The biggest headache for pet owners may be the seasonal shedding of their pets. I love pets, but it is very annoying to see the fluff flying everywhere in the house. Sometimes dogs also shed their hair. Don’t be careless, it may be because the dog is sick, so why does the dog lose hair?

Labrador Retriever

Six major inspection items when losing hair: 1. The area where the hair is falling 2. The shape of the hair 3. Whether it is itchy 4. What kind of feed to eat 5. Whether you have had sterilization surgery 6. Whether you are receiving treatment for other diseases. If at the same time When there are symptoms of itching, it is easier for the owner to notice the hair loss of the dog. If there is no itching, it must be observed carefully to find out. In order to detect the disease in time, the dog must be combed regularly and check whether there is hair loss. It is difficult to detect hair loss in long-haired dogs. Be sure to comb the hair to confirm. Different from the moulting period, when hair loss is caused by disease, only partial hair loss occurs. When hair loss occurs in different parts The diseases you may suffer from are also different. Allergic dermatitis, hormonal abnormalities, dermatitis caused by bacteria, stress, etc. may cause hair loss.

Possible diseases based on the area of ​​hair loss

1. Hair loss on face/legs/armpits/back: allergic dermatitis. [In severe cases, erythema may appear all over the body]

2. Hair loss from the buttocks to the back: flea allergic dermatitis. [The hair loss around the tail and waist is more serious]

3. Symmetrical hair loss: a. Adrenocortical dysfunction syndrome. [Parts other than the head and feet have bilaterally symmetrical hair loss. Sometimes there is also pigmentation] b. One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. [Symmetrical hair loss on the legs] c. Hypothyroidism 2. [Symmetrical hair loss on the back and abdomen]

4. Circular hair loss: Fungal infection. [Shedding hair in a nearly circular pattern. When it worsens, it will spread to the whole body]

5. Extensive hair loss: Pyoderma. [The skin becomes red. A rash appears. There is strong itching. Hair loss occurs after biting or scratching]

6. Hair loss around the buttocks/vulva/lower abdomen: Hair loss caused by hormonal abnormalities. [The hair loss site is fixed. But there will be no left-right symmetry]

7. Hair loss around the eyes and mouth: Trichocystis (external parasites cause hair loss). [There is partial hair loss around the eyes and mouth, etc. on the face and front legs, or there are signs of hair loss all over the body]

8. Licking the body. Hair loss: Stress (psychological problems cause hair loss). [Dogs will lick their legs or bite their tails under mental stress, causing hair loss]

​PamperPrecautions for dog hair loss:

1. Hair loss outside the moulting period: Usually spring and autumn are the seasons for shedding. During the moulting period, hair will fall all over the body. This is different from partial hair loss caused by disease. In spring, for To welcome the coming of summer, the undercoat will fall off. In autumn, in order to welcome the coming winter, new undercoat will grow densely. Dogs living indoors are not easily affected by the outside temperature and sunshine time. They will grow all year round. There is a tendency to shed hair. Therefore, hair loss in the non-shedding period is not necessarily caused by disease.

2. Check the dog’s food: Is there any problem with the nutritional status? Is there a lack of vitamins and minerals? When vitamin A, copper and zinc are insufficient, it will cause skin diseases and hair loss.

3. The use of steroids may also cause hair loss: The side effects of steroids used to treat diseases can also cause hair loss. Once discovered, the veterinarian must be informed immediately. When hair loss is caused by steroids, the dosage can be gradually reduced. Finally Stop using it. But use your own judgment. It is dangerous. Be sure to follow the instructions of your veterinarian.