March 9, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health

It can be alarming to notice that your furry friend is not so furry anymore. Usually, hair loss in dogs is caused by an allergic reaction of some kind, and always indicates a medical problem.

Your dog may have an allergic reaction to fleas, ticks or other insects on its skin. However, if the hair loss or thinning does not stop even after treating the infestation with pet drugs like Frontline Plus, Pet Armor or Comfortis, something else may be up.

Talk to your veterinarian about possible nutrition problems that could be behind the hair loss. Certain breeds are predisposed to conditions that can cause fur to fall out. For instance, Northern dog breeds like Siberian Huskies can have an inability to absorb zinc, even though there is usually an adequate amount in commercial pet food. This condition is called Alopecia X of the Northern breeds.

Huskies also tend to experience slow hair re-growth. These dogs, along with Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows and mixed-breed dogs with Northern genes have fur that grows back slowly because they evolved in cold snowy climates that made it so they only shed and regrow fur once or twice every two years.

If your veterinarian thinks a nutritional deficiency is to blame, he or she may recommend switching the dog's food to something like Now Fresh Grain Free Dry Dog Food or Wellness CORE Ocean Formula Dry Dog Food. Hair requires a constant supply of nutrients in order for it to stay in the skin, so a supplement like Be Well Dog may be beneficial to ensure it is getting all the support it needs.

Omega-3 fatty acids are often recommended for dogs with hair and skin issues because this nutrient encourages the growth of healthy cells. You can add pet products like Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil to your pooch's food, and you may start to notice a positive change in its skin and coat. Additional benefits may be seen in your dog's joints and other organs.

Breeds such as Beagles, Boston terriers, Boxers, Dachshunds, and poodles are prone to Cushing's disease, which can also cause hair loss. Poor blood flow, abnormal organ function and excessive or deficient hormone levels can also cause hair to fall out, while certain medications or the combination of medicines can also be to blame. 

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2. Treating hypothyroidism in dogs
3. What’s with my dog’s dramatic weight loss?
4. What is ringworm in dogs?
5. What to do when Kitty loses her fluff