Fur shedding can be seasonal or due to a particular condition. Read on to find out what you need to do about hair fall in dogs.
A thick and glossy coat speaks volumes about the care and health of a dog. Regular grooming, maintaining the fur and even cleanliness are all part of the routing process of taking care of the skin, and fur is essential to maintain overall hygiene and health. Losing hair or fur shedding is a very common problem in dogs and puppies. Every year, owners have a tough time due to the seasonal hair fall in dogs; however, it can indicate a problem or underlying condition when there is an excessive fur loss.
Understanding the symptoms of hair fall in dogs
MyFurries veterinary services offer a wide range of grooming services that can improve your dog’s overall appearance. Nevertheless, as a pet parent or owner, you also have to keep a watchful eye to ensure that your dog is not shedding too much fur. Some of the commonly known indicators of hair fall in dogs include
· Dry or brittle hair
· Abnormal fur shedding in dogs
· Uneven or evenly shaped bald patches across the body.
Causes of hair fall in dogs
Apart from seasonal concerns, here are some of the causes behind hair fall in dogs.
· Infestation of fleas, ticks and mites
One of the most commonly known causes for loss of fur in dogs could be the infestation of parasites like fleas, lice, mites etc. If you notice that your furbie is losing fur, especially near the tailor around the neck, then check out for fleas. Although tiny in size, these parasites can irritate the dog’s skin, resulting in continuous or excessive scratching and itching. It also results in the loss of fur in dogs and puppies.
· A strong indication of underlying conditions of fur shedding in dogs
Even underlying conditions like dandruff or eczema can also cause much distress in dogs due to skin irritation. You will notice your dog continuously itching, licking and scratching itself. Eventually, this habit can also turn into hair loss in a particular section of the dog and weaken the coat and hair follicles.
· Nutritional deficiencies and improper diet
Another cause of hair fall in dogs is nutritional deficiency and improper diet. Just like humans, even dogs need the correct type of nutrition based on their breed. Although MyFurries veterinary services are available for your grooming needs, it is always best to speak to your vet to understand what kind of diet the pup needs so that you can prevent hair fall in dogs.
· Medical conditions that can cause fur shedding in dogs
Sometimes the hair fall in dogs could also be as a result of a medical or skin condition. One such commonly known condition is Cushing’s disease. In this condition, dogs tend to develop various behaviour symptoms, dark patches, hair loss, and obesity because of the development of a tumour that results in the excessive production of cortisol from the adrenal gland. Even canine hypothyroidism can be an underlying condition of fur shedding in dogs.
· A side effect of medicines
In some cases, hair fall in dogs can also result from a side effect of a particular medicine. In such cases, you should talk to your vet and let him/her know what is going on. The vet will make the necessary changes in the medication to prevent hair fall in your dog.
Diagnosis of the reason behind hair fall in dogs
To understand the reason behind the loss of fur, the vet at MyFurries veterinary services will diagnose the possible reasons behind the problem. Some of the diagnostic methods include
· A physical examination
· Routine blood tests to rule out deficiencies or irregularities in the blood
· Urine and stool analysis in case of an underlying condition
· Understand the diet and lifestyle of the dog
· Swab sample of the skin or fur for advanced diagnosis
Treatment options to prevent hair fall in dogs
The specialists at MyFurries veterinary services will recommend the necessary treatment and preventive measures that owners should take to prevent fur shedding in dogs. The options can be one or a combination of the following.
· Dietary and lifestyle changes based on the age and breed of the dog
· Cleaning routine changes, including bathing and grooming routines
· Supplements and medicines for medical conditions and excessive fur shedding in dogs
· Grooming routine including the recommended shampoo and conditioner
Being a pet owner/parent is not as difficult as it seems, provided you take the proper precautionary measures. Follow MyFurries for more information regarding hair fall in dogs, especially if you are a first time owner.
