Complete Solution Of Hair-fall & Skin Infection In Dogs

Hair-fall in dogs is one of the universal yet severe issues. Every canine parent should be aware of the inclusive conception of hair-fall. This is for the reason that every so often, most of the owners misinterpret hair-fall with shedding or are not able to recognize the symptoms of hair-fall.

There can be diverse reasons for hair-fall in dogs. It can be genetic, sensitivity, allergy etc. Certainly, the very general reason for hair-fall in dogs can be said as the skin infection. Or I should say skin infection has a close association with hair-fall.

In this article, we will discuss the concept, causes, symptoms, medications, and solution of hair-fall. Even if you bump into any doubts, you can select any of the below methods to contact us and share your concern. Our Vet expert will address your concern in detail -

• Contact our Veterinarian Online
• Visit our website www.marshallspetzone.com
• Call us or Whatsapp us on 8106360786
• Write us at info@marshallspetzone.com
• Live chat with our Customer Service Team 24*7
• Inbox us on our Facebook page

Q.1 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHEDDING AND HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

• Shedding - It is a regular process in which dogs naturally lose old or damaged hair. Most of the dogs shed hair, particularly during the hot summer months. Whereas, some dogs with thick coats shed in winter and some in spring. So shedding also depends on the weather. Also the amount and frequency of hair that is shed often depends upon the health and breed type.
• Hair-fall - One should watch out as how much the dog is shedding? If a dog is losing hair in massive amounts or with bald spots, large clumps, thinning of hair, then it amounts to hair-fall.

Q.2 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

1. Foul odor
2. Itchiness
3. White patches
4. Dry scaly skin
5. Overall thinning of the hair
6. Patches of complete hair loss
7. Hair loss around eyes and mouth
8. Red bumps, red inflamed skin around area of hair loss

Q.3 WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

1. Sleeping in water - if your dog is playing in the water or splashing water from his bowl and sleeping on the watery floor then you need to stop this action straight away. Staying in water for more time or sleeping on the wet floor can cause serious skin infections. You can resolve the problem using this simple trick by scheduling the timing for giving water to your dog for drinking. Once your dog has drunk then remove the bowl from his visibility. Try using this method and you will definitely see progress.

2. Parasites - external annoying insects like mites, flea, ticks etc can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair-fall. They also cause itchiness and baldness of the skin.

• One of the common reasons behind dog hair-fall is flea and tick. It starts when a flea bites the dog and inserts the saliva into the body. It mostly affects the back or tail of the body. Symptoms - itchiness, hair-fall. Click here to know the treatment of flea and tick.
• The other parasite infection that usually dogs suffer is mange. Mange is a skin infection caused by several species or tiny mites, common external parasites found in the companionship of other dogs.
• Suggested article - A complete flea & tick prevention for dogs and puppies.

3. Fungal infections - these types of infections can cause partial to complete hair-fall in dogs. These infections are common in hot and humid climate. Symptoms are as follows - itchiness, skin irritation, inflammation around the ears, between the paws, anal area. Redness of the skin, sticky discharge can be said as the secondary symptoms of fungal infections.

4. Bacterial infections - these types of infections are caused in dogs when subspecies of the bacterial organisms penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of blood. Symptoms are as follows- redness of the skin, crusting and circular pattern of hair-fall.

5. Allergies - dogs are prone to allergies when compared to any other species. Types of allergies in dogs are as follows -

• Food allergies -Common ingredient - beef, corn, soy, grapes, onions salt, soy, fish, etc are some of the common food that causes allergies. Whereas some dogs might be allergic to chicken, egg, egg yolk etc. It is recommended to feed proper diet to your dog. Symptoms - itchiness, swelling, hair-fall, skin infection.

• Contact allergies - These allergies commonly occur when your dog gets in contact with any allergic plant, dust, pollens, grass, wood etc.  It is advised to take care of your dog while going outside and be extra attentive as well.

