All about puppy hair loss

Hair loss in puppies can be caused by something as simple as heavy shedding, or by something more serious such as skin problems, parasites and more. 

If you`re worried about how much (or perhaps how little) hair your puppy has, or notice above-average shedding, bald patches, rashes or irritated skin, then it`s important to find out what`s causing the problem.. so that you can fix it!

Here`s a look at the most likely culprits.....

Video: Hair loss in dogs | hair loss in dogs-home remedies | hair loss pitbulls

Dog Allergies & Hair Loss

Allergies are actually more common than most dog owners realize. They can develop allergic reactions to an ingredient (or several ingredients) in their food or treats.

Quite often this is to a food thathas been eaten, and well-tolerated, for some time, but it can alsodevelop after your pup has been given something new or different.

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Other common `triggers` for canine allergy symptoms are fleas,seasonal allergens (such as pollen, weeds, dust etc.).

Some dogs alsohave `contact allergies` which means they react to something they comein contact with. This could be a shampoo, topical medication, cleaningproduct, material or fiber and so on.

Regardless of what causes the allergy, the reaction is usuallyseen as a skin problem.

Canine hair loss, or bald spots are common, asare excessive licking or scratching (particularly of the belly, legs,tail or face), red irritated `hot-spots` or a rash.

You can find out more about recognizing and treating canine allergies on my Dog Allergies page.

Shedding or `Blowing Coat`

Most puppies lose their puppy coat when they`re somewhere around 3 - 10 months old, depending on size, breed and coat type.

Video: Mange Mites - on my puppy - The Lighthouse Lady

This sort of puppy hair loss can be more extreme in some breeds than others, Pomeranians are a prime example of this, and may look very `patchy` for a time.

Adult dogs shed seasonally, usually twice a year at the major change of seasons.

This is often called `blowing coat` and dog hair loss can be pretty dramatic at this time. Regular brushing and grooming is essential when this happens, to prevent tangles, mats and so on.

A female dog will also shed during her heat cycles, and more heavily after having puppies.

Excessive dog hair loss can also sometimes occur during times of extreme stress such as illness, a reaction to surgery, or other anxiety-inducing circumstances.

Bathing your puppy too often, or with the wrong kind of products, can also cause thinning hair and dry, flaky skin.

There are several natural products and remedies that are gentle and soothing on your pups` skin, check out my Natural Health Products and Natural Remedies pages to see some of the best ones on the market.

Health Issues or Illness

There are quite a few illnesses or health conditions that can causepuppy hair loss. Some of them may be congenital, some may be contagiousor a result of parasitic infestation.

There are too many to listdefinitively here, but a few of the more common medical reasons for adogs` hair loss include:

• Cushings` Disease - due to a dog`s body producing too muchCortisol. Other symptoms may include recurrent infections, excessivethirst and urination, and weight gain.


• Hypothyroidism - when a dogs` body produces too littlethyroglobulin (a hormone). A dog suffering from hypothyroidism may alsoseem more lethargic than usual, gain weight, be susceptible to infectionand have dry, brittle hair as well as patches of hair loss.


• Ringworm - this is actually a fungal infection, rather than a parasitic one. Itching and hair loss, with scaly or crusty areas of skin, are the most common symptoms of Ringworm.


• Yeast Infections - a yeast infection that is a fairly commoncause of puppy hair loss. Moist areas are the most common places forthis infection to show up (such as armpits, behind ears, and in skinfolds).

  Dogs with a lot of `wrinkles` such as English Bulldogs,Shar-Peis etc., are more susceptible to these sorts of infections. Inaddition to a dogs` hair loss, greasy skin and a strong odor aretell-tale signs that yeast is the problem.



• Mange - this is a parasitic infection, caused by tiny `mites`, and there are two main types.... Sarcoptic mange (also knows as Scabies) and Demodectic mange.

  Demodectic mange is more common in young dogs and puppy hair lossassociated with this is usually seen first on the muzzle/face, aroundthe eyes or on the front legs. Mild itchiness may also be present.

Some breeds such Shar-Peis and Bull Terrier breeds seem to beparticularly liable to develop demodectic mange, especially if theirimmune system is stressed.

With Sarcoptic mange a pup or dog will be extremely itchy anduncomfortable, and a dogs` hair loss can be fairly extensive as he mayscratch himself very aggressively.

A skin scraping taken by your vet can determine which mite is causing the trouble.

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