Here are some of the most prominent topics that relate to this malady: (Click on the items below for more details on specific causes or problems.)

• Canine Atopy . . . is an allergy disease that is passed by heredity, and is induced when there is exposure to the exciting antigen.
• Cheyletiella Mange. . . Unlike the other mange problems (Demodectic and Sacroptic ), whose infesting mites are microscopic, the Cheyletiella yasguri mite is visible with the naked eye, but hard to find. 
• Cushing’s Disease  . . .  is a condition resulting from the chronic overproduction of the hormone Cortisol (also called hydrocortisone) (or too much glucocorticoid) by the adrenal glands located in the dog’s belly. 
• Demodectic Mange – Demodicosis . . . Another name for Demodectic Mange is Demodicosis. The cause of this malady in dogs is from a little bug–a mite–so small you can’t see it with your naked eye. 
• Dog Callus . . . Calluses on dogs are very common and a cause for dog hair loss.  These calluses are generally located on the dog’s elbows and back legs.  This condition is predominately found in larger dog breeds (Great Dane, Doberman pinscher and Standard Boxer to name a few) with short hair, but can appear on most any dog under the right the conditions.
• Dog Dermatitus – Flea Allergy . . . is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva from a flea bite.  Only one flea (a blood sucking insect) is needed to cause your dog to react to this uncomfortable and pesky irritant. 
• Dog Hot Spots . . . This dog hair loss dermatitis problem is found most often in long haired, thick-coated dogs, like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels to name a few.   The problem begins when moisture is trapped on or near the skin by a dog collar or matted hair.
• Ringworm . . . is a fungus which causes the skin infection.  This infection is easily transmitted by an object such as a grooming brush or clippers. 
• Sarcoptic Mange – Scabies . . . The microscopic Sarcoptes scabei mite is the culprit for the cause of Sarcoptic Mange in your dog. 

If you notice your dog displaying any of these dog fur loss symptoms, do your dog and yourself a favor, and seek an appropriate treatment to relieve or eliminiate the problem. You may have to consult a vet to get the necessary treatment, but will be worth the time and expense. Your dog will love you for the relief, and you’ll enjoy a better looking dog.

Dog fur loss is a challenge, but one you can deal with.

 is a fungus which causes the skin infection.  This infection is easily transmitted by an object such as a grooming brush or clippers.  The infection is not itchy like many other dog hair loss maladies, but the dog does lose hair.  The problem area usually is located on the leg, face or ear.

The name “ringworm” is a misnomer.  There is not worm associated with this disease.  Nonetheless, this is a dog hair loss problem which requires attention when diagnosed . . . both for your dog, and for you because this is a highly contagious disease which can easily be passed to humans.

Symptoms to look for may include: scaliness, crusty areas, pustules, vesicles and draining. Dearly signs of the disease may appear as small round patches of hair loss.  More acute cases the roundness may disappear as the fungal infection increases creating irregular patterns of hair loss.  The actual determination of the infection, besides the visual aspects, are from microscopic review of infected hair (which may take a couple of weeks to grown the fungus sufficiently for review; and by using a black light to see the spores.  This latter method is the least affective because not all fungal spores have fluoresce luminescence.

Treatment for mild cases may be as simple as cleansing the affected area and using an anti-fungal medication.  The more severe cases, however, will require more attention and effort.   In the more severe cases an oral medication such as:  fluconozole, itraconazole , grieofulvin (which stops the fungi from growing ) can be prescribed by your veterinarian,  and with iodine preparations. Additionally, the removal of the hair around the affected area may also be recommended by your vet.  Care should be taken to not break the skin in the affected area as this will allow for further spread of the disease.  Bathing with anti-fungal shampoos can be helpful, along with applications of topical anti-fungal medications.  Check with your vet for the appropriate shampoos and topical medications in addition to the oral medications.  These treatments do not show instant results, which may take up to 10 days to see improvement.  Lime-sulfur dips can also be used.  A twice a week application for from 4-6 weeks should be sufficient.  Beware there is a strong odor from this treatment.  Use of gloves is recommended when giving this dip.

