Causes
Parasites
External parasites are notorious for causing alopecia in dogs. Ticks, lice, fleas and mites can all cause intense itching and scratching, which leads to hair loss. Mange (a skin disease) may also cause localised to generalised hair loss.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections of the skin (called ('Dermatophytosis') can cause partial to complete alopecia with scaling and redness. Some fungal infections are zoonotic, which means that they have the potential to cause skin lesions in people as well.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial skin infections can cause alopecia with redness, skin crusting and circular patterns of hair loss. Bacterial folliculitis is the most common cause of multi focal alopecia.
Allergies
Allergic pets have itchy skin, and in response they scratch or chew out their hair. Pets can be allergic to:
1. Foods- Grains (wheat, soy, corn, pork, meat, fish, milk, yeast.
2. Contact allergies- Walking through grass, chemically treated floors or carpets
3. Poor nutrition
Hair requires a constant supply of nutrients to remain anchored in the skin. Nutrients that support healthy hair are antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Blood flow
Hair is a living element anchored in the follicle and is nourished by blood for most of its cycle. If blood circulation is poor, hair will not grow well. Pets with weak hearts, low blood pressure and chronic anaemia may have a dull coat and skin.
Parasites
External parasites are notorious for causing alopecia in dogs. Ticks, lice, fleas and mites can all cause intense itching and scratching, which leads to hair loss. Mange (a skin disease) may also cause localised to generalised hair loss.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections of the skin (called ('Dermatophytosis') can cause partial to complete alopecia with scaling and redness. Some fungal infections are zoonotic, which means that they have the potential to cause skin lesions in people as well.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial skin infections can cause alopecia with redness, skin crusting and circular patterns of hair loss. Bacterial folliculitis is the most common cause of multi focal alopecia.
Allergies
Allergic pets have itchy skin, and in response they scratch or chew out their hair. Pets can be allergic to:
1. Foods- Grains (wheat, soy, corn, pork, meat, fish, milk, yeast.
2. Contact allergies- Walking through grass, chemically treated floors or carpets
3. Poor nutrition
Hair requires a constant supply of nutrients to remain anchored in the skin. Nutrients that support healthy hair are antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Blood flow
Hair is a living element anchored in the follicle and is nourished by blood for most of its cycle. If blood circulation is poor, hair will not grow well. Pets with weak hearts, low blood pressure and chronic anaemia may have a dull coat and skin.
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