Hair loss in dogs is a completely normal physiological phenomenon related to the nature of our four-legged friends, but in some cases it can be a symptom of something wrong.
In spring and autumn, during the moulting season, it is normal to notice an increase in hair loss, due to the physiological seasonal change in the coat. However, if this is excessive and consistent throughout the year, it is definitely worth talking to your vet.
A dog that is shedding excessively may in fact be
suffering from a disorder, deficiency or even pathology that needs to be investigated.
Below, we describe what the most common causes of excessive hair loss and the important role that diet plays in this.
Hair loss in dogs: what are the most common causes?
If your dog loses excessive hair outside of the moulting season, the problem may be due to a
dermatological condition linked to a numeber of factors.
Let us take a brief at some of the
most common causes:
- Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies.
- Food allergies and intolerances.
- Stress.
- Leishmaniasis.
- Cushing's syndrome.
- Eczema and other skin comditions.
- Fungal or bacterial infections.
- Insect infestation (e.g. mites, lice and fleas).
- Tumours.
We urge you to consult your vet to find the cause of this disproportionate hair loss. Only then can you be sure that your pet is in good health.
Symptoms of excessive hair loss in dogs
If your dog is shedding a lot of hair and lives indoors, you will not be hard pressed to notice!
You will find aboundant hair falling from all corners of the house and, in some cases, you may even
notice real tufts of hair falling, leaving parts of the skin exposed.
Another sign to look out for is the
itching that can accompany hair loss as well as
dryness and brittleness of the dog's coat itself.
Does your dog shed and scratch?
Generally speaking, if a dog is
scratching and shedding a lot of hair, this could be a clear sign that our pet is suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. This we will be discussed in more detail in a few lines.
Minor causes could be related to many other factors. The most common are:
- Skin parasites, especially fleas and sarcoptic mange.
- Allergies caused not only by food, but also by external agents (such as shampoos, deodorant sprays or pesticides).
Hair loss in dogs: what role does diet play?
As we said a few lines ago, in most cases, the dog that scratches and loses hair excessively suffers from a
food intolerance or, rather, has a strong
adverse reaction to the presence of chemical and pharmacological residues in the meat it consumes.
The body is unable to assimilate these harmful substances and reacts with local inflammation in the so-called target organ, which, in this case, is the skin.
Hair loss in dogs can also be caused by
nutritional deficiencies.
A
complete and balanced diet is essential for healthy skin and coat.
For example, the right ratio of
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the food is important for reducing skin inflammation and giving the coat vibrancy and shine
It is indeed important to assess the nature and origin of these fatty acids: 'fish oil' is considered to be a rich natural source of omega-3, particularly EPA and DHA (among the most important!).
These are two essential fatty acids that have a direct effect on the modulation of inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for health and are considered 'essential' because the animal organism cannot produce them itself and must therefore be ingested with the right diet.
The right ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 also helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier: thus a better guarantee of protection against environmental pollutants!
What to do if your dog loses hair excessively?
If your dog loses a lot of hair throughout the year, we recommend that you contact your vet to find out the cause together.
However, during and after the treatment prescribed by the vet and accordance with his advice, it is good idea to use
FORZA10 Dermo Active as the ideal nutrient.
This complete dietetic food for adult dogs is
specially formulated to support dermal function in cases of dermatosis and excessive hair loss.
Forza10 Dermo Active also contains
Burdock and
Aloe Vera extracts. The former is rich in Inulin, strengthens the immune system, has an antipruritic effect and neutralises toxins. Aloe, on the other hand, is a soothing and healing substance with moisturising and emollient properties!
Remember to
brush the dog frequently to remove dead hair and check for parasites or redness.
Bathing with specific, gentle products is also a good idea, but don't overdo it as you may end up with the opposite effect to what you were hoping for!
Finally,
it is very important to go for walks, get out and playing together. Not only will not this reduce stress levels, but it will also increase his exposure to the sun. The latter is a very important factor in the dog's hormonal development and, therefore, in ensuring that it moults at the right time of year.
Hopefully, this in-depth article on hair loss in dogs has shed some light on the subject for you.
Read more in our
multicentre analysis of the efficacy of FORZA10 Dermo Active as a nutritional tool in skin disorders without the aid of drug therapy.