Because this ailment can be transmitted to humans, care and attention to hygiene is important.  Cleansing and disinfecting the dog’s sleeping area is important, along with any grooming tools where spores could be transferred.  However, the spores can be most anywhere the dog has been.  Keeping your dog away from other infected animals is important–both to the other animals which can be infected from your dog, and your dog being infected from other dogs or infected animals.  Washing your hands after each handling of an infected dog is imperative.   <<< Return to Dog Hair Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only.  The articles are not written by veterinarians per se.  As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian.  Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions.  In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

 This dog hair loss dermatitis problem is found most often in long haired, thick-coated dogs, like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels to name a few.   The problem begins when moisture is trapped on or near the skin by a dog collar or matted hair.  This condition is a great host for the bacteria that naturally lives on the dog to grow.   Something give the dog reason to scratch which breaks the skin and allows the bacteria to create an infection.  The infection causes the dog to react to the pain and itching discomfort by licking or scratching at the irritation.

Other names for this hair loss problem are:  Acral Lick Dermatitis and Acute Moist Dermatitis

This problem is occasioned by a red, moist, hairless and painful looking sore that is created by the dog scratching, chewing  or licking the itchy irritable spot too much.  As noted above, the itchy irritation is caused by bacteria naturally occurring on the dogs skin.  An agent of some sort, perhaps fleas, mites, or anything that would give the dog a natural tendency to scratch starts the process.  There is no one single factor–just something to cause the dog to scratch.   The dog’s scratching opens the skin to further bacterial irritation, and the cycle continues: more itching, more scratching, and so on.  An allergic reaction or condition can also sponsor the outbreak of infection.

Dog Hots Spots are identified in two forms:  mild, or superficial; and the more serious deep hot spots.  Each form is treated a little differently.  The mild or superficial hot spot can be treated by removing the hair around the sore area, and thoroughly cleaning the affected area with a medicated soap.  A topical medication can then be applied.  Regular bathing of the dog can help reduce the incidence of this problem.  The more serious form, or deep hot spot is treated similarly by removing the hair from the affected area, cleansing it with a medicated soap, followed by topical medication, and antibiotics at the recommendation of your veterinarian.

In addition to the treatment noted above, to help rid your dog of this problem keep the dog from continuing the itch scratch cycle.  This may require muzzling the dog for twenty-four to seventy-two hours in order for the inflamed area to heal.  In severe cases a veterinarian may prescribe the use of astringent cortisone agents and/or anti-inflammatory drugs.  This is a condition that can occur every four to eight months.  <<< Return to Dog Hair Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

Unlike the other mange problems (Demodectic and Sacroptic ), whose infesting mites are microscopic, the Cheyletiella yasguri mite is visible with the naked eye, but hard to find.  Frequent bathing of the dog makes viewing the mites much harder.   The Cheyletiella yasguri mite, like its cousins (Demodex canis and Sarcoptes scabei) cause significant irritation in the dog which the tend to scratch or lick to seek relief.

General symptoms include itching, but there are cases where this may not be present, hair loss in along with a crusty scaly patch around the infected area.  The areas of most prominence are the back, neck and head.  A heavy presence of dandruff (an accumulation of dried, dead skin cells) is visible on the back and head of the dog.  The affected areas are often noted with red bumpy rashes.

Treatment for the dog hair loss problem consists primarily of eradicating the infecting mites for the dog.  This process is usually accomplished with shampoos and dips done on a weekly basis.  These bath or dip treatments will often last for 6 to 8 weeks.   Flea sprays may also be prescribed by your veterinarian.  In addition to the direct treatment of the dog, care should be directed to the hygiene and cleanliness of the dogs living areas, especially the areas where the spend good amounts of lounging our sleeping time–the bedding.  A good residual insecticide can be used to help keep these areas free of the pesky mites.  Isolation from other pets who could either become infected, or cause a re-infestation of your dog is recommended.  <<< Return to Dog Hair Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

The microscopic Sarcoptes scabei mite shown to the left is the culprit for the cause of Sarcoptic Mange in your dog.  These mites have a short life span–3 to 4 weeks.  The female mite, after matting, burrows into the skin of dogs to lay their eggs.  This burrowing and laying of eggs is the cause of the irritant your dog dislikes.  The mite’s life cycle process is an itchy proposition for your dog . . . thus they spend a great deal of time licking and scratching the affected areas seeking relief for the itch.  A prime dog hair loss agent.

