If you’re noticing that your dog’s coat suddenly has a bald patch or two and you’re still having a tricky time fixing this problem, then now’s the perfect time to learn how to use home remedies for dog itching and losing hair.
How do you treat your canine family member’s bald spot due to constant scratching and biting? Why is he having a problem with flaky skin that leads to hair loss? Is dog hair loss different from alopecia in dogs? We will answer these questions in a few moments.
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And we’ll also share with you a detailed walkthrough on the natural home remedies you can use to get rid of these problems.
Moreover, we’re going to give you the lowdown on the possible causes why your canine family member is experiencing these issues, as well as the preventive measures that you need to keep in mind.
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Let’s kick things off by having a quick overview of what hair loss in dogs is…
Why is my dog itching and losing hair?
Hair loss in dogs is basically a condition where a dog loses his hair at a much faster rate than usual. While dogs normally go through shedding—or the process where a dog gets rid of damaged or dead fur to encourage new fur growth—dog hair loss is an irregular occurrence.
Moreover, it is not uncommon for dogs who are experiencing this issue to have a few bald patches on their coat due to the accelerated loss of hair.
Now we’ve got that out of the bag, let’s discuss the causes of hair loss in dogs…
What causes dog itching and hair loss?
Interestingly, there are a number of possible reasons why your dog is experiencing hair loss. The following are the most common causes of dog itching and hair loss in dogs:
Genetics
It’s highly likely that the reason why your dog is suffering from hair loss is that he is genetically predisposed to this condition. If either or both of his parents were afflicted with hair-related issues like hypotrichosis, protein deficiency, or dermatomyositis, then your canine family member could be prone to it as well.
Moreover, there are also specific dog breeds that are considerably vulnerable to thinning hair and hair loss such as Greyhounds, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Dobermans, and Bulldogs.
Allergy
While this may sound surprising, dogs are as prone to allergies as humans are. Some of the most common factors that set off allergies in dogs include some foodstuffs like shrimp and dairy products, flea bites, dust mites, mold, and pollen.
When an allergic reaction takes place, it typically leads to the itching of a dog’s skin. And it’s not uncommon for a dog to excessively bite and scratch on the affected area to take care of the problem, which eventually causes hair loss.
Skin infection
Skin infections like ringworm and mange can also cause hair loss in dogs. See, when these skin infections that are triggered by fungi and bacteria are left unchecked and untreated, they tend to become inflamed and itchy sooner or later. Boil-like growths may also manifest on a dog’s skin as well.
A dog usually bites and scratches on the affected area in the hopes of relieving his discomfort, which causes hair loss.
Age
Older dogs are prone to hair loss because their hair follicles are not as tough and healthy as they used to be. When these hair follicles are shedded off, they do not grow back quickly like they should leading to thinning hair or even bald spots in some areas.
Insect bites
Insect bites, particularly those from wasps, ants, and spiders, can set off hives or rashes on a dog’s skin. Due to excessive licking and biting—not to mention the occasional scooting on surfaces—these insect bites will almost always lead to hair loss in dogs.
Exposure to chemicals
If you’re noticing that your dog is suffering from hair loss, one possible reason that you should consider is exposure to chemicals. Besides taking note of any chemical-based substances in your home like paints, solvents, detergents, and cleaners, it could also be possible that your canine family member is allergic to the dog soap or shampoo you’re using.
Poor hygiene
Poor hygiene is also a factor when it comes to hair loss in dogs. When a dog’s coat isn’t given a thorough wash on a regular basis, oils and dirt tend to clog up the hair follicles. This prevents hairs from growing like they should and may even lead to bald patches in some areas.
Moreover, the lack of regular washing may also encourage the excessive increase in the number of bacteria normally present in the dog’s coat, which causes the hair follicles to wither. This condition is commonly known as folliculitis.
Next up, we’ll talk about the natural home remedies you can use to get rid of dog itching and hair loss in dogs…
Home remedies for dog itching and losing hair
Unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, you don’t have to immediately resort to “conventional” medications when your dog is going through hair loss. There are actually a number of home remedies that you should consider when fixing this problem.
Here are some useful pointers you should take note of as regards how to use home remedies for dog itching and losing hair:
Olive oil
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that olive oil is abundant in oleic acid, which has been found to have antioxidant properties. Besides helping keep hair follicles strong and healthy, oleic acid is also observed to have beneficial effects when it comes to slowing down hair loss.
To use olive oil as a home remedy for dog itching and losing hair, get a clean piece of cloth or cotton swab to dab a small amount of the same on the bald patch or affected area. Keep in mind that a little goes a very long way for this step.
Gently massage the olive oil in and around the bald patch or affected area until it is completely covered. Leave it on for a few hours until the whole thing dries up. Reapply as needed or until the skin in the affected area looks normal again.
Fatty fish
According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the nutrients and antioxidants found in fish oil, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, can help improve hair density and reduce the likelihood of hair loss. Fish oil is abundant in particular types of fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel.
