Dog Hair Loss in Patches

Dog hair loss is a common occurrence. Plenty of dogs shed their coats from time to time and this is completely normal and nothing to be worried about. What can be concerning, though, is when there are signs that the hair loss is not just the natural result of shedding. One of these signs include hair loss that comes in patches, causing bald spots.

Causes of Dog Hair Loss

There are various factors that could be causing your dog to lose hair in sections. 

• Allergies. If your dog has seasonal allergies or is suffering an allergic reaction to something it has encountered, it could be to blame for the hair loss. Allergies can cause a specific spot upon the dog to itch and if the dog scratches at it enough, then the hair will begin to come out. 
• Fleas. If your dog has encountered fleas, then this could also account for patches of hair loss, as it could be a result of scratching. Check your dog over to make sure that this is not what is causing the hair loss. 
• Infections. Certain fungal and bacterial infections can cause hair to fall out in sections. A good example of this would be ringworm. This would leave your dog with small red lesions that are circular in shape and it is something that requires antibiotics to clear up. 
• Mites. Mites are tiny parasites that live upon the dog's fur. They cause mange, which could be another explanation for the hair loss. There are several different types of mange, but all require a prescription, whether it be it be an injection or a simple rinse. 
• Acral Lick Dermatitis. This is where your dog obsessively licks certain parts of its body. They can do this until the hair begins to rub away. It can be caused by a multitude of things ranging from an infection to boredom. This is something that has a number of treatment plans, depending upon what triggered it in your dog in the first place. 

How to Treat Hair Loss in Dogs

Regardless of the cause of the hair loss, it is a good idea to try to keep the area with hair loss comfortable and clean. Most of what causes these patches will leave your dog's skin dry and irritated and thus uncomfortable, so try to minimize this by applying some creams and cleaning the area with a soft washcloth. Be careful if your dog has ringworm, as it is highly contagious.

How Prevent Hair Loss Patches

There are a number of ways that you can keep your dog's coat healthy. The two most important things that you can do is to brush your dog's coat on a regular basis and make sure that your dog is getting a good, healthy diet. These are two great ways to help your dog's coat be both healthy and shiny.