What Are the Causes of Puppy Hair Loss?

By Rena Sherwood

Instructions

Ringworm

Step 1:
According to Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, this contagious fungal infection often happens to puppies before they develop a natural resistance to it. Small hairless circles edged in red appear on the face, tail and paws and then spread all over the body.

Demodectic Mange

Step 1:
These bald patches, caused by a microscopic mite, often happen to puppies and not adult dogs, according "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," (see link in Resources). They start as small bald patches that eventually become itchy, crusty and possibly infected.

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

Step 1:
This causes thinning or bald patches and a crusty dandruff that begins on the face and paws and gradually spreads. A diet change usually fixes it. This happens mostly to dogs with Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute or Doberman blood.

Alopecia Universalis

Step 1:
This is a rare condition where the puppy becomes bald all over, but yet does not seem to be itchy or have any sores. It may be a genetic condition. Beagles are prone to having this ailment, according to "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms," (see link in Resources).

Hot Spot

Step 1:
This is a red, itchy hairless area on the puppy that can be caused by a variety of reasons, from allergies to an infection. Going to a vet is a must for treatment.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Image from Wikimedia Commons

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