Effective Treatments for Dog Hair Loss: Causes & Soluti

There are numerous reasons for a dog to shed its fur, with the most common and devastating being seasonal shedding. As temperatures change, dogs adjust their coat to adapt to the external environment. Pet owners need not worry excessively; this is simply a normal part of their metabolism.

The second most common cause is an excessive intake of salt. Many shedding issues in dogs are related to salt consumption, and it's important to note that salt not only exacerbates shedding but also burdens the dog's internal organs, potentially leading to health risks.

Thirdly, malnutrition can be a culprit. Many dogs suffer from a lack of variety in their diet, often consuming table scraps or homemade dog food that isn't scientifically balanced, leading to nutritional deficiencies and hair loss.

Lastly, emotional shedding can occur. Dogs are emotional creatures, and under the influence of negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, and worry, they may also shed. Therefore, it's crucial for pet owners to spend quality time playing with their dogs.

After discussing the reasons for a dog's shedding, let's explore how to reduce the amount of hair they lose. Beyond normal metabolism, there are various causes for pathological shedding in dogs. In recent years, the number of dogs suffering from demodicosis, a condition caused by mites, has increased significantly. Let's delve into the details of this issue.

What is canine demodicosis?

In simple terms, it's a skin parasitic disease in dogs caused by demodex mites. This is a common yet stubborn skin condition. The mites typically inhabit the dog's eyes, ears, lips, and hairless areas on the inner sides of the front legs, often living in the hair follicles and stratum corneum, rarely in the sebaceous glands. In severe cases, they can infest the dog's lymph nodes and other tissues, leading to a weakened immune system and potentially triggering other illnesses.

What are the symptoms of canine demodicosis?

Initially, dogs with demodicosis usually exhibit localized symptoms, such as hair loss in the affected area, red and thickened skin with wrinkles, increased sebaceous gland secretion, and silverwhite, sticky dandrufflike scales. Itching is rare, and some may experience blackheads, papules, and small red bumps.

In the later stages, widespread hair loss, blackheads, papules, red bumps, and bleeding in the affected areas may be observed. The skin may also turn pale blue or reddish copper and emit a foul odor.

What causes canine demodicosis?

This disease is most prevalent in puppies aged 3 to 10 months, with dogs of all ages susceptible. Although a small number of demodex mites on a dog's body are normal, dogs with young, generalized demodicosis often have a genetic predisposition. Some voices argue against breeding dogs with the disease, as adult dogs with demodicosis typically have underlying immune system disorders.

How contagious is canine demodicosis?

Canine demodicosis is a common reason for dogs being abandoned, but current data shows that the only known transmission route is when puppies come into contact with their mothers during the nursing process, and this occurs within the first 3 to 5 days of birth. Other potential transmission routes may exist but are unknown. To date, there has been no evidence of older dogs transmitting demodex mites to each other.

How to treat it?

The common treatment is to take ivermectin as prescribed by a veterinarian (not suitable for Collies, but applicable to other breeds). If there are severe boils, they can be opened, cleaned with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and then treated with 2% iodine tincture.

While curing canine demodicosis is not difficult, it can easily recur. Puppies need to be rechecked every few weeks until they grow up, and dogs with young, generalized demodicosis need to be rechecked monthly until secondary infections are eliminated. During the entire treatment period, rechecks should be conducted every 4 to 8 weeks. Some dogs with systemic disease may not be curable and must be treated regularly throughout their lives to control the progression of the lesions.

Dog breeds that don't shed much

Now that we've discussed the daily care of shedding and the knowledge of canine demodicosis, if you're still worried about your dog's shedding, here are some dog breeds that are less likely to shed.

Firstly, the Bichon Frise. These dogs are round and adorable, with a double coat that sheds very little. They are also small in size, making them ideal for indoor living.

Secondly, the Teddy Bear dog. Known for their high intelligence, small size, and minimal shedding, they do require regular grooming to prevent tangles.

Thirdly, the Shih Tzu. Despite resembling a "little old man," this breed is intelligent and sheds very little.

Lastly, terrier breeds. Almost all terriers do not shed, but it's said that they can be a bit temperamental.