The dog's hair is falling out, going bald, and bald spots appear.

In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients complaining of hair loss following Covid-19.

We are talking about acute diffuse alopecia, characterized by increased hair loss over the entire surface of the scalp, a uniform decrease in total volume, and deterioration in hair quality. The process manifests itself 2-3 months after exposure to the causative factor (in this case, after a viral infection), is temporary, and can last up to six months. Some patients who have a genetic predisposition to prolapse may experience a protracted course of the process.

Why does a dog go bald and itchy?

It is completely natural for a pet to lose some of its fur. This is how he sheds. It’s unusual - if he has bald patches, his hair comes out a lot, he’s constantly itching.

The reasons for this may be:

• natural physiological;
• hormonal pathologies;
• non-hormonal diseases.

Important! Be sure to brush your pet at least once a week. Cleansing helps remove dead hair and epithelial cells, as well as improve blood circulation in the skin through massage.

Physiological characteristics of dogs

Physiological causes are not signs of disease and require minimal action on the part of the owner.

Such reasons include:

• seasonal and infant molting;
• problems with winter clothes;
• genetic predisposition;
• age.

In countries with seasonal temperature changes, mammals change their coats twice a year. This process is called seasonal molting. Another type of harmless shedding is infant shedding. It is observed in puppies as they grow up. This hair loss is not a pathology.

The pile consists entirely of protein compounds. Their excess triggers a mechanism in the body for shedding “extra” protein, i.e. begins the molting process. This must be taken into account when planning your dog’s diet. Hair loss on the back occurs from overuse of dog clothing. It must protect the representative of the breed, which does not have an undercoat, from the cold in winter. The skin overheats when the air temperature rises. Clothing does not allow it to “cool down” and restore normal temperature conditions. A humid environment is formed in which pathogenic microorganisms develop, which leads to the pet becoming bald and constantly itching.

Genetics is another harmless reason. There are "hairless" dog breeds, such as the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintle. But some breeds are simply more prone to hair loss than others. This:

• Russian greyhound;
• hounds;
• chihuahua;
• dachshunds;
• Italian greyhounds.

Important! Greasy, mats, dandruff

-
a signal that the pet is not healthy and needs to visit a veterinarian.
This tendency may appear in a puppy after he turns 1 year old. Bald patches will appear on the outer ear, chest, abdomen, thighs, or lower neck. Older dogs lie around a lot and suffer from bedsores. The pressure of a hard surface on the hair follicles leads to their loss. Bedsores are accompanied by thickening of the skin and cracking. Prevent them by using softer bedding.

Hormonal diseases

Are you seeing uniform undercoat loss in certain areas? This means that hormones are to blame, even if the pet is going bald but not itching.

The reasons for this loss are:

• Cushing's syndrome;
• Addison's disease;
• excess or deficiency of estrogen;
• disorders of the thyroid gland.

An excess or deficiency of the sex hormone estrogen is rare. It occurs due to benign tumors. For example, a male dog may develop a tumor of the testes, and a female dog may develop a tumor of the ovaries.

Symptoms of pathology:

• slow hair growth in the lower abdomen;
• thickening of the skin in the groin and armpits;
• enlargement of the genitals.

Non-hormonal reasons

There are many more non-hormonal causes of dog hair loss.

And they are very diverse:

• lice, fleas, lice-eaters;
• mites;
• yeast infections;
• dermatitis of various etiologies;
• allergy;
• infectious diseases.

Important! An enzyme secreted by fleas at the bite point causes skin irritation and can cause allergic dermatitis.

The presence of skin parasites is noticeable visually. To do this, just move the fur apart. Fleas are small, dark-colored running insects. Lice are almost transparent insects, up to 1 mm in size, that are found at the bottom of the hair follicle.

Symptoms of fleas, lice, lice:

• the pet is itching;
• there are areas of inflamed skin where hair falls out;
• The dog chews itself at the bite sites.

Mites are microscopic creatures that live on the surface of the skin or in hair follicles. Some of them, such as the scabies mite, are highly contagious to both humans and dogs. Others, such as Demodex canis, are not contagious, but they also cause pets to go bald and require treatment.

