Canine alopecia is the partial or total lack of hair in areas of the body where it is normally present. It is a very common condition that can affect dogs of different breeds, ages and sizes. In addition to hair loss in dogs, the disease can affect the skin and the animal's lymphatic, immune and endocrine systems. Usually, alopecia is a symptom of other underlying problems, but it can havecongenital origin or occur due to a number of unknown factors. Find out below how to recognize canine alopecia and the 6 most common causes of hair loss.

Itchy dog and hair loss: how to identify canine alopecia?

At some times of the year, especially when the seasons change, hair loss in dogs can happen naturally. Among the most common reasons are the age of the animal, the characteristics of a particular breed and the renewal of the coat as a thermal protection resource. In general, this hair loss does not exceed 30 days and does not derive bald spots on the body.

Canine alopecia is different from seasonal hair shedding. It is an extremely visible pathology characterized by hair loss in multiple or symmetrical areas (flaws with the same pattern on both sides of the dog). It can also present with circular bald spots accompanied by scabs and inflammation around the affected area. There are also dogs with sores and hair loss with signs ofpeeling of the skin.

What are the 6 most common causes of canine alopecia?

There are a number of reasons why a dog may experience canine alopecia, including diseases, infections, parasite infestations and genetic conditions. Regardless of the reason, it is important to understand the reasons for dog hair loss so that treatment can be started quickly. Here are the main causes:

1) Dogs with allergies may have hair loss

Dog allergies are one of the most frequent causes of alopecia. Dogs can be allergic to almost any substance, including food, mold and pollen, but flea bites are a common source of allergic reactions. This condition can cause severe damage to the coat, since the dog has a tendency to scratch, bite and lick the irritated areas.

2) Hyperadrenocorticism: hair loss in dogs is one of the signs of the disease

Dog hair loss can also be caused by hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) or Cushing's syndrome, a disease linked to excessive production of the hormone cortisol by the animal's adrenal glands. Generally the pathology affects slightly older dogs, from six years of age.

3) Infection or infestation of fungi, mites and bacteria

Ringworm caused by fungi, scabies mites (Demodex) and bacteria can lead to infections of the skin and hair follicles. As a result, the coat may show bald circles with lesions, inflammation and scabs. The lesions may disappear spontaneously, but in some cases treatment with special shampoos, antifungal drugs and antibiotics is necessary.

4) Genetic condition leads to canine alopecia conditions

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to develop canine alopecia. After one year of age, hair loss on specific parts of the body (such as the chest, belly, ears, thighs and lower neck) may appear in Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bulldogs and English Greyhounds.

5) Stress and anxiety cause dog hair loss

Just as stress and anxiety can trigger a range of health problems in humans, including hair loss, dogs can also be affected by these manifestations.

6) Contact with insects, plants and other substances cause hives in dogs

Bites from insects such as mosquitoes, plants, chemicals and some types of medication can lead to rashes or hives in dogs. In addition to fever, lack of appetite and listlessness, symptoms can include canine alopecia.

Other causes of canine alopecia:

• Reaction to a foreign body in the skin (such as thorns and shards of glass);
• Canine diabetes;
• Alopecia Areata (autoimmune disease usually seen on the head and neck);
• Post-rabies injection alopecia (some dogs may develop alopecia at the site where the vaccine was applied);
• Exposure to chemotherapy;
• Skin cancer;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Nutritional deficiencies.

Canine alopecia and hair loss: which types of treatment are available to dogs?

Although it can be worrying to see a dog with hair loss and hair loss, most cases of canine alopecia can be easily treated. Depending on the cause of the problem, your vet may prescribe some type of dog hair loss medication, antiparasitics, antibiotics, antihistamines and antifungals.

Your animal health professional may also recommend a vitamin for dog hair loss to counteract the damage. Fish oil, vitamin A and vitamin E can help with dry skin and certain infections.