Why is my dog losing hair? Causes, solutions and veterinary advice

Hair loss in dogs is a common problem that worries many owners. While some shedding is normal, it can sometimes be a sign of a health problem. How do you know if it's a natural shedding or if you need to see a veterinarian ?

In this article we will see:

✔️ The natural causes of hair loss

✔️ Diseases and disorders that can cause it

✔️ When it is essential to go to the vet

✔️ Practical tips to reduce hair loss

✔️ The importance of veterinary teleconsultation , veterinary telecounseling , veterinary telemedicine , and home veterinarian visits

Online veterinary teleconsultation

Is your dog losing too much hair? 🐶 Discover the possible causes: seasonal shedding, parasites, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or hormonal diseases. Learn how to distinguish normal from abnormal hair loss and when to consult a vet. Thanks to veterinary teleconsultation, veterinary teleadvice, and veterinary telemedicine, you can quickly get expert guidance or even schedule an at-home veterinarian visit.

🌱 Normal shedding in dogs

Shedding is a natural process: dogs renew their coat with the seasons.

• Spring 🌸: shedding the heavy winter coat.

• Autumn 🍂: growing a denser coat for the cold.

  
  

👉 This type of shedding is even and diffuse, without bald patches.Regular brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

🚨 When is hair loss abnormal?

Excessive, localized, or patchy hair loss, especially with symptoms (redness, dandruff, scabs, itching), may signal a problem.

🦟 External parasites

Fleas, ticks, lice, or mites (mange).

🌾 Allergies

• Food-related (specific proteins, kibble).

• Environmental (pollen, dust, mites).

• Flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis).

  
  

🦠 Skin infections

• Fungal: ringworm causes circular bald spots.

• Bacterial: pyoderma, often secondary to scratching.

  
  

⚖️ Hormonal imbalances

• Hypothyroidism: symmetrical hair loss, dry skin.

• Cushing’s disease: thinning coat, fragile skin, increased thirst and hunger.

  
  

😰 Stress and anxiety

Compulsive licking or chewing can lead to bald patches.

🍽️ Poor diet

Lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins weakens the coat and skin.

👨‍⚕️ When to consult a vet?

If hair loss is accompanied by:

• intense itching 🐾

• redness, scabs, sores

• weight loss or lethargy

• excessive thirst or appetite

  
  

👉 It’s time to seek veterinary advice.

Thanks to veterinary teleconsultation 💻, you can quickly get an initial opinion without leaving home. Veterinary teleadvice helps assess urgency and guide next steps. Veterinary telemedicine makes remote access to care possible, and if a physical check is needed, an at-home veterinarian can visit your pet.

🛠️ Practical tips to reduce hair loss

✔️ Brush regularly with the right tool for the coat type.

✔️ Feed a balanced diet rich in omega-3, omega-6, and protein.

✔️ Use parasite protection 🦟 year-round.

✔️ Bathe carefully with gentle dog shampoos.

✔️ Reduce stress through play, exercise, and enrichment.

✔️ Monitor closely for unusual changes.

✅ Conclusion

Hair loss in dogs can be normal (seasonal shedding) or pathological (parasites, allergies, hormonal disorders, stress). To protect your dog’s health, consider veterinary teleconsultation, veterinary teleadvice, and veterinary telemedicine. If necessary, you can also call an at-home veterinarian for direct care.

Online veterinary teleconsultation

👉 Your dog deserves a strong, healthy, and shiny coat ✨🐶.