These pesky little mites prefer to live out their lives on their host dogs, but that can live for a substantial time away from animals–in fact–for days.  This means your dog could be infected by the mite without ever having come into direct contact with another infected dog or animal.

The elbows, ears , armpits, hocks, chest and belly of the dog are the preferred areas for the mites to do their egg laying.  These are areas of minimal hair growth, and thus have more open skin which the mites like.  This form of mange is often mistaken for food or airborne (Atopy) allergies.  Because the mites are microscopic and not visible with the naked eye, skin scrapings are usually taken and reviewed under a microscope to determine if the mite is present, and could be the cause of the dog hair loss problem.   The discovery of mites under the microscope is the best way, but has a low level of success, as the dog often kills the mite in the scratching process.

Treatment for the dog has progressed from clipping the dogs hair and giving it a serious shampoo or dip with agents to rid them of the mite infestation.  Today there are topical agents that can be used, as well as some inoculation with various serums.  In most cases where the severity is significant, and it appears the dog’s natural immunity will not take care of the problem, consulting with your veterinarian is recommended for prescribing the appropriate medication.

Hygiene is equally important in almost all dog hair loss issues.  Treating the dog’s bedding areas and bedding with a residual insecticide is helpful.  Isolation from other dogs can reduce the transmitting of the mite, both for your dog from and infected dog, or from your infected dog to other dogs.  <<< Return to Dog Hair Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

is a a catch all term often used with inflammatory skin ailments which can cause hair loss in dogs.  There are specific causes for different types of dermatitis.  Some of them may be transient or chronic.  Dermatitis in any form can affect the dog and its overall health.  As previously noted the sheen of the dog is often an indicator of problems–some of which may be associated with dermatitis.

Constant or incessant scratching by your dog is usually the very first sign there is a problem. This is the sign you need to look deeper into what may be causing the problem. Some things can be noticed by the naked eye, while others will require more in-depth diagnosis–perhaps visiting your veterinarian.

Some of the types of causes that could cause dog hair loss may include:

◊ flea bites
◊ drug reactions
◊ exposure to toxins
◊ bacteria
◊ fungus
◊ yeast
◊ parasites
◊ sunburn
◊ breed-specific or genetic predispositions
◊ seborrhea
◊ metabolic and endocrine disorders (hormonal imbalances)
◊ nutrition imbalances or deficiencies
◊ contact with irritating substances
◊ food sensitivities or allergies
◊ cancer

On this website are articles that deal with most of these causes.  Diagnosis and types of treatment are provided in these articles to help you help your dog.  Most of the causes are symptomatic to the dog scratching or licking to relieve some of the irritation and itching they may be experiencing.  <<< Return to Dog Hair Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

is an allergy disease that is passed by heredity, and is induced when there is exposure to the exciting antigen. This chronic itching aliment affects a significant number of dogs.  This disease seems to be passed genetically from parents (if the parents had the problem their off spring most likely will have the problem too).  This ailment is the result of allergic reaction to agents in the dog’s environment–much like allergies humans get from various things .  This is a respiratory tract disease that in dogs is manifested by itchy irritation to the skin.

This dog skin disorder is more prevalent in younger dogs . . . dogs under the age of two.  Like many other of the dog hair loss problems, you may find your dog excessively grooming.  They will spend a great deal of time licking and chewing their paws, abdomen and perineum.

