Similar to their hooman friends, even dogs suffer from hair fall. Known as shedding, it is a natural phenomenon that helps eliminate old, damaged and unwanted hair. But what if your dog is losing hair due to alopecia or underlying medical conditions? If your dog is experiencing excessive hair loss that is abnormal to its breed, it is important to observe if it is experiencing loss of appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms or skin disorders. In that case, it should be provided medical assistance so as to treat the conditions at the earliest.

In this article, we’re happy to put together a quick guide on the common causes of hair fall in dogs and ways to control it.

Most Common Causes of Hair Fall

• Diet deficiencies or poor nutrition.
• Genetic conditions such as Alopecia X (black skin disease), Colour Dilution Mutant Alopecia, Follicular Dysplasia or Congenital Hypotrichosis.
• Infestation of parasites such as fleas, ticks, lice and mites.
• Hormone or endocrine imbalance such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hyperandrogenism, hyperestrogenism and Addison's disease.
• Allergic reactions to food, pollens, chemicals or other environmental factors.
• Bacterial skin infections such as staphylococcal which affect hair follicles.
• Skin Cancer or Testicular Cancer can cause hormonal alopecia.
• Reaction to medications such as vaccines, chemotherapy drugs and injections.
• Nervous conditions, stress and anxiety disorders make dogs bite their own hair coat.
• Hormonal conditions due to ageing or pregnancy.
• Seasonal changes that make some breeds shed excessively in Spring and Fall.
• Overbathing or usage of harsh dog shampoos that wash away natural oils from the coat.
• Lack of brushing or improper grooming leading to matted fur and uncontrolled shedding.

Ways to Reduce Hair Fall in Dogs

• Brush your dog regularly

Brushing helps in the elimination of loose hair and the distribution of natural oils throughout your dog’s coat. This helps reduce shedding and keeps your pooch’s coat healthy.

• Offer healthy diet

A diet enriched with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce hair loss to a great extent. Also, adding supplements like fish oil or biotin to your dog’s diet can be immensely effective.

• Bathe your dog regularly

Bathing your dog every few weeks will help eliminate dirt, debris and loose hair. However, bathing dogs too frequently can wash away natural oils from their coat leading to excessive shedding.

• Use a de-shedding tool

A de-shedding tool can help you eliminate loose hair from your doggo’s coat and can be very effective in shedding season.

• Help manage stress

Stress in dogs is known to contribute to hair loss. If your pooch seems to be stressed, you must identify its source and look for a way to control it. You can consider offering it calming supplements and pheromone spray as they work efficiently to de-stress canines.

• Seek medical advice

If home remedies and supplements don’t seem to work, it’s best to seek medical assistance to combat your dog’s hair fall. The veterinarian will thoroughly examine your dog and find out medical causes if any and recommend treatments if required.

Additional Tips to Reduce Hair Fall

Below are some additional tips that veterinarians recommend to keep control of dogs’ hair fall:

• Make use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Maintain the cleanliness around your dog and keep it free of allergens.
• Do not use strong chemicals on your dog’s coat.
• Brush your dog’s teeth every day or as advised by your vet.
• Trim your dog’s nails when they grow long.
• Ensure your dog gets enough sleep.
• Give your dog enough exercise.

Concluding Note

Uncontrolled shedding can be a matter of concern for pet parents. However, with proper attention and care it can be managed to a great extent. Finding out the reasons behind excessive shedding and taking effective steps like offering a well-balanced diet, providing proper grooming and conducting regular vet visits can help you keep your pooch’s coat healthy and reduce shedding, thus keeping it healthy, happy and comfortable.