Above listed are the common causes of hair-fall which every dog owner must know. Whereas there are some other causes such as -

• Stress and nutritional deficiencies
• Reaction from medicines or injections
• Hereditary

Q.4 WHAT ARE THE SUGGESTED MEDICATIONS TO REDUCE HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

4.1 - If your dog is showing symptoms like red bumps, redness due to constant scratching then you are advised to use any one shampoo mentioned below - -

1. Beaphar Patina Shampoo or
2. Petben Skin Care Shampoo

Directions - Wet the coat completely, gently apply the shampoo all over the body and let it stay for 20 minutes. Avoid eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and give a towel dry.

4.2 - If your dog is getting hair-fall in patches then you are advised to use any one shampoo mentioned below -

1. Micodin Shampoo
2. Sky Ec Care Best Shampoo
3. Virbac Sebolytic Shampoo
4. Pethex Skin Care Shampoo

Directions - Wet the coat completely, gently apply the shampoo all over the body and let it stay for 20 minutes. Avoid eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and give a towel dry.

Q.5 WHAT ARE THE SUGGESTED SUPPLEMENT  TO REDUCE HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

External supplements should also be given to your dog for healthy and stronger hair. Below are the suggested supplement -

• Nutricoat Advance,
• Beaphar Salmon Oil,
• Himalaya Furglow
• Sky Ec StarCoat

Q.6 WHAT ARE THE SUGGESTED SHAMPOOS TO REDUCE HAIR-FALL IN DOGS DUE TO DANDRUFF?

If your dog is suffering from dandruff then you should use Seledruff Anti Dandruff shampoo.

Q.6 WHAT ARE THE OTHER TREATMENTS PREVENT HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

1. Deworming - Deworming or also known as worming. This is a process of giving appropriate medication to the dog to get rid of the worms or parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms. So, it is advised to deworm your dog in regular intervals. Suggested article - How to deworm your dog?
2. Change in diet - A dog may lose hair if he is allergic to some food. Above we have mentioned the food items with which dogs are mostly allergic too. In such cases, it is advised to change the food and add some supplements which will help from the re-growth of hair.
3. Regular grooming - A well-groomed dog looks cute and adorable. So one should groom their dog on a regular basis and grooming must be added to the regular routine. Use proper de-shedding tools, brushes, combs as per the coat of your dog. Brushing is an important part of grooming. Brush your dog's coat in a reverse direction every day as it improves blood circulation and healthy coat. Cutting nails of dogs and regular trimming are also advised. Suggested article - Amazing grooming hacks for your pet.
4. Cleanliness and Sanitation - the neatness and cleanliness play an imperative part in preventing skin infection and hair-fall in dogs. Make sure to use well-formulated products for your dogs like puppy diapers, scoopers, waste pick bag, toilet cleaner etc to maintain the hygiene of your house and primarily the dog’s health. Note - Stop using floor cleaners where your dog sleeps. Use JIBBS kennel hygiene for cleaning your floor.
5. Clean dog's mouth after the meal - if you are feeding your dog with wet food then you are advised to clean the mouth immediately after the meal. even if your dog is eating dry food or treats you should clean the mouth and the required area.
6. Dry your dog after bath - it is advised to dry your dog's body after the bath as early as possible else it will lead to skin infection.
7. No frequent bathing - Bath your dog in a gap of 7-15 days. It will help to preserve the natural oil on the dog's cost and will remove dust dirt regularly. Frequent bathing also lead to skin infection.Bath your dog with a good quality pet shampoo and conditioner as they are specially formulated to meet the requirement of the dog’s skin and coat.

Q.7 HOW TO RECOVER HAIR-FALL IN DOGS?

Treatment of hair-fall depends on the dog's predisposition to skin infections. Being pet parents it is important and mandatory to administer according to the given instructions. Monitor your dog’s skin and hair growth and re-growth pattern. If necessary write down all the changes and communicate accordingly. Every change in the hair re-growth being positive or negative will help for the prevention and cure of hair-fall.