Yeast infections often affect breeds with folded skin:

• Shar Pei;
• pugs;
• bulldogs;
• bloodhounds;
• English mastiffs.

Yeast development occurs in organic and inorganic environments. And in the folds an environment favorable for their life is formed. Prevention of pathology consists in timely care of skin folds.

Symptoms of yeast dermatitis:

• itching;
• very unpleasant odor from the skin;
• rash;
• inflammation;
• greasy, fine wool;
• hair loss in areas of folds.

Find out in more detail what dogs can get sick with: infectious, parasitic and other diseases.

If hair loss is accompanied by flaking, this may be a secondary sign of endocrine system disorders. For example, diabetes, eczema and dermatitis. Baldness on the head is a sign of solar dermatitis or adenitis of the sebaceous glands. Accompanied by hair loss on the face and the appearance of ulcers on the skin. If your pet goes bald symmetrically on the head and neck, then these are signs of adenitis of the sebaceous glands.

Round bald patches on the face, ears and front legs are ringworm. Accompanied by redness of the skin, inflammation, rash and severe itching. Allergies in dogs occur in the same way as in people. Its symptoms are itching and partial hair loss.

The most common types of allergies in dogs are:

• atopy - allergies to irritants such as pollen, mold and dust mites;
• flea allergy;
• food allergies.

Here are some breeds that are more prone to skin allergies: West Highland White Terrier, Irish Setter, Shar Pei, Bulldog, Spaniel, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dalmatian. Excessive hair loss can also be caused by stress, poor diet, pregnancy, breastfeeding or certain illnesses. Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, you need to show your pet to a veterinarian. He will conduct an examination and prescribe a course of treatment.

Features of shedding by breed

Different types of fur are characteristic of different animals. Their structure, density and length differ. Because of this, natural replacement occurs in different ways. Some people tend to shed a large number of clumps in a short period of time, for others everything happens slowly and for a long time.

In long-haired

Owners of long and medium fur coats need periodic combing, which prevents the appearance of tangles. In addition, long-haired representatives are washed using special shampoos with conditioner and masks.

Every owner knows what to do when shedding begins in long-haired dogs - he has already learned from his first experience. The difficulty in keeping dogs with such a fur coat lies in the need for constant cleaning during seasonal molting. Furry animals include collie, sheltie, spaniel, Pekingese, Afghan hound, different types of shepherd dogs, Siberian husky and some others.

Often such breeds shed in patches - even with careful grooming, bald patches are visible on the panties or sides. But molting, fortunately, does not last too long.

In shorthaired

Smooth species, such as Rottweiler, Toy Terrier, Dachshund, Chihuahua, Pug, Bulldog and others, shed for a fairly long period. Their fur falls out unnoticed, but it is very difficult to remove. Only a vacuum cleaner can help remove short hair from carpeting or upholstered furniture.

In wire-haired

Representatives of miniature schnauzers, middle schnauzers, giant schnauzers, fox terriers, Airedale terriers and Scottish terriers are the easiest to care for. In dogs with coarse guard hairs, the undercoat does not change much. Accordingly, severe hair loss does not occur. Four-legged pets should be trimmed as necessary to remove dead particles.

Breeds that don't shed

For people who are susceptible to allergic reactions, only certain types of pets are suitable as pets. These include the Maltese, several varieties of poodles, Yorkshire terrier, Welsh terrier, border terrier, Bedlington terrier, wheaten terrier, Basenji, Xoloitzcuintle and some others. These dogs practically do not shed their hair and do not emit specific odors characteristic of the rest.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

Diagnosis of hormonal disorders is carried out on the basis of an analysis of hormone levels in the blood serum, as well as a visual examination of the pet and a survey of the owner about the peculiarities of the animal’s behavior.

Additionally, the following may be prescribed:

• general clinical analysis of blood and urine;
• ECG;
• Ultrasound;
• radiography.

Infectious diseases and allergies are diagnosed based on tests. And to diagnose external parasites, a visual examination is often sufficient, but smears may be taken. Ringworm is diagnosed using a Wood's lamp. In its light, fungal spores begin to glow in ultraviolet color. But to be sure, the veterinarian will conduct an additional bacteriological study.

