If you’re a new pet owner, the arrival of summer means more than just bright days and balmy nights — it signals the coming of a shedding the likes of which you’ve never seen! Dogs, in particular, are known for losing an unbelievable amount of hair over the course of the hot months, usually to the point where you’re amazed it’s still coming off. But just how much hair loss is too much?
Baldness In Dogs Is No Joke
Over 35 million men are experiencing hair loss in this country, 95% of which is caused by male pattern baldness. Classic movie gags involving flapping toupees and heads so bald you can see yourself reflected in them have attached a sense of humor to the incredibly common condition, but baldness and hair loss in dogs is no laughing matter. In fact, it is usually a symptom of a much larger problem. The three most likely culprits are as follows:
- Mange: Mange is a disease caused by the proliferation of parasitic mites in your dog’s skin. All dogs naturally raised by their mothers actually already possess a certain type of mite (demodectic mange mites) and live their whole lives in harmony with the parasites — they are harmless to humans and other dogs. They only become a problem if your pup’s immune system (such as a very young dog or very old) can’t keep their numbers at bay. Symptoms include patchy, scaly skin and hair loss in infected areas — if your dog is scratching constantly at the same spots, take them to a vet asap.
- Anxiety: Baldness or bald patches can be caused by excessive licking, which is linked to anxiety and trauma. The condition is called acral lick dermatitis: the chronic licking damages the hair follicles, preventing new hair from being able to grow in. Your vet will be able to help you determine a course of action to help your pup feel safer and less anxious in their new home.
- Hormone Imbalance: Hypothyroidism is the most common cause of hormone problems in dogs. The under-active thyroids do not produce enough hormones to maintain your dog’s metabolism, so symptoms can include rapid weight gain, low energy, and (most noticeably) skin infections leading to alopecia. Hormone imbalance can affect a number of internal systems in your dog, so be sure to get them to a vet as soon as possible if you see these signs.
Remember that dogs do not experience hair loss the same way humans do. It is vital to keep an eye out for any changes in your pup’s mood, behavior, or physical appearance. Be vigilant and your pup will stay as happy and healthy as ever!