The face and feet seem to be the areas of most infection.  The discomfort the dog feels to the itching sensation caused by the allergy reaction causes them to scratch constantly in hopes of relieving them of the irritation.  This excessive scratching causes hair loss in the area along with creating red, irritated skin and moistness to the affected area.

There is no cure for this inherited malady, but some relief can be given the dog with baths using topical shampoos and agents that lessen bacteria and yeast.  The shampoo treatment process may take up to three weeks to alleviate the bacteria or yeast problem.  Also,  rubbing anti-inflammatory topical ointments into the affected area can be helpful.  A veterinarian my prescribe the use of antihistamines and cortisone like products–preferably as a lotion, mist or spray taken topically. <<< Return to Dog Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

Another name for Demodectic Mange is Demodicosis. The cause of this malady in dogs is from a little bug–a mite–so small you can’t see it with your naked eye. This mite’s technical name is Demodex canis. The interesting thing is all dogs have these mites. The mites are transferred from mother to puppy.  The problem begins when the dog’s immune system is unable to fight off the effects this little mite causes.

This dermatitis problem is not generally considered overly contagious except for younger dogs–new born mostly.  While the mites that cause Demodicosis can be transferred from one animal to another, most dog’s natural immune systems, or built up immunity, is strong enough to ward off the irritation they cause.

There are two form of this disorder: localized and generalized.  Each form is characterized by different symptoms:

Localized:

The localized form of Demodicosis is identified by the thinning or loss of hair in small patches around the dog’s eyes, mouth, lips and front legs.  These small patches are in an irregular pattern.  These patches can be mistaken for ringworm.  Generally you’d expect only one to two patches on any one area, but in any of the noted areas, of the dog.  More patches than one or two might well be a sign of the disease being more generalized, and thus more serious.

You want to eliminate as much of the mite infestation as possible, but most likely won’t get them all.  As well, you’ll want to treat the lesions.  This treatment effort will provide relief to your suffering dog.  Shampooing your dog, using immune stimulants and antibiotics should help your dog.  Be aware that your personal efforts may appear to exasperate the problem.  It may take a month before clear signs of healing appear.  Minor infestations may be self healing.

Generalized:

The generalized form of Demodicosis is a more severe case of the disease.  The symptoms are more pronounced with a greater number of lesions or patches on the dog.  Often this more acute form of the disease is a progressive form of the localized ailment.  Instead of bald spots on the dog, this form of the disease has progressed to a more scaly looking skin and infections, which can be all over the entire dog.  This advanced form of the disease can be smelly and very itchy for the dog.

This disease is more prone to younger animals, but older dogs can get it too.  In the case of older dogs whose natural immune systems would be expected to be mature, this may be cause for greater concern that other health issues may be involved.  A veterinarian would better be able to diagnosis the problem.

This problem could also be localized in the paws of the dog.  This is a stubborn problem and hard to deal with.  Consulting your vet would be well advised.

Treatment and care are important issues when dealing with this dog hair loss illness.  Because skin infections are a part of this ailment, treating them with antibiotics may be appropriate, but consult with your vet.  Keep up the dog’s regular vaccination program to give the best health to ward off any future out breaks.  Provide your dog with a well balanced nutritional diet–your vet can make good recommendations for your specific dog. Do your best to keep your dog free from parasite infestation.  There are some who advocate spaying your dog to prevent the hereditary passing of the predisposition to this disease.  We’ll let you make that call with the help of your veterinarian.  <<<  Return to Dog Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva from a flea bite.  Only one flea (a blood sucking insect) is needed to cause your dog to react to this uncomfortable and pesky irritant.  A flea bite, where the saliva is exchanged, can set off itching over the entire body, not just where the flea bite may have occurred.   Given the right conditions a flea can live from 6 to 12 months.  Fleas prefer a humid environment and moderate temperatures in the  65° to 80° Fahrenheit range.

The Flea (of the order Siphonaptera -a Greek word derived from “siphon” meaning a tube or pipe, and “aptera” meaning wingless), is the common name for wingless insects whose mouth-parts are very adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas are external parasites and live off the blood of mammals (including humans) and birds.