Treatment of diseases that cause hair loss in dogs

The doctor chooses the course of treatment depending on the established diagnosis. Hormonal disorders will be treated with drugs such as Trilostane and Metatonin. They are designed to stabilize hormonal levels. If the situation does not change after 2 months, he will appoint another regulator.

Did you know? The only dog ​​breed that can't bark

are
Basenjis from Central Africa.
It is believed that this trait was bred artificially because barking could reveal the presence of people to enemies. Skin affected by fungal diseases is treated with an antiseptic and then with an antifungal drug. At the same time, antibiotics are prescribed to relieve the inflammatory process. But you don’t need to make an appointment for your pet yourself. You can worsen his condition if you calculate the dose incorrectly.

When infected with parasites, use:

• pills;
• drops;
• anti-flea shampoos;
• sprays;
• special collars.

Additionally, immunostrengthening drugs and vitamin complexes are prescribed. You also need to take care of proper nutrition for your pet, timely hygiene, vaccination against viral and infectious diseases, and periodic treatment for fleas and worms.

Hormonal disbalance

The veterinarian will begin diagnosing hormonal disorders with a blood and urine test. This allows you to clarify the amount of the hormone in the blood, as well as the presence of infectious infection. If Cushing's syndrome is caused by an adrenal tumor, it will be proposed to operate on the pet. In cases where surgery is not possible, maintenance treatment is prescribed - lifelong Mitotane, Trilostane or Vetoril. Mitotane is cheaper, but it is an older development with more side effects.

Important! Hormonal diseases are incurable. Your pet will need to take treatment for the rest of its life. The doctor will only adjust the dosage depending on his condition.

Your pet will need to be seen regularly by a doctor for blood tests to ensure that the treatment is working. Treatment for Addison's disease begins with intensive care to address the symptoms of the crisis. Hormone replacement drugs are then prescribed.

These are the injections:

• mineralocorticoid - once a month;
• steroid (prednisolone) - daily.

Treatment of hypothyroidism consists of prescribing a drug that will compensate for the lack of thyroid hormones. The dosage adjustment will consist of reducing it as the dog’s condition improves.

Parasites

Most skin diseases are associated with external parasites.

Among them:

• fleas;
• lice;
• mites;
• lice eaters.

Did you know? A dog's nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint.

In addition to them, various fungi affect the skin - yeast, ringworm. Internal parasites are worms and protozoan single-celled microorganisms. They end up in the stomach along with food or after contact with an infected animal.

External

Help to destroy external parasites:

• shampoos;
• sprays;
• drops;
• anti-parasite collars.

Shampoo is used to kill adult insects. But it doesn't work on eggs. Therefore, you need to wash your dog with shampoo 3 times with intervals between washes of 7 days.

To do this you need:

1. Read the instructions for the drug. Prepare washing supplies - shampoo, towels, water. If possible, wash your dog outside.
2. Wet the wool.
3. Apply the amount of shampoo specified in the instructions.
4. Gently lather and distribute throughout the coat.
5. Wait 3-5 minutes and then rinse with water.

Did you know? A flea can pull 160,000 times its own weight. This is equivalent to dragging 2,679 double-decker buses behind you.

Drops are applied to the withers. To do this, pinch the skin with your fingers, press the dispenser pipette onto it and squeeze out the product. The duration of action of the drug is 1–3 months. The mite is located under the skin, so external treatment is not sufficient to destroy it. It is treated with subcutaneous administration of Ivermectin or its analogue 2 times with an interval of 5 days. The drug acts on living adult pests, but not on eggs. Therefore, it must be entered 2 times.

Domestic

To treat worms, drugs based on praziquantel are usually used - Pratel, Milbemax, Azinox, Milprazon, Febtal. Release form: tablets, suspensions, solutions for injections. It is recommended to give the tablets in the morning feeding - crush them and mix them into food. The dosage is determined depending on the weight category of the pet.

