your dog has Alopecia, talk to your veterinarian about it.
Not an exhaustive list, but above are some of the more frequent causes of hair loss in dogs.
Tips To Help Your Dog with Hair Loss
If your pup has been losing hair at an alarming rate and you want to promote healthy coat growth, there are various steps you can take from home. Consider changing their diet and ensuring they get enough exercise - these are just some ways to help support your dog to help them become healthier as well.
Check Your Dog's Diet
If you are looking to improve your pet's hair health, start with their diet. Hair loss may be a sign that they are not getting the nutrients they need from their current diet. Upgrading to a balanced and complete food, along with ingredients that encourage healthy coat growth, can help to improve their hair loss condition.
If you want to best support your dog and encourage healthy coat growth, feed a diet that's rich in animal protein. Amino acids and fatty acids present in animal protein are vital for hair growth and can be highly beneficial in helping regrow their coat. Additionally, look for a blend that is full of antioxidants. This supports their immune system and protects their skin and coat from age-related health issues.
Get Your Dogs to Exercise
Your pet requires regular exercise to be their happiest and healthiest. Exercise is essential for physical fitness and helps keep them mentally healthy. Take your dog for walks, playtime, or a fun day at the park - these activities can help improve their mental health and coat condition. Exercise helps boost moods and reduce stress levels which may help prevent hair loss associated with stress. Enough exercise can make all the difference in keeping your pup's coat looking (and feeling!) it's the best.
Avoid Grooming Too Frequently
Did you know that over-grooming your dog can lead to skin and coat problems? Your pet's body is naturally self-cleaning, so bathing them less often than expected is the key. Exceptions such as a muddy trip to the doggy park require a quick rinse right away. However, if your pooch isn't dirty or bringing mud into the house, then avoid bathing them unnecessarily.
Too much bathing, shampooing, and even brushing can actually cause dogs to lose their fur. Instead, discuss a grooming routine with your Vet. They'll be able to let you know how often you should be bathing your dog based on his health needs and his unique coat.
Get Them Supplements
In addition to a balanced diet, exercise, and a new grooming routine, consider supplemental help to address your dog's hair loss. Choose a skin support supplement to promote coat health and look for one containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which will provide the coat with vital nutrients to encourage strong hair growth. Additionally, select a skin and coat supplement with antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and soothing ingredients to relieve irritated or agitated flesh.
Products that can Help with Hair Loss
Pet Honesty offers a range of skin-focused supplements that can help maintain a healthy coat and address hair loss in dogs.
Skin Health Omega
Vet-recommended and incredibly delicious, Pet Honesty's Skin Health Omega Chews are the perfect way to boost your pup's health. Packed with natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids - essential for maximum absorption - our chews promote healthy skin and coat, bolster immunity, and soothe skin-related issues arising from seasonal allergies or dry climates. Keep your pup happy and healthy with Pet Honesty!
Pet Honesty's Skin Health Omega chews are the perfect, safe, and natural way to supplement your pup's diet with those all-important Omegas - essential for overall health and the proper inflammatory response. For the best results, give your furry companion one chew per 25 lbs of weight everyday to help them benefit from all the fantastic advantages of these treats.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that hair loss in dogs is rarely a sign of serious health conditions and can often be managed through proper diet, exercise, grooming and supplements. If you notice any significant or suspicious changes in your pup's coat and body, please speak with your Vet to ensure that the issue isn't something more serious. With the proper care plan, you and your pup can get back on track with a healthy coat, happy mind, and strong body for years to come!
At Pet Honesty, we provide safe and trusted supplements designed to help combat common issues like hair loss in dogs. Our range of natural products has been specially formulated by experts to support skin health while promoting vibrant coats - so you can feel confident that you’re providing your pup with the best care. With Pet Honesty, you can trust that your furry companion is receiving the support they need to look and feel their absolute best.
