Something that we as humans see in the shower when we wash our hair, is strands of our locks on the floor reaching for the drain. We may be surprised by this, but according to some dermatologists, this is completely normal and on average we lose anywhere up to 100 hairs a day depending on the thickness and the length of our hair. Sometimes it may be up to 200 hairs a day. This article can tell you more about this.
Similarly, to us, our pets shed their hair too. If you are wondering if that’s also a normal occurrence, keep reading. This could be for various reasons, such as losing their damaged or dead hair, and occurs seasonally, although this depends on the breed too. Some don’t shed at all or as much as others. The normal cycle is needed for new hair growth.
Why Dogs Lose Their Hair
There are various reasons why our pets lose their hair. Below are just a few of them:
Skin Infections
Anything from fungus to bacteria builds upon the surface of the skin of animals, can cause them to loos their hair. This is because when these things take over, hair growth is restricted and blocked in some cases. If it is a wound that has become infected, it will usually lead to redness and inflammation, which can lead to the canines itching themselves, making it worse.
Allergic Reactions
Many of us get seasonal allergies that lead us to sneeze uncontrollably or cough. Much in the same way dogs too get allergies from pollen if it is a seasonal allergy, otherwise, they could be allergic to chemicals, certain types of foods, chemicals in the house, and also a mould.
When they have food reactions it could be various items that trigger this, such as certain meats, dairy, eggs, fish and even soy, and amongst other things that can happen to their health and well-being, such as sneezing, licking, biting, watery eyes, one of the prevalent symptoms is hair loss is one of them. More about this can be found online: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/caring-for-a-dog-that-has-food-allergies#1
Many of them also get negative reactions from motes and dust mites, which constantly appear on their skin, causing the canine to excessively scratch themselves and bit their skin, which has adverse effects like skin infection in the long run. It can also affect their immune systems.
A Bad Diet
As obvious as it may sound for us humans, a bad diet can play havoc on several things both internally and externally. Dogs too can suffer from this and it is always a good idea to not feed yours, junk foods that can cause them to either get sick or lead to uncontrollable hair loss.
When feeding them make sure you incorporate the right foods and drinks in their dinner plates. It is recommended to add food groups that are high in proteins, antioxidants, B Vitamins, zinc, copper and Omega 3 and 6, as well as investing in good quality cbd oil for dogs
Which can help give them a healthy coat of hair and help to minimize hair fall. Purchasing a tincture can be a versatile option. Bad foods lead to nutritional deficiencies which can cause dull or weak coats, which make hair breakage easy.
Foods and food groups to avoid include sugary substances like chocolate and candy, salty foods, fatty meats like bacon, onions and garlic, dairy products like cheese, milk and ice cream, raw foods like eggs and fish, baked goods, peanut butter, raisins or grapes, and avocados. What may be good for us, does not necessarily mean it is good for them too. In addition, always stick to water as the choice of drink.
Thyroid Issues
Our and our pooches Thyroids produce a similar hormone known as ‘thyroxin’. Which is responsible for regulating various functions in the body such as oxygen, metabolism, the release of energy from foods, growth and development.
There are two types, overactive and underactive thyroid issues. When a dog has an underactive thyroid, which is also known as ‘Hypothyroidism’ it can cause them to shed their hair much more easily than normal. Areas that usually suffer are on their back.
Treatment for this often involves replacing the hormone through hormonal therapy which more often than none is a lifelong process.
Poor Circulation
Hair needs blood and oxygen to grow, when the bodies circulation of blood is poor it can lead to falling hair as well as other negative effects for our canines. The common issues include anemia, a weak heart, low blood pressure and heart defects. If they do not lick or bite themselves, it may be an indication of heart problems and would need to be double-checked by the vet.
Stress
This is also a big factor in their hair issues. It can lead to their hair loss in two main ways, directly and indirectly. The direct way that stress can affect them is through making them nervous so they bite and lick themselves excessively in one spot, they can also pull their fur to the extent it makes them bald, much like most other animals.
They will only do this in places that are easy to reach. The tell-tale sign is if they have bald patches in areas closer to their face than further apart where they find it difficult to reach, it may be an indication of a stressed-out animal.
The second way stress can trigger this is internal, is when their ‘cortisol’ levels become high due to stress, or medication, and can lead to ‘Cushing’s disease. Signs of this are excessive urinating, increased appetite, a rounded abdomen, and muscle waste.
Always keep a keen eye on your pet to make sure they are in the best condition possible, both on the inside and out.