Infection with protozoan parasites is often the cause of diarrhea. With prolonged diarrhea, dehydration occurs, weight loss occurs, and the coat becomes dull and dirty. The disease is treated with a course of Metronidazole, Metrogil, Klion, Fenbendahzol or a similar drug. Course duration is 5–10 days. The dosage is prescribed by a veterinarian.

Allergy

Allergies in dogs are almost as common as in people. About 20% of pets suffer from this disease. It is accompanied by itching, scratching, skin inflammation and hair loss. For an allergic reaction to occur, the dog must come into contact with the allergen. Treatment begins with removing the allergen from the pet's environment. There is no specific cure for allergies, but there is symptomatic treatment. Antihistamines are used to relieve itching. The list of the main ones includes “Tavegil”, “Suprastin”, “Diazolin”, “Telfast”, “Diphenhydramine”, “Peritol”.

Did you know? The earliest depictions of dogs found in Europe date back to 12,000 years ago. These are cave paintings discovered in Spain.

Warm baths with medicinal antipruritic shampoo relieve irritation and inflammation of the skin. Vet pharmacies offer a variety of antifungal shampoos for dogs - Nizoral, Noroclin Profi, Miconazole, Cytoderm, Tea Tree oil Shampoo, Pchelodar, Four Paws, Doctor Shampoo. Drugs are introduced into the diet to help recovery. For example, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help in treating allergies and dermatitis.

Fungal and bacterial infections

Treatment of fungal infections at home includes drug treatment, treatment of the premises and temporary isolation of the patient from healthy pets. Absolute compliance with all doctor’s prescriptions is mandatory.

Skin treatment for fungal diseases:

1. The affected area is treated with a disinfectant - "Chlorhexedine".
2. The scissors are wiped with alcohol and the hair around the stain is cut, because... they are very much affected by the fungus.
3. Then this area is generously lubricated with antifungal agents.
4. Do this 2 times a day for a month until the symptoms disappear.

Dermatophytoses are treated with intramuscular injection of the Vakderm or Polivak vaccine, or their analogues. The vaccine is injected into the thigh twice with an interval of 10 days between injections. The purpose of vaccination is to stop the vital activity of the fungus. The injection is given in different thighs. The dosage is determined by the doctor.

Stress

The easiest way to reduce your dog's stress is through regular daily exercise. Walking, playing, going to the dog park, swimming will not only reduce your dog's daily stress levels but will also make him healthier.

Other ways to relieve stress in your dog:

1. Mental stimulation. Think about different types of toys that your pet will find interesting.
2. Make sure you have a safe home. Nothing in the house should irritate or frighten him. Try to use items that contain a familiar scent.
3. Spend more time with your pet.
4. Don't show aggression, even if you come home from work irritated.

Did you know? 30% of Dalmatians suffer from deafness in one or both ears.

Decreased immunity

Support your dog's immune system with:

• fresh products;
• sufficient (not necessarily difficult) exercises;
• daylight;
• your loving attention.

The immune system's job is to respond to attacks from infections and bacteria. It must destroy the aggressor without harming the body. This is how immunity differs from drugs.

To keep it in great shape, follow these simple steps:

1. Keep your dog clean. Depending on the current state of the immune system, the body will react differently to pollution. A healthy immune system will destroy harmful bacteria, but a weakened one will allow you to get sick.
2. Control your weight. You should know how many calories your pet can consume, in accordance with the breed characteristics and adjusted for age. Portion control is the best way to prevent obesity or malnutrition.
3. Balanced diet. It should contain a sufficient amount of nutrients. Antioxidants are especially important. They are found in vegetables and fruits.

A list of foods that are healthy for your pet and rich in antioxidants: beans, red berries, dark plums, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, barley.

Lack of vitamins

The most important thing to know about a dog's body is that 60-80% of its body weight is water. If its volume decreases by 10%, it will lead to death. Therefore, there should always be water in the bowl.

The second important component is fats. Certain fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and 6, help promote proper growth and development of joints, organs, intestines and tissues, as well as lubricate joints, the digestive tract and improve heart health. Omega deficiency causes allergies, inflammation, yeast infections, skin and eye problems, and even behavioral problems. If you don’t have enough of them in your diet, buy a supplement at a pet store. Or add flaxseed to your diet.

