Canine alopecia is an excessive hair loss. There are many factors that can cause it, from genetic predisposition to worrying reasons such as disease. Depending on what causes alopecia it can evolve differently. We tell you what can cause alopecia in dogs!
Which dogs are most at risk of canine alopecia?
One of the risk factors for canine alopecia is the genetics themselves, as some breeds are more likely to develop this pathology:
Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky and Other Nordic Races
Chow
Pomerania
Poodle
Mixed dogs from these breeds, such as the pesky
Moreover, there are also more cases of alopecia in uncast rated male dogs. This does not mean that a neutered dog is completely free to suffer alopecia, but risk reduction is just one of the many advantages of sterilizing a dog.
Causes of canine alopecia
Regardless of genetic predisposition and fertility, there are many conditions and pathologies that can cause canine alopecia. If you see your dog's hair falling out a lot, go to the vet because it could be a sign of:
Growth hormone deficiency
Unbalance of sex hormones
Alterations in the hair growth cycle
Allergies
Stress or anxiety
Vaccines: Some vaccines can cause hair loss as a reaction, but in that case it only occurs in the puncture area, not at the widespread level throughout the body
Parasites
Seasonal changes
Compulsive licks and scratches for topical disease
Hair follicle alterations
I think my dog suffers from canine alopecia, what should I do?
Although canine alopecia can occur at any time in your dog's life, the truth is that most cases occur in dogs under 3 years; on the other hand, it is also not uncommon for it to appear in dogs up to 5 years old. After this age, when dogs approach old age, it is stranger that alopecia occurs.
How do you know if your dog is suffering a normal hair loss (natural fall of dead hairs or seasonal mounting) or if it is a case of canine alopecia? Alopecia usually produces bald, which mounting does not. In addition, it is usually symmetrical and sometimes the skin without hair is pigmented and darkened.
In cases of generalized alopecia, the condition begins to be seen in the neck, tail and genital area. It then extends to the trunk and the rest of the body. If your dog only lacks hair on one side of the body and in a localized way, it is probably due to an excessive lick, which will be motivated by another parallel pathology, such as a skin problem.
If your dog has canine alopecia, you should go to the veterinarian as soon as possible, since only in this way can the cause be diagnosed and treated.
Canine alopecia should not be ignored. The cause may be more or less serious, but the only way to know is to take your dog to the vet. Don't let the time pass!