If your dog is losing patches of hair on its coat, it might be because of Alopecia areata. In addition to the condition itself, it can also be caused by fleas, mites, and hypothyroidism. Luckily, many of these issues are treatable. The best way to treat alopecia in your dog is to get the right treatment for it. Here are some ways to deal with patches of hair loss on dogs.
Alopecia areata causes patches of hair loss on dogs
Alopecia areata is a common skin disease in dogs. The affected area is usually the head or neck, but the condition may also occur on any other part of the body. The affected area may become grey or black, depending on the extent of pigment deposition. The disease usually begins in the pups at about six months of age, and can continue into adulthood. This condition can be asymptomatic or require specialized treatment, such as corticosteroids.
Hair loss can be accompanied by behavioral changes, skin color changes, or unpleasant odor. In some cases, contact dermatitis or allergic reactions can lead to bald patches on the dog. Depending on the severity of the condition, the hair may also be scaly or itch a lot. For dogs with alopecia areata, treatment may involve adding omega-3 and omega-6 supplements to the diet. Dog owners should also bathe their dog at least once per week using an oatmeal shampoo.
Alopecia areata symptoms include coin-size patches of hair loss on the head. Some dogs also experience thinning on the back and chest. While the disorder is most common in females, it may affect the hair on the face and on the eyebrows. In some cases, the hair grows back, but the cycle may continue. It is important to see a veterinarian right away if you notice patches of hair loss in your dog.
Your vet will conduct a thorough physical exam to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis is often not quick and easy. The vet will consider several factors, including the cause of the hair loss. If there are no obvious causes, treatment may be required. Your veterinarian may recommend a canine dermatologist for further testing. A thorough physical exam is the most important step in diagnosing alopecia. A vet will also look for skin problems accompanying the hair loss.
Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in dogs can include dry, dull skin, hair loss, and puffy, droopy eyelids. It can also cause aggression and is characterized by a pale, sallow coat. During the onset, dogs may lose hair in patches and exhibit other signs of hypothyroidism, including reduced appetite and lowered body temperature.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in dogs. This autoimmune disease causes the thyroid gland to stop producing hormones, which in turn leads to the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Any breed of dog can develop hypothyroidism, although large and medium-sized breeds are at a higher risk for the condition. Although dogs of any breed can develop hypothyroidism, the disease tends to be more common in older and middle-aged dogs. Golden retrievers, Irish setters, and Doberman pinschers are just a few of the more common breeds.
Treatment of Hypothyroidism in dogs involves administering synthetic thyroid hormone. Usually, your dog will need to take the medication for the remainder of its life, so it is important to keep it consistent and take your dog’s medication on a consistent schedule. The replacement hormone is called levothyroxine and is sold under many brand names. Blood samples are taken before and four to six hours after the morning dose to monitor thyroid hormone levels. Your veterinarian may prescribe the supplement if your dog’s thyroid hormone levels remain normal.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs can range from dry skin to bald spots. The dog’s hair loss will be patchy, symmetric, or bilateral. Some dogs will experience a flaky coat and droopy upper eyelid. The affected area will also show changes in the digestive tract and dermis. The dog may also experience seizures and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.
Mites
If your dog is experiencing patches of hair loss, it is highly likely that the condition is caused by mites. If you notice scales or blackheads on your dog’s coat, this may be a sign of demodectic mange. You can be certain that mites are to blame for your dog’s hair loss by having your veterinarian diagnose the mites under a microscope. Your vet can diagnose the disease by examining a sample of hair or skin under a microscope.
These tiny spider-like creatures live inside the hair follicles of your dog’s coat. Unless you can see them under a microscope, they appear as black or gray dots on your dog’s coat. In addition to being small, these tiny insects can easily be transferred from dog to dog because they burrow into the skin and live inside it. Your veterinarian can also run tests to determine the type of mites present.
Another common cause of hair loss on dogs is a parasite known as fleas. These mites can cause intense itching and cause bald patches on your dog. These parasites spread from dog to dog and from dog to pet, so it is essential to identify them quickly and get rid of them. If you find that your dog’s hair loss is caused by fleas, you can treat the problem by reducing the infestation by using pheromone sprays or collars. Another option is to consult a dog behaviourist.
The treatment for demodectic mites in dogs depends on the severity of the condition. The condition starts as a small patch on the dog’s hair, which gradually grows. Over days, this patch may spread to other areas of the dog’s body. Over time, it can lead to full-blown demodicosis. The hair loss will darken and may lead to secondary bacterial infections. This condition occurs in a small number of dogs with compromised immune systems. Treatment for localised infection is relatively easy, but for generalised cases, medication may be needed. The outlook is uncertain, but most dogs respond to treatment.
Fleas
Your dog is likely suffering from patches of hair loss. A veterinarian should first rule out food allergies. It is not uncommon for a dog to develop an allergy to fleas, too. You can control flea infestations by administering flea control products, some of which are available over-the-counter. Your vet can also treat yeast infections and ringworm with antifungal creams. Fleas can also cause hair loss due to a disease known as mange, which involves parasitic mites. The disease can spread from human to animal.
Itchy patches of hair loss are common symptoms of a flea infestation. These parasites are highly irritating to dogs and can result in redness, swelling, and itching. Regardless of breed, the bite of a flea can be painful for your dog. If your dog has a flea allergy, these symptoms may increase in severity. Fortunately, flea control is easy to administer.
When fleas cause patches of hair loss on dogs, the symptoms of mange are similar. It is caused by tiny white mites called harvest mites, which live in the dog’s hair follicles. These mites can irritate the dog’s skin and cause itching and loss of hair. However, treatment is not necessary if your dog’s immune system is compromised.
There are several ways to treat fleas. Initially, you can try to eliminate them by using anti-flea shampoos and sprays. Another option is to purchase an oral medication for your dog. These medications are more effective than OTC collars or topical solutions. However, if your dog suffers from an allergic reaction, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or oral medications to alleviate the itching.
Cushing’s disease
The symptoms of Cushing’s disease on dogs can be similar to those of other dog diseases. Your dog’s hair loss could also be caused by other conditions. A physical exam and health history may be enough to diagnose the condition, but an extensive blood and urine test may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may also perform an ultrasound scan of the belly to look for tumours in the adrenal glands.
A small tumor in your dog’s brain can cause the production of cortisol in excess. Your dog’s pituitary gland sends messages to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, so the tumor can cause the glands to overproduce the hormone. Fortunately, the condition generally affects older dogs and it can be slow to develop. Treatment is aimed at treating the underlying cause, and in some cases, it can be as simple as medication.
Although symptoms of Cushing’s disease can take up to a year to appear, they are often misinterpreted as signs of aging or other conditions. Cushing’s disease is most common in older dogs and can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, kidney stones, and pancreatitis. It can also damage the blood vessels supplying the lungs. Therefore, early detection and treatment are key.
A urine cortisol/creatinine ratio test can be used to confirm a diagnosis. If the cortisol/creatinine ratio is elevated, it is likely that your dog has Cushing’s disease. Likewise, elevated blood cortisol levels can indicate the presence of enlarged adrenal glands or a liver disorder. Other tests that can help determine whether or not your dog has Cushing’s disease include ACTH stimulation and low-dose dexamethasone suppression.