Help – My dogs hair won’t grow back

Just like humans, dogs also lose hair every day, which is usually replaced by a comparable number of new hairs. However, if the dog’s hair loss gets out of hand, the coat may become increasingly thinner, and even bald patches form over time.

Why you should take hair loss in your dog seriously, which causes excessive fur loss possible, and what helps against it you will learn here…

Hair loss in dogs during the change of coat

Most dog breeds change their coat twice a year. The so-called coat change takes place in spring and autumn and serves the four-legged friend to adapt to the prevailing weather conditions.

During the change of coat, dogs lose a lot of hair in a few weeks, whereby the hair loss in the spring is usually stronger because the winter coat is much denser.

The hair loss caused by the dog’s coat change may annoy you as an owner. However, it can not be avoided and is also no reason to worry about the four-legged friend’s health.

Other possible reasons for hair loss in dogs.

Unfortunately, hair loss in dogs is not always harmless. Health problems such as parasites, diseases or even a lack of nutrients lead to excessive fur loss.

Hair loss in dogs with kidney weakness

If a dog suffers from kidney weakness, his kidneys can no longer properly rid the body of harmful substances. Such renal insufficiency is a serious matter. Among numerous other ailments, it can cause hair loss in dogs.

Hormonal disorders as a cause of hair loss in dogs

Hormonal disorders are another possible cause of excessive hair loss. In this case, for example, an underactive thyroid gland or Cushing’s disease can be considered. Apart from this, changes in the hormonal balance after pregnancy or castration can also cause hair loss.

Skin fungus as a cause of hair loss in dogs

Skin fungus is very unpleasant for dogs. It is also highly contagious and often challenging to treat. If a dog suffers from skin fungus, this leads, in particular, to severe itching and inflammation of the skin. In addition, however, affected dogs may also experience hair loss, which is often circular.

Hair loss in dogs with parasites

In addition to skin fungi, other parasites can cause skin problems and hair loss in dogs. This applies not only to ectoparasites such as mites or fleas but certainly also to intestinal parasites. A massive infestation with worms or giardia leads to a nutrient deficiency in affected animals, which can also cause excessive hair loss, among other things.

Hair loss in dogs due to feeding errors

In addition to diseases and parasites, feeding errors can sometimes lead to hair loss in dogs. This is especially true in the case of an unnoticed food allergy.

Affected dogs do not tolerate individual components of their food and suffer from severe itching, which they try to relieve by excessive scratching. Unfortunately, this very often leads to bald areas sooner or later.

Apart from food allergies, however, a nutrient deficiency, which is not uncommon with improper barfing, can also make itself felt in dogs in the form of hair loss.

Hair loss in dogs can be a case for the vet.

Provided you can rule out shedding as the cause; you must assume that hair loss in your dog indicates a problem with his health. It is advisable to see a vet as soon as possible.

After all, it may well be that your four-legged friend needs urgent treatment. Otherwise, far more serious complaints may arise. Moreover, an early diagnosis of the trigger may help to counteract hair loss in dogs and may even prevent permanent damage.

Treat Hair Loss in Dogs

The treatment measures that can be used to counteract hair loss in your dog depend first and foremost on the exact cause of the coat loss. Of course, it makes a big difference whether your four-legged friend suffers from skin fungus, for example, whether the functioning of his kidneys is impaired or perhaps whether he has a food allergy.

To successfully treat your dog’s hair loss, the veterinarian must first determine the trigger. Then, depending on the diagnosis, the treatment measures may include, for example, a worming cure, antifungals or even a change of food.

The Right Diet is Important!

If you want to support your dog in addition to daily combing and brushing, you can also give him a diet to match the coat change. To promote skin metabolism, the dog needs a protein-rich diet and plenty of vitamin B, zinc and biotin.

You can get these supplements cheaply at the pharmacy, and best sprinkle the powder over the dog’s food. These supplements help your dog with the change of coat and generally provide a shinier coat and better skin.

Biotin strengthens the hair, alleviates skin complaints and ensures strong claws. Adding one tablespoon of safflower or linseed oil daily can also support a healthy and shiny coat. Linseed oil also provides the stomach and intestinal tract with valuable protection of the mucous membrane.

