Friday, November 20, 2009

Hair Loss and Your Dog

By Catherine V. Testaratti

If you notice some hair loss with your dog, it could be that it has alopecia. This common disorder is found in dogs and requires immediate treatment. This hair loss can be caused by trauma, immune disorder or an inflamed hair follicle.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can cause severe damage to your pet's lymphatic and immune system so it's best to detect it early. This disorder affects all breeds and size as well as gender so watch for it in all pets. Early detection can prevent extreme hair loss and alopecia can start slowly.

Excessive chewing and symmetrical patches of hair loss are early signs of this condition. The areas can get infected quickly so you need to be diligent in seeking treatment for you dog. Early detection can keep this disorder from spreading.

Mange is the most common cause of alopecia. Mange is caused by the mite Demodex. Regular washing of your dog and constant checking for this condition can help to ward off any outbreaks. And remember, after checking your dog or applying treatment, proper hand washing is important.

The varying types of alopecia can be the cause of a number of things. An inflamed hair follicle can result in many missing patches of hair. If your dog has a lot of hair loss it's important that you get him to the vet for testing. Prevention of this type of condition is not possible so it's best just to keep your dog's coat as clean as possible and watch for breakouts.

Treatment for this condition can vary depending on the severity. Topical ointments and medicated shampoos are the usual and you must be diligent to get this problem under control. However, depending on the severity, it might be important to look at your dog's hormone levels.

Reddening on the skin coupled with scaling and patchy hair loss could be a sign of ringworms. These are highly contagious so it's recommended that you wear gloves. A fungus like ringworms and bacterial infections are usually characteristic of this type of hair loss.

If you are just unsure and want to research these problems first, check the pet dog supplies section at your local pet store. With so many different types of hair loss, it's best to be informed prior to administering treatment.

You are responsible for the health and welfare of your dog. Be diligent in their treatment if you notice any symptoms of alopecia. Don't let him suffer through without proper medical attention.

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