Fleas tend to enjoy the haunch and tail area of the dog.  Fleas only need to infect the dog with a bite or two every two weeks.  This little amount of irritation by one flea  can make an allergic dog itchy all the time.   Some dogs are more prone to the allergy from flea bites than others, but all dogs can be come allergic.

This little (by size) pest can cause a significant discomfort for the dog, and their incessant scratching as they attempt to eliminate the pest or the problem–neither of which is very successful. The dog’s scratching is the most tale tale sign there may be a flea problem.  The dogs scratching is the primary cause of the loss of fur.  Flea infestation can incite your dog to scratching off the hair, but also causing red raw areas which make them susceptible to other ailments.

Treatment with a topical flea-control is the best solution to this problem.  Giving your dog a flea bath, which may include a flea shampoo,  is one of the fastest  flea treatment method.  Wearing a flea collar can also be of help, but either treatment could present their own problems if the dog reacts negatively to them.  Keeping their bedding and sleeping area free of the pest is equally helpful. If your have other pets in the home, they most likely will need to be treated too.

If the problem persists, check with your veterinarian.  <<< Return to Dog Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.

is a condition resulting from the chronic overproduction of the hormone Cortisol (also called hydrocortisone). (or too much glucocorticoid) by the adrenal glands located in the dog’s belly.  This disease impacts the middle aged (6 to 7 years) dogs, but can be in dogs younger and older. This is slow progressive disease, and may take years before sufficient symptoms appear to assume this specific problem.  The general symptoms give the appearance the dog is much older than it may be.  There are two types of the disease, each has it’s own treatment course.  Diagnosis and treatment of this disease are best suited for your veterinarian.

Many dog organ functions are affected by the hormone cortisol, and makes diagnosing the disease a challenge.  Some of the more pronounced symptoms could be (Alopecia) hair loss (mainly on the trunk or body of the dog), thinning of the skin, increased appetite, a pronounced pot-bellied look, and increased thirst–along with increased urination (including episodes of  “accidents” for housebroken dogs).  Other signs may include, on a lesser scale: panting, walking with a stiff gait and paw knuckled over, weakness, and difficulty breathing.

There are two types of Cushing’s  Disease:  Pituitary dependent and Adrenal-based.  The diagnosis of either of these two is best left to your veterinarian.

Pituitary dependent

This is the more common of the two types.  The pituitary gland in the brain over produces the hormone ACTH that is responsible for the regulation of the production of cortisol by the adrenal gland in the dog’s belly located over each of its two kidneys.

Adrenal dependent

Is the result of an adrenal tumor which causes the over-secretion of glucocorticoid.

There is another form less known calledLatrogenic Cushing’s Disease which comes from the dog having received large does of steroids . . . perhaps as treatment for another health problem.  This is like adding insult to injury because of the high levels of natural steroids being produced by the dog’s  overactive adrenal glands.  This form of the disease can be easily control by reducing or eliminating the steroid treatment.

In each of the two prominent causes of Cushing’s Disease, thorough diagnostic testing may be required.  This testing may include blood work, physical examination and x-rays or ultra-sound . . . all of which should be prescribed and performed by your veterinarian.

Treatment of the disease may come in the form of oral medication and/or surgery.  pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease can be treated with a life long program of oral medications.  The long term prognosis from this treatment is considered good, but visible signs may take awhile to manifest themselves.

Treatment for the adrenal dependent form in most cases requires surgery to remove the cancerous tumor(s) affecting the adrenal glands.  If the cancer tumors have spread sufficiently to other parts of the dog’s body surgery may not be performed.  Oral medications may be prescribed, but not as effective as removal of the infected gland.    <<< Return to Dog Hair Loss Overview

The information contained in the articles on this website is provided for information purposes only. The articles are not written by veterinarians per se. As such, the information should not be considered as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian. Great care is made in the creation of these articles; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and/or omissions. In all cases where doubt may exist, we recommend seeking appropriate professional veterinary advice and assistance.