Dog Hair Loss Battle: Causes and Solutions!

Hello everyone, welcome to Oxygen Pet Doctor!

Is your furry friend's coat shedding in patches, causing a noticeable drop in their charm? Here's what to do!

This article covers the normal and abnormal reasons for shedding in dogs, as well as solutions to help pet owners like you take care of their beloved companions!

Normal shedding

1. Seasonal shedding

Dogs typically shed during spring and autumn transitions.

In spring, they shed their inner绒毛 to make way for cooler, coarser hair; in autumn, they shed their coarse hair to grow thicker, denser绒毛 to protect against the cold.

Just like humans change their clothes with the seasons, shedding is a way for our furry friends to regulate their body temperature.

2. Pregnancy shedding

During pregnancy, both cat and dog mothers may experience widespread shedding due to nutrient loss in their bodies.

3. Puppy/kitten shedding

Puppies and kittens shed their natal fur around 34 months old, replacing it with new hair; older dogs and cats may shed more due to declining bodily functions, and their fur might become dry and brittle.

Abnormal shedding

1. Skin diseases caused

① "Itching and dandruff on the bald spots"

A Fungal Infection (Canine Ringworm)

This leads to hair loss in circular patches on the dog's skin, which may spread outward, accompanied by scales, pustules, papules, and scabs. Often, only shedding and dandruff are present.

Remedy:

Spray Pipute (Itraconazole Hydrochloride Spray) + Dasatin (Ketoconazole Cream) and other antifungal ointments + Vitamin B + oral Itraconazole (for severe cases only)

B Scabies

In the early stages, it presents with redness and papules, causing severe itching. After the dog chews or rubs the affected area, hair loss, bleeding, thickened skin, and yellow crust formation may occur.

Remedy:

Avicide Permeating Solution (deworming) + Fuan (Zinc Oxide Ointment)

In severe cases, a medicated bath + oral antiinflammatory medication may be necessary

② "Oily and black spots on the bald spots"

A Bacterial Folliculitis

This causes hair loss, itching, swelling, and a large number of black spots on the skin.

Remedy:

Pipute Skin Spray + Ketoconazole Cream + internal and external deworming (for fleas causing canine folliculitis)

B Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is usually due to endocrine disorders and greasy diets, and comes in two types: dry and wet.

Dry seborrheic dermatitis results in a large amount of silver scales and sparse fur.

Wet seborrheic dermatitis results in a large amount of greasy secretions sticking to the fur, emitting a foul smell.

Remedy:

Light diet, avoid greasy foods and greasy dog food

Use Pipute Skin Spray + antiseborrheic shampoo for medicated baths

Supplement with multivitamins to boost skin immunity

If it doesn't improve for a long time, consider hormone injections or sterilization surgery for thyroid or reproductive function abnormalities

③ "Red and bumpy skin on the bald spots"

A Allergic Dermatitis

In the early stages, it presents with severe itching, redness, and swelling, with some developing papules, dandruff, and hair loss. Over time, hyperpigmentation may occur.

Remedy:

Identify and avoid allergens promptly

Use Newemo (Chlorphenamine Maleate Tablets) (oral) + Pipute Skin Spray (topical) for observation

If there is no relief, seek medical attention promptly

B Demodex Mites

In the early stages, there is hair loss and alopecia, with clear boundaries around the bald patches. Red, raised bumps may appear around the hair follicles. In severe infections, the dog may have a distinctive odor.

Remedy:

Deworming + oral Cefadroxil Tablets (antiinflammatory, prevent secondary bacterial infection) + topical antibacterial spray + sulfur ointment + injection of Ivermectin (for severe cases) + dip in Dimetridazole Emulsion

④ "Scabs on the bald spots" → Canine Ringworm | Crust formation due to wound healing, etc.

Most dogs will develop itching and scabs due to bacterial or fungal infections after skin diseases. Canine ringworm is the most common, or it could be scabs formed from the dog's own injury and subsequent healing.

⑤ "Moist and red bald spots"

A Eczema

In the early stages, it presents with small blisters, which, when burst, lead to hair loss, itching, and moist skin. Due to severe itching, dogs may frequently chew at the affected area, appearing very restless.

Remedy:

Red霉素 Ointment / Zinc Oxide Ointment + (for severe cases) oral Chlorphenamine Maleate Tablets for itching + oral Vitamin B and Vitamin C

2. Wound infection

Remedy:

Wash the skin with physiological saline + apply iodine + topical skin spray for wound healing + (for severe cases) oral Cefadroxil for inflammation + (for deep wounds) suture or bandage

3. Parasites caused

Dogs may develop skin diseases due to bites from external parasites, such as fleas causing allergic dermatitis, which is a common cause of hair loss.

Remedy:

Regularly deworm your dog internally and externally.

4. Lack/Excess sunlight

In summer, staying indoors too long can breed bacteria, leading to hair loss, but excessive sun exposure can also harm the skin. Choose appropriate times for walks during the summer to avoid the heat.

5. Incorrect bathing

Too frequent bathing in summer with soapbased products can disrupt the pH balance of the dog's skin, leading to fragile skin and hair loss. It is recommended to use dogspecific shampoos to protect the skin and hair.

6. Poor diet

Too much salt can burden the kidneys and harm the dog's skin health, leading to increased dandruff and severe hair loss. Longterm lack of vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss, especially with single dog food feeding.

Suggestions: Change dog food every 36 months and supplement with fruits and vegetables in summer to ensure a balanced diet.

What can owners do for their dogs?

Regularly comb your dog's fur to promote metabolism and help observe their hair condition.

Feeding your dog eggs, lecithin, and seaweed powder can promote hair growth and maintain hair health.

Reduce the intake of foods high in salt, fat, and additives (such as ham, canned food, leftovers, etc.).

When you notice your dog has skin diseases, be sure to put a hood on them to prevent scratching and licking.

Food that is good for a dog's coat

Egg yolks: The omega3 fatty acids and lecithin in egg yolks are particularly beneficial for the health of a dog's skin and hair, preventing skin diseases and keeping the fur smooth and lustrous.

Chicken breast: Rich in protein and amino acids, vitamins A, etc., it can strengthen hair and improve hair loss.

Carrots: Rich in vitamin B2, which can effectively relieve dry skin and itching in dogs, and carotenoids and vitamin A can promote smooth hair.

Seaweed powder: It can make the hair smooth and shiny and increase pigmentation, protecting the skin.

Beef: Rich in protein and calcium, iron, zinc, etc., which can help make the dog's hair smooth and the body symmetrical.

Fish: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which can promote the healthy development of the skin and hair, and play a role in hair care and skin care.