Hair loss in Labradors.
Hair loss in Labradors
Gleaming, healthy fur is the sure shot sign that a dog is healthy. Same as humans, any kind of hair loss in dogs is a sign of some acute problem. Hair loss can be due to a number of reasons. A very basic reason is that there can be some genetic problem with your dog. Then there are certain diseases or allergies that can cause hair loss.
Alopecia Areata is a common disease. It involves losing patches of hair on the face, neck and body. The dog is under no actual physical discomfort. There is no itching or irritation. The hair simply falls out in clumps, leaving bald patches.
Another reason for hair loss is some problem with the pituitary gland. This is mainly a hereditary disease where the proper hormones are not secreted by the gland. Its treatment is available, but it is expensive.
Dogs shed hair on a daily basis, but you will soon find out if your dog is experiencing extensive hair loss. Atopy is also called Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis. It is the most common cause of hair loss. Dogs can be allergic to many airborne irritants like pollen and can develop an allergic reaction, which leads them to scratch themselves furiously.
If Labs are constantly exposed to some irritant, they will itch so badly that they will inflame the area. They also resort to chewing that spot to ease their discomfort. As a result of this itching, the hair in that area starts falling out.
If the dog comes in repeated contact with something he is allergic to, he will develop dry flaky skin. They then bring on the problem themselves by constant licking. The area develops calluses and sometimes gets infected. The skin becomes red, itchy, and inflamed. Pyoderma is another bacterial skin infection that can plague your dog.
If you detect sudden hair loss in your dog, you will have to first find out the root cause of the problem. If it is an allergic reaction, then you have to identify the irritant and limit your dog’s exposure to it. Some infections can be cured by using steroids and anti-histamines. You can also use an anti -bacterial or anti-fungal ointment on the infected area. To prevent secondary infections, give your dog an antiseptic wash, but use these only under the supervision of a vet.
Antihistamines are given to control the amount of histamines in the body. These histamines cause itchiness, which leads to baldness. In some cases, Labs may require thyroid supplements, as an imbalance in thyroid hormones can also cause problems.
Mites and fleas also cause a lot of itching. Keep your dog clean and use special shampoos while giving him a bath. The skin condition caused by fleas and mite is called mange, and it is often found in dogs that are not groomed properly.
You wouldn’t want your beautiful Labrador to slowly lose hair and go bald, as it is a very heartbreaking sight. With timely intervention and judicious use of medicine, this problem can be prevented.
Alopecia Areata is a common disease. It involves losing patches of hair on the face, neck and body. The dog is under no actual physical discomfort. There is no itching or irritation. The hair simply falls out in clumps, leaving bald patches.
Another reason for hair loss is some problem with the pituitary gland. This is mainly a hereditary disease where the proper hormones are not secreted by the gland. Its treatment is available, but it is expensive.
Dogs shed hair on a daily basis, but you will soon find out if your dog is experiencing extensive hair loss. Atopy is also called Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis. It is the most common cause of hair loss. Dogs can be allergic to many airborne irritants like pollen and can develop an allergic reaction, which leads them to scratch themselves furiously.
If Labs are constantly exposed to some irritant, they will itch so badly that they will inflame the area. They also resort to chewing that spot to ease their discomfort. As a result of this itching, the hair in that area starts falling out.
If the dog comes in repeated contact with something he is allergic to, he will develop dry flaky skin. They then bring on the problem themselves by constant licking. The area develops calluses and sometimes gets infected. The skin becomes red, itchy, and inflamed. Pyoderma is another bacterial skin infection that can plague your dog.
If you detect sudden hair loss in your dog, you will have to first find out the root cause of the problem. If it is an allergic reaction, then you have to identify the irritant and limit your dog’s exposure to it. Some infections can be cured by using steroids and anti-histamines. You can also use an anti -bacterial or anti-fungal ointment on the infected area. To prevent secondary infections, give your dog an antiseptic wash, but use these only under the supervision of a vet.
Antihistamines are given to control the amount of histamines in the body. These histamines cause itchiness, which leads to baldness. In some cases, Labs may require thyroid supplements, as an imbalance in thyroid hormones can also cause problems.
Mites and fleas also cause a lot of itching. Keep your dog clean and use special shampoos while giving him a bath. The skin condition caused by fleas and mite is called mange, and it is often found in dogs that are not groomed properly.
You wouldn’t want your beautiful Labrador to slowly lose hair and go bald, as it is a very heartbreaking sight. With timely intervention and judicious use of medicine, this problem can be prevented.
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