Canine alopecia happens when the dog's hair starts to fall out more than it should and has flaws that leave "holes" in the animal's body. It is a condition usually associated with pathologies and other health problems, such as parasite infestation (fleas and ticks), so the tutor should not ignore when faced with localized hair loss. Dog needs to be consultedby a veterinarian specialized in the subject for the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

If you have questions about alopecia in dogs and want to know more about it, the Paws of the House We interviewed veterinary dermatologist Marcia Lima (owner of the profile @dcaoegato.para.pets ) to clarify everything about canine alopecia: indicated treatments, causes and care to prevent the problem from developing. Check it out!

Learn about the main causes of alopecia in dogs

Contrary to what some people may think, hair loss in dogs does not always happen naturally. There are specific times of the year - mainly between spring and summer - when the tutor can observe a greater amount of hair accumulated around the house, but that does not necessarily indicate the presence of diseases. However, when this fall is excessive and localized, it is a matter ofof a case of canine alopecia.

About the causes, the professional highlights: "Alopecia is the absence of hair, and any disease that causes changes in the hair follicle can cause the hair to fall out or not be born. The most common are infections by bacteria (we call it Bacterial Folliculitis), by yeasts (Malassezia is the most common), by mites (Demodicosis and Scabies), but canine alopecia can also occur due to diseasessystemic (internal infections such as Canine Leishmaniasis, among others) and hormonal diseases affecting the thyroid, for example".

There are so many possible reasons for canine alopecia that the best thing to do is to seek the help of a veterinary dermatologist. He is the most qualified specialist to diagnose problems in the animal's dermis, and can help in several cases - from simpler problems, such as scabies in dogs and allergies on the dog's skin, to more serious diseases, such as canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Dog hair flaws need attention

If you notice more hair loss in puppies or adult dogs than usual, it may be that the puppy is simply going through the process of changing its coat and there is nothing to worry about. However, you should pay more attention if you notice that this hair loss is localized. That is, if the hair is falling in excess in only one part of the dog's body,generating a visible flaw in the coat, as if they were "holes" or even leaving the dog "bald".

"Whenever we notice hair loss, it means that there is a disease inside the dog's skin affecting the hair-producing follicle. It is never normal and only the veterinarian, after evaluating, will be able to decide which tests will be necessary, to find the cause. Is it fungus? Bacteria? Mites? Or a hormonal problem?", warns Dr. Marcia.

Diagnosis of alopecia: dog must be evaluated by a specialist

If you suspect that your dog has canine alopecia, be sure to make an appointment with a trusted professional as soon as possible. The specialist points out that: "the veterinarian will need to be thorough, because the problem is occurring inside the skin, in the non-visible part, in the hair-producing organ (also called the hair follicle)." During the consultation, the veterinarian will eithertake an anamnesis, which is a kind of interview with the tutor, and may perform and/or some tests.

"The information at the beginning of the consultation about nutrition, lifestyle, the degree of exposure to skin parasites and the general health of the patient, is added to the examination of the body, the skin and the dermatological screening tests, which the professional performs using the microscope and other proper instruments, in the consultation. Thus, when this protocol does not find the cause of canine alopecia, the veterinarianrequests other complementary tests, such as blood tests (blood count and thyroid hormones, for example) or skin tests (biopsy for histopathology). This helps to identify the cause of alopecia in dogs in order to indicate the appropriate treatment".

Dog hair loss: how to treat it?

The treatment for alopecia in dogs is very varied, as it will depend mainly on what caused the animal's coat failure. "In bacterial folliculitis and Malassezia, there are several topical antimicrobials that can help. In canine alopecia caused by mites, there are antiparasitic drugs. When the problem is hormonal, the medication is usually systemic (tablets, for example) ", indicates the doctor.veterinary doctor.

This means that remedies for canine alopecia do not have a magic formula to end hair loss. It is necessary to treat what caused the problem in the first place so that the situation is controlled and the doggy has a healthy and beautiful coat again. All this should be guided by a professional in the field (including topical products, such as shampoo for canine alopecia, soaps, etc.).specific, among others).

Canine alopecia: can home treatment help?

For those who are fans of natural alternatives and homemade recipes, a warning: you cannot try to solve the situation on your own. Any type of self-medication should be avoided, which can further damage the condition of your four-legged friend.

What can work, however, is to maintain some care during the change of coat, which can be a little uncomfortable. "When what we call the 'physiological change' of hair occurs (usually in spring and summer), hair loss, even if intense, of those to dirty the whole house, the yard and the sofa does not cause alopecia in dogs. At this time, daily brushing helps to remove old hair and accelerates the process of hair loss."It is something that solves hair loss in dogs within a few days."

On the other hand, if the idea is to try to solve canine alopecia with homemade techniques, know that this will be in vain. "If the fall is leaving 'bald' areas in the dog's coat, no treatment will work without tests, without knowing the cause of the problem. In this case, only by consulting the veterinarian and doing the tests he asks for ".

Food plays an important role in animal health

Although it does not directly influence canine alopecia, it cannot be denied that food has a huge weight in maintaining the dog's health. This is what Dr. Marcia clarifies: "The phrase "we are what we eat" also applies to the dog. If nutrition is not adequate, immunity drops, the conditions of the skin surface change and it becomes much easier for some fungus, bacteria, etc.or a mite causing a change, or even a systemic/internal disease occurring, all of which alters hair production and causes "coat failure", or canine alopecia".

That's right: dog food and healthy coat have everything to do with it! A balanced and quality diet makes all the difference in your pet's body - both internally and externally. Therefore, it is important to invest in nutritious food and feed with a high standard composition. The most recommended versions are premium and super premium food.

3 super important tips to prevent alopecia in dogs!

Finally, veterinary dermatologist Marcia Lima has put together some tips to help keep canine alopecia at bay! See:

1) Maintain nutrition appropriate to the animal's lifestyle. Avoid puppy food for an elderly dog, because excess nutrients can cause kidney damage, among other things, for example. Likewise, avoid adult food for a pregnant female, due to the lack of nutrients. Always opt for a dog food specific to the age, size and health conditions of your pet.

2) Keep the use of the antiparasitic medication indicated by the veterinarian up to date throughout the dog's life. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can transmit systemic diseases/infections, in addition to discomfort, which can generate itchy sores in dogs.

3) Keep vaccinations up to date and consult a veterinarian at least once a year. In addition to protecting your pet from various diseases, check-ups are necessary to make sure your pet's health is in good condition.