How to Treat Alopecia in Dogs?

Alopecia, also known as spot baldness, is a condition with abnormal hair loss areas on dogs, but it rarely appears without a hidden cause.

Excess hair loss is usually a symptom of a more severe health issue.

Some of these conditions are quite easy to manage (oils and the right diet may do the trick).

Others are more severe and will need specific treatment.

That’s why it’s crucial to identify the root of the problem. Of course, the final diagnosis should be made only by a veterinarian. Still, it would be helpful for you, as a dog parent, to understand the various causes of alopecia and the right treatment for each of them. Depending on the cause and the location of hair loss on your dog, there are different types of alopecia. It may be accompanied by itching or inflammation, though not always. The areas of hair loss may be round and focal, eaten-like and irregular, or even symmetrical.

Does Your Dog Have Alopecia?

Hair loss is not always a reason to worry and it doesn’t always require treatment. But if you believe that your dog loses too much hair, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The first and the most important step for you is taking your pup to the veterinarian.

If you suspect that hair loss in your dog is excessive, it may be a good idea to keep an eye on them before an appointment, so that you have some information and observations to share with your veterinarian. It may help with a quicker diagnosis.

A veterinary specialist will perform a physical examination, a blood test, skin cultures, scrape for parasites, or order a biopsy, depending on what symptoms your dog shows.

The Causes of Alopecia

Similarly to humans, hair loss may have various causes in dogs, but all of them can be divided into two groups: congenital (which means that a dog was born with a condition) or acquired (a condition appeared, a dog fell sick, lacks nutrients, contracted a disease, or got injured). Then, there are more groups based on the root of alopecia.

Alopecia Areata

This condition actually is a hair loss without any underlying issues. It’s an autoimmune disease, generally without any inflammation, only bald spots, usually on the head and neck.

Parasites as the Cause of Alopecia

Some parasites may cause hair loss, while in other cases, it may be an allergic reaction to a specific one, or an infection. The most common parasites that cause alopecia in dogs are mites and fleas.

• Mites are microscopic, and they live in the hair follicles. There are various types of mites, but the presence of some of them, especially when your dog has a weak immune system, can lead to different kinds of mange, causing hair loss.
• Fleas are always irritating, but it’s also not rare for dogs to be sensitive or even allergic to flea bites. If that’s the case, a dog may be losing due to itching, irritation, and scratching.

Hormones as the Cause of Alopecia

Diseases related to the endocrine system or hormone imbalances may lead to various health issues, and many of them result in excess hair loss. Here are a few examples:

Cushing’s Disease

It’s the increase in cortisol that may have been caused externally by corticosteroid therapy, or internally by the overproduction in the adrenal glands. It may be genetic proneness but also tumors, even tiny ones.

Vetoryl is a prescribed treatment for Cushing’s disease caused by pituitary-dependent and adrenocortical tumor-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

Hypothyroidism

It’s the condition when your dog’s organism produces too little thyroid hormones, resulting in hair loss, among other symptoms. Usually, it’s a genetic autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, but it may sometimes be the sign of cancer.

Allergies as the Cause of Alopecia

Hair loss is not uncommon in dogs who suffer from allergies that irritate their skin, causing itching and inflammation. These include:

Atopy which is an allergic reaction to particles in the air, such as mold, dust, or pollen.

Food allergies with symptoms often including rash, inflammation, redness, and itching.

Medicines and injections that your dog may be allergic to.

Other materials such as the type of your dog’s bedding or a collar.

Alopecia Caused by Bacteria and Fungi

Very often, bacteria and fungi, such as ringworm, affect the hair follicles or the skin, which irritates the dog, causing itching and scratching.

Mental Issues as the Cause of Alopecia

Many people don’t realize that dogs, just like humans, can suffer from mental health issues. Stress or trauma may cause them to excessively lick or bite themselves and it can lead to hair loss. Dogs can also struggle with a condition similar to people’s anxiety or even OCD, making them scratch or chew and pull their own hair out.

It’s also possible for a dog to have pineal alopecia, isolated to the ear flaps when there is less and less hair until it disappears completely. Other dogs may be more susceptible to hair loss, and then, it may be enough if you groom them too often.

Breeds More Susceptible to Alopecia

Some breeds are more prone to hair loss than others, and the veterinary world still doesn’t entirely know why.

Predisposed breeds include:

• Chihuahuas
• Dachshunds
• Greyhounds
• Whippets

Check if your dog has a predisposition to hair loss and for any breed-specific preventative measure you can take.

Is There Something You Can Do?

First and foremost consult your veterinarian before making any decisions. Your dog’s hair loss could be a symptom of a more severe illness or require prescription medication.

Then, there’s dog food specially designed to keep your dog’s skin and hair in good health, but you need to remember not to change their diet without consulting a veterinarian or a nutritionist first.

If your pooch happens to have a food allergy, you will definitely need to change their diet. Sometimes, it may be necessary to use internal or topical meds, but only if a veterinarian recommends it.

But it may also be just seasonal shedding; in this case, it will be enough for you to brush your dog regularly. It will not only allow you to keep them tidier but also to evenly distribute the oils that your dog’s skin produces naturally. If you notice that their skin is generally too dry, you can invest in a humidifier that will benefit all members of your household. To keep your Fido’s skin moisturized, you can use olive oils (add them to their bath or massage directly into their skin), or apple cider vinegar and lemon juice that also have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Know Your Dog

All dogs are different, even if they are of the same age and breed. It’s vital for a dog parent to know their Fido, and to be able to tell whenever there’s something wrong or simply out of place. Only then can your four-legged friend have everything they need to thrive and live a long and happy life.

Natalia is a content writer, linguist, bookworm, and animal lover. The proud owner (or the subject) of a Miniature Poodle and a British Shorthair. Co-writer at Pet Food Reviews.