What Are the Causes of Excessive Canine Hair Loss?

By Rena Sherwood

Instructions

Genetics

Step 1:
The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms notes that some breeds such as the beagle are prone to the genetic abnormality alopecia univeralis--being bald all over. This gene is rampant in breeds such as the Chinese crested hairless.

Parasites

Step 1:
Mites, lice and fleas can cause bald patches in a dog's skin to the point where they go almost completely bald. If a dog is allergic to a flea bite, she will scratch so much that she will go bald.

Ringworm

Step 1:
This is a fungal infection that starts off with small round bald patches but gradually spreads over the entire body. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook points out that puppies often get it before they build an immunity to it.

Illness

Step 1:
Sometimes bald patches are a complication with certain illnesses in dogs, including diabetes and Cushing's disease.

Misconceptions

Step 1:
Dogs generally do not lose hair during chemotherapy like humans do. Even if some hair is lost, it grows back right soon after the last chemotherapy treatment.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Image of a dog with ringworm from Cats of Australia.

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