To harness the benefits of fish oil as a home remedy for dog itching and losing hair, make sure you incorporate fatty fish in your dog’s regular diet. However, it is important to remember that these fish should only be served plainly cooked with no additional flavoring or seasonings, and with the bones removed.
Lemon pieces immersed in water
Another home remedy for dog itching and losing hair that you can use is lemon pieces immersed in water. As revealed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), lemon juice has antibiotic properties and can also act as a natural cleanser for the skin.
To use lemon as a home remedy for dog hair loss, slice up a lemon into pieces and submerge them in a bowl of water for at least an hour. With a clean piece of cloth or cotton swab, gently apply the mixture to the affected area. Besides helping get rid of bacteria, this home remedy also has a citrusy aroma as a pleasant bonus.
It is crucial to remember, though, that this home remedy should not be used if the affected area has an open lesion or wound since it can cause a stinging sensation to your dog.
Apple cider vinegar
Healthline reports that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help relieve skin itchiness as well as get rid of fungi or bacteria, which may cause hair problems. It’s also seen to have the ability to help eliminate dandruff.
To use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for dog itching and losing hair, grab a clean piece of cloth or cotton swab to apply a small amount of the same on the bald patch or affected area until it is completely covered. Leave it on for thirty (30) minutes then thoroughly wash off with soap and water.
However, keep in mind not to use this home remedy if your dog has an open lesion or wound. The acidity of apple cider vinegar can have a stinging sensation, which your canine family member won’t like.
Coconut oil
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shares that besides having antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is also seen to help reduce protein loss in hair to keep them strong and healthy.
To use coconut oil as a home remedy for dog itching and losing hair, gently massage a liberal amount of the same to the affected area while making sure that the oil completely coats the fur. Leave it on for an hour or so until it completely dries.
You can also add a bit of coconut oil to your dog’s bath water as an alternative application. Just a quick reminder, though. Make sure you only use non-food grade virgin coconut oil for this home remedy since it has the most beneficial nutrients due to its least processed state.
Aloe vera
According to Taylor & Francis Online, a study conducted in 1998 revealed that the compounds in aloe vera can help alleviate inflammation caused by skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis. Besides “significantly decreasing scaliness,” the application of aloe vera also reduced the itching and prickling sensations brought on by skin infections.
To use aloe vera as a home remedy for dog itching and losing hair, cut a mature leaf lengthwise to expose the inner pulp that contains the gel. Apply a liberal amount of this aloe vera gel to the affected area.
And just to make things even more interesting, besides its medicinal properties, aloe vera gel also has a cooling effect when applied to the skin.
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Next on our agenda are the symptoms of dog hair loss…
Symptoms of hair loss in dogs
The following are the most common indicators of dog hair loss:
- Accelerated shedding or losing of hair
- Bald spots or patches on a dog’s body
- Extremely wrinkly or flaky skin
- Repeated itching and scratching on a specific part or parts of the body
- Reddish coloration in and around the areas where there is loss of hair
- Restlessness
- Scooting
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Now let’s talk about something that may have crossed your mind once or twice when it comes to hair loss in dogs: is there a skin condition that causes dog hair loss?
Is there a dog skin condition that causes hair loss?
The short answer is yes. Skin conditions such as ringworm and mange can cause hair loss in dogs. Ringworm and mange can lead to severe inflammation of the skin if left untreated—not to mention spreading to other parts of the body.
Dogs typically try to relieve themselves of the pain and the discomfort they’re experiencing by frantically biting and scratching on the affected area that can significantly aggravate these skin issues.
This constant biting and scratching prevents the skin from completely healing and eventually impairs the recovery and growth of hair follicles, which can lead to permanent loss of hair in the affected area or areas.
For our next topic, let’s discuss something that a lot of people tend to get mixed up. How about we distinguish the differences between dog hair loss and alopecia in dogs this time?
Dog hair loss vs. Alopecia in dogs
The following are the key differences between dog hair loss and alopecia in dogs:
Alopecia is normally congenital in nature, while hair loss in dogs is typically caused by several other factors like age, skin infections, allergies, exposure to chemicals, and poor hygiene.
Alopecia is immediately noticeable, leaving an affected area partially or completely without hair, while dog hair loss takes place gradually.
Alopecia is deemed as an autoimmune disease in dogs, while hair loss is a symptom of an underlying condition that a dog may have such as mange, ringworm, hotspots, skin disease, as well as infestation of fleas and ticks.
Moreover, dog hair loss and alopecia in dogs are both treatable conditions. This is the reason why knowing how to use home remedies for dog itching and losing hair is essential because these conditions can strike the least you expect them.
Having Zumalka’s SKIN DRAINER - ADVANCED KIT in your lineup of dog health products is very helpful and convenient whether you’re looking to give your dog the protection he needs from hair loss or providing the support he truly deserves when he is going through this problem.
So that pretty much wraps up our discussion on the best home remedies for dog itching and losing hair. You can find out more about dog hair loss by signing up for our Free Health Advisor Guidance.
Our Natural Health Advisors will walk you through the natural products and treatment options that best fit your animal's health needs as well as share useful tips and recommendations that will help you give your beloved canine family member the quality of life you’ve always wanted.
