Anyone who has a furry friend at home knows that, at certain times of the year, they will have to live with hair loss in dogs . However, if the problem is prolonging or getting too serious, attention must be paid to the risk of illness.
Short and medium-haired animals such as Pinscher , Bulldog, Labrador and Chow Chow usually shed in spring and autumn to receive a thinner or denser coat.
When the fall occurs naturally due to the change of seasons, it does not cause flaws, itching, or wounds.
Now, if you notice changes in the coat, body or even the animal’s body, this could mean a health issue. In that case, it’s worth scheduling a veterinary appointment, because with treatment and care at the right time, it’s possible to make your furry friend healthy again.
Understanding dog hair loss
Hair loss in dogs can be a symptom of nutritional deficiencies. It can also be motivated by the presence of parasites such as fleas and ticks , allergic reactions to food and/or components of the environment, hormonal disorders, the period of heat or pregnancy, immunological diseases or stress.
In most cases, abnormal hair loss is just one of many symptoms of an illness. So keeping an eye out for your pet will help you quickly identify if there is, in fact, something wrong with him.
Find out what other symptoms may arise along with excess hair around the house and try to act quickly to save your pet:
difficulty breathing
Owners of brachycephalic dogs – breeds with short, flat snouts – should always pay close attention to their breathing.
The breathing of these pets is already naturally more difficult, because of their physical characteristics and, as dogs also use breathing as a way to regulate their body temperature, it is very important that this mechanism of the organism is working very well.
If you notice that your dog is panting without exercising or making a different noise when breathing, it could be a sign of a problem.
loss of appetite
Lack of appetite is a clear indication that your pet is not doing well.
First, note that this change was not due to the introduction of a new one. It is normal for dogs to take time to get used to another brand or type of food and even refuse to eat it.
If this is not the case, assess whether the pet is experiencing a stressful situation. Changes in environment, absence of a family member or spending a lot of time alone can also trigger this behavior.
Weight gain or loss
Healthy animals are able to maintain weight with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise for their size. Weight gain or loss can be a symptom of some diseases.
To know if your pet’s weight is fluctuating, you need to weigh him periodically. So you will notice the subtle changes.
If you don’t know your dog’s organism well, you will only notice more sudden changes, which can make possible treatments difficult.
bleeding
The only acceptable bleeding in dogs is that of females when they are in heat. Other than that, all bleeds indicate some kind of problem.
Superficial cuts shouldn’t be a cause for great concern, but they need to be treated so they don’t become infected.
Also, pets can bleed through the nose, due to bruises or breakup of small vases. However, if this happens frequently, it could be a symptom of a more serious illness.
Now, if you notice blood in your pet’s urine or feces, take him to the vet immediately to perform tests and find out the cause of this problem, which is internal and difficult to diagnose with the naked eye.
Vomiting or diarrhea
It’s common for pets to throw up sometimes. As they are always smelling and licking objects and environments, out of curiosity and instinct, it is normal for the stomach to be irritated by foreign particles. So if your dog throws up once, don’t be worried.
However, if this starts to happen very often and the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, it is possible that your pet has a parasite or worm in the body, in need of quick treatment.
Itching or excessive licking
Itching tends to further increase hair loss in dogs , as well as body licking, often in the same location.
These behaviors may indicate an allergy, caused by contact with foreign particles, incorrect food or a parasite, and you need care to solve the problem.
Now you know how to differentiate the common hair loss from the worrying one, and also associate it with other signs that something is not going well, it will be simpler to take care of your pet’s health. With the right care, in no time the hair scattered around the house will no longer be a problem.
