by Catherine V. Testaratti

Hair loss, usually referred to as alopecia, is a widespread ailment commonly found in dogs that results in minimal to total hair loss. At times it can be caused by trauma, inflamed hair follicle or an immune disorder. An early diagnosis can make the difference in the amount of hair loss so immediate treatment is necessary.

Left untreated, alopecia can cause damage to the dog’s lymphatic or immune system. Alopecia not only affects dogs but cats as well. Alopecia does not discriminate against age, breed or gender and can start gradually so make sure to keep an eye on your pet for signs of hair loss.

It is a very noticeable condition and usually starts with symmetrical or varied hair loss. If you dog’s loosing patches of hair and chewing or scratching it’s best to seek treatment. Be sure that you watch out for infected patches in the skin as well.

One of the most common causes of hair loss or alopecia is mange. We have all heard of mange which is caused by the mite Demodex. Regular bathing of your dog and thorough checking can help control this nasty disorder.

Alopecia can show itself in many ways and for many reasons. A number of missing patches can be the result of an inflamed hair follicle. Extensive hair loss can be a more serious issue and you might need to have the dog tested. Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to prevent this.

Several remedies might be involved in treating your dog’s condition. Everything from medical shampoos to topical creams and they must be maintained in order to control the problem. Some additional testing might be required such as checking your dog’s hormonal levels to see if there are underlying problems.

Ringworms could be another reason for hair loss. If you notice some patchy loss with reddening and scaling, seek treatment. And remember, ringworms are very contagious so wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.

If you are just unsure and want to research these problems first, check the pet dog supplies section at your local pet store. With so many different types of hair loss, it’s best to be informed prior to administering treatment.

Our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong. Let’ be conscientious of our pet’s health and watch for early signs of alopecia. Early detection can eliminate the unnecessary discomfort our dogs may experience with this disorder.

About the Author:
Have a Pet that you Care For? Check out Catherine’s recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature’s highest quality ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

Related posts:

  1. Is your Dog Loosing it’s Hair?
  2. Learn About Everything You Must Know About Sarcoptic Mange And Notoedric Mange From The Vet
  3. Some Basic Information On Mange
  4. Knowledge Individuals Should Learn About The Best Mange Home Remedy For Dogs
  5. Information About Demodectic Mange In Dogs

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!