What can