The right coat care for the dog

Through regular combing, you can support your dog in the change of coat. The dog’s skin is better supplied with blood, and the loose fur can be easily removed. Getting your dog used to regular brushing at a young age is best. This way, you not only support him better in the change of coat but also notice quickly if the four-legged friend has ticks, fleas or eczema.

In addition, your dog will certainly appreciate the extra petting. The coat care depends on the type of coat. A basic distinction is made between the five different types of dog fur: long-haired, wire-haired, silky, curly and smooth. Dogs with curly and “non-coaty” coats should be brushed twice a week. If your dog has a silky coat, it is necessary to brush and comb it daily.

It would help if you treated wire-haired, smooth-haired or long-haired breeds with a lot of undercoat with a suitable brush at least once a week. For long-haired dogs like the Australian Shepherd, you must be careful that the teeth of the comb do not get caught and pull out hairs.

In this case, combs or brushes with long and rounded teeth are suitable. Rough-haired breeds are best groomed with short-toothed brushes and combs.

If your four-legged friend has a dense undercoat, you should brush it regularly with a coarse dog brush or a plucking brush, especially in winter.

With a professional grooming tool, you are definitely on the safe side. The brushes and combs are particularly diverse, and you will find the right brush for every coat type.

If My Dog Is On Vetoryl Will His Hair Grow Back?

Several factors contribute to hair loss and, more concerning, the failure of hair to regrow in certain situations. Because your dog’s growth cycle may not begin for another several months after you cut their hair, the hair may grow extremely slowly or patchily for a short period of time after you cut their hair. When dogs get older, they might develop alopecia, which is the same condition that people have as they age.

A common misconception is that dog groomers are responsible for their dog’s hair not growing back whereas, in reality, they do not cause it to grow back; instead, they just trim the hair that is already there.

Although the causes listed above are not cause for concern, it is recommended that you take your pet to the veterinarian to rule out a more dangerous condition known as Cushing’s Syndrome.

What Is Cushing’s Disease?

Generally speaking, older dogs are more likely to be afflicted with Cushing’s Disease. An endocrine disorder is what it is formally referred to as. A hormonal gland is affected by this condition. To assist the body balance its chemicals, hormonal glands are required. The hormone cortisol is the one that is impacted in Cushing’s disease..

Cortisol production in a dog suffering from Cushing’s Disease is excessive. It is a rather rare illness, and the symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as the natural ageing process that occurs in elderly dogs. However, although it is not curable, it is treated, and it is feasible to get a result that will make your dog happy while also contributing to their longevity.

 Symptoms Of The Disease

• Drinking a lot more water
• going to the toilet a lot more
• toilet accidents in the house
• excessive appetite
• pot-belly appearance
• excessive panting
• general weakness
• slow regrowth of hair after clipping
• unhealthy coat (dry, dull,)
• regular skin and urinary infections

Cushing’s Disease and Vetoryl

Management of the illness will lower the likelihood of your dog acquiring other linked disorders such as diabetes, pancreatitis inflammation, and blood clots in the lungs as a result.

The lethargy, overeating, and excessive drinking should subside after two weeks of starting the programme. Within three to six months of commencing treatment, you will see a significant improvement in your dog’s hair loss, skin condition, and potbelly look.

What Is The Prognosis For Dogs With Cushing’s Disease?

You will have to realize that you cannot stop the treatment for your dog, he or she will have to take the medication that your vet prescribe for the rest of their lives.  However, the good news is that within three to six months of starting the treatment, symptoms will resolve and your dog will be a lot more comfortable and happier with a much better quality of life.

It is important then to remember:  it is a disease that is managed, not cured. It will require an ongoing commitment from your side.

Left untreated, your dog will progress to becoming iller.  An excess of cortisol, the hormone produced in overload in a dog with Cushing’s Disease, suppresses the immune system leaving your dog open to any infection on the go. They will also develop diabetes, seizures, problems with their pancreas, and eventually heart failure.

The prognosis for dogs with hair loss

Provided the hair loss triggers are diagnosed and eliminated promptly, it usually takes little time for the hair to grow back normally. In some cases, however, it may well happen that permanently bald patches remain on the dog’s body.