Find out what patella is in dogs, signs and treatment of the disease.

The next component is vitamins. Vitamin A deficiency leads to a weakened immune system and dry skin. Its sources are sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and greens. Remember that this is a fat-soluble vitamin and is therefore given along with vegetable oil.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is also associated with allergies and can lead to kidney damage. Pumpkin, bananas and oats are good sources of vitamin B6. A lack of vitamin K causes blood clotting problems. It is found in leafy greens. Typically, vitamins are presented not one at a time, but in the form of complexes. In order not to oversaturate your diet with them, it is better to consult a veterinarian who prescribed the main course of treatment.

Inflammation of the anal glands

Sometimes the lack of hair on an area of ​​skin is completely unrelated to hair loss. For example, a splinter that accidentally gets into your paw while walking will cause discomfort. Trying to get it, the animal gnaws this place with its teeth, at the same time tearing out the hair from it. Examine the paw and determine the location of the splinter. Disinfect the tweezers and treat the area with Chlorhexidine antiseptic. Pull out the interfering object with tweezers. Rinse the wound again and apply a band-aid.

The situation with fur will be similar if itching occurs on some area of ​​the skin. Inflammation of the paraanal glands is one of these pathologies. If secretions stagnate inside the glands, they become inflamed, and itching begins in the anal area. The dog shows signs of anxiety, licks this area, and also removes the hair that bothers him with his teeth. In this and other similar cases, the pet should be examined by a veterinarian.

To treat inflammation the following will be prescribed:

1. "Methyluracil" for wound healing. These are rectal suppositories.
2. "Cefotaxime" to eliminate pain. You can dilute 0.5 g with water and give it with drink.
3. Fluconazole as an antifungal therapy. Dose 20 mg/kg 2 times a day.
4. "Dexafort" once intramuscularly 0.5–1 ml. This is a glucocorticosteroid hormone, which is prescribed in the presence of hormonal disorders.

Important! Scented candles may release toluene

—
a substance that increases the risk of asthma. It can cause itching and irritation in the upper respiratory tract in both humans and dogs.

Cushing's syndrome

It consists of too much cortisol (helps the body deal with various stressful situations) in the dog’s body.

Most susceptible dog breeds

• dachshunds
• boxers

The symptoms will be as follows:

• hair loss all over the body
• constant strong thirst
• frequent urination
• inappropriate behavior
• skin inflamed and with small cracks
• poor appetite, which leads to rapid weight loss, although the stomach remains bloated

In order to cure a dog of this disease, medications are prescribed that suppress the production of cortisol.

How to relieve severe itching

Itching is a good reason to visit a veterinarian. If your pet starts itching after new food, shampoo, bedding, or the product you used to clean the house, then you need to return to the original food or detergents. Eliminating the source of the allergy or stress will normalize the animal’s condition in a couple of days.

You can get advice from a veterinarian and prescribe one of the antihistamines, for example, Suprastin or Tavegil. Or wait until the body copes with the allergy on its own, if there is no severe itching.

In the long term, antihistamines do not promote good immune system function. They act like turning off a fire alarm without affecting the fire itself. The second reason is parasites. Carefully examine the animal's fur. If you find fleas or lice, wash your dog with anti-flea shampoo “Fitoelita”, “Bars”, “Mr Bruno”, “Doctor Zoo”, “Clandestine”.

The next reason is inflammation. Wash the inflamed area with chamomile infusion or green tea with 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. You can also apply a thick poultice of oatmeal to the itchy area. Now you have done everything you could. And if the problem persists, then after providing first aid to your pet and eliminating the most obvious causes of itching, you are ready to get an appointment with a veterinarian.

Hyperestrogenism (excess of estrogen in the body)

This disease affects both sexes and is another reason why dogs begin to lose hair.

In addition to large amounts of hair loss on the sides and abdomen, symptoms include:

• swelling around the nipples (in females)
• swollen testicles (in males)
• the skin becomes tougher and rougher
• sulfur is produced in excess

Due to the fact that medication treatment in this situation will not bring results, the issue is resolved surgically (the dog’s reproductive organs are removed depending on gender).