Alopecia in Dogs

Alopecia in Dogs

When a human or dog loses the ability to regrow hair, this is known as alopecia. Alopecia in dogs is more severe than just some normal loose hair that sheds seasonally. If your dog is scratching and has thinning hair and bald patches, that is alopecia. In either case, if your dog’s shedding seems excessive to you, don’t hesitate to call your vet and see if it is a condition that should be checked.

Signs of Alopecia in Dogs

Other than the visual signs of thinned-out areas of your dog’s coat, you will notice behavioral signs such as excessive scratching, licking and shedding. Additional signs of alopecia in dogs include:

• A change in your dog’s skin color
• Your dog’s skin looks dry and crusty
• Red, inflamed skin
• Flaky dandruff skin
• Red spots on the skin

Why Do Dogs Get Alopecia?

If your dog is nervous or stressed out, perhaps he has turned to scratching constantly. The negative cycle continues as the scratching creates wounds. Heredity or hormonal issues can contribute greatly to whether a dog develops alopecia or not. If a dog has ringworm, an inadequate diet, or food allergies, each of these can cause it to form. Alopecia can also be acquired by a dog from the presence of fleas, mange, mosquitos, or lice. If your dog gets bitten by a spider or other insect, this can cause him to scratch his skin. The areas that have been scratched may experience hair loss. The following are additional ways that dogs can get alopecia:

• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing’s disease
• Reactions to rabies and corticosteroid injections
• Yeast infection on the skin
• Cancer
• Chemical exposure
• Burns
• Normal aging

Seasonal Shedding Vs. Alopecia

Seasonal shedding is not technically alopecia at all, according to Whole Dog Journal. When the seasons change, it is only natural for your dog’s coat to release itself. Although you won’t likely see your dog’s bare skin, it is just much less hair than he normally has. When tufts of hair begin to fall to the ground, it is time for a nice bath and a good brushing. This will help to bring in new hair growth. Alopecia in its truest definition means the loss of all hair. When this happens, it is almost always because of a health condition that the dog has. Treating the symptoms of alopecia is helpful. However, diagnosing and treating the primary cause of alopecia is critical in getting rid of it. Getting help from your veterinarian is an important step to take to ensure your dog stays healthy inside and out.