by If you are a dog parent, you will know how annoying it can be when your dog’s fur sheds. This shedding is very normal, however, in some severe cases, it may be excessive. How can you know when your dog is suffering hair loss?
Like humans, dogs lose their hair every day. But when you start to notice a bald spot on your furry friends’ coat, then there is something wrong. The good news is that this problem is very treatable. You don’t have to rush your pet to the vet. With the right home remedies, you can treat this issue.
However, before we discuss the ways to treat hair loss in dogs, let’s discuss the causes of this problem.
Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
The following are some notable reasons that cause this in your furry friend:
Allergies
Several factors can trigger allergies in your pet. It could be molds, pollen, and dust mites. Parasites like fleas and mites cause allergies too. These parasites will cause the pet to scratch or pull out its hair due to infection.
In rare cases, an allergic reaction to certain foods will cause this. Your pet will bite and scratch constantly and pull out its fur. If you need ways to control food allergies, check here: https://www.thesprucepets.com/
Hormonal Imbalances
An imbalance in the hormonal secretion of your pet could cause severe loss of fur. This disease is called Cushing’s disease or hyperadrenocorticism. It leads to alopecia in dogs. Cushing’s disease also has other symptoms like increased appetite, increased urination, increased thirst, and round stature. If you notice these symptoms, make sure to take your animal friend to the vet.
Infection
Fungal or bacterial infections can lead to this condition. For instance, a fungal infection called ringworm leads to hair deterioration. It causes a circular bald spot on the pets’ coat. This infection is contagious so ensure that you visit the vet.
Parental Genes
Some breeds are prone to balding like the Greyhound, terrier, American hairless, and whippet. This baldness affects the armpits, hind legs, and head.
Pressure Sores
These are also known as bedsores. It occurs when the dog’s elbows hit a hard surface. Constant friction will lead to the skin losing hair and bleeding. This is common in aging pets.
Ways to Treat Hair Loss in Dogs
In certain cases, you would need to take your furry friend to the doctor. But other times, you can use different home remedies to solve this problem. Here are some remedies:
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
This has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can boost the immune system of your pet. It can also be applied on bald areas or used as an anti-fungal bath to get rid of itching and reduce alopecia.
Use Lemon Juice
Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice contains an organic acid that has anti-bacterial properties. It is very helpful in treating the loss of hair. You cut a lemon into slices and infuse them inside a bowl of warm water. Afterward, you can strain the mixture to remove particles. Then, apply the liquid to the bald spot.
A Balanced and Natural Diet
Nutritious food can affect the health of your dog’s coat. Giving your pet a more balanced and organic diet will help it greatly. Cut down store-bought treats and replace them with homemade foods. You can cook vegetables, rice, and chicken for your furry friend. To make sure that you are giving it the right diet, discuss with its vet for homemade foods recommendation.
Use Aloe Vera
Applying Aloe Vera on bald patches will reduce itching and ultimately, combat hair loss. Fungal infections like ringworm can be treated with this anti-fungal plant. Aloe Vera contains nutrients that promote a healthy scalp. For other benefits of Aloe Vera in dogs, read this article.
Use Essential Oils
You can use several essential oils to reduce this problem in your pet. Some of them include:
Olive Oil
You can massage your furry friends’ scalp regularly with this. It will help your dog’s coat to be shiny and promote the growth of the follicles.
Coconut Oil
You can also massage your pet with this essential oil. This contains lauric acid which kills deadly pathogens like bacteria and yeast on the damaged skin. Applying this to your pets’ fur will reduce excessive shedding and pain caused by alopecia.
Tea tree Oil
This will treat hair loss caused by flea infestation. If you want to increase the growth of follicles on your furry friend’s skin, then regularly apply tea tree oil. You can also add tea tree oil to water and administer it to your pet. Remember to start with a small dose then gradually increase the dosage.
Almond Oil
Some loss of fur might be due to the season or weather. Almond oil will reduce this issue. It contains nutrients and vitamins that strengthen your animal friend’s coat.
Use Natural Supplement
One commonly used natural supplement is cannabidiol oil. This is made from the cannabis plant and is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. You can add this supplement to your dog’s food to lessen itching and swelling. You might also apply it to the bald spot. If your pet doesn’t like the grassy taste of the oil, you can always get other CBD products. If you need recommendations on reliable CBD products to buy, you can visit holistapet for some help.
Conclusion
If your pet is having frequent cases of hair loss, you need to ensure that it gets the needed medical help. However, you can also try out several home remedies to help your furry friend. In time, you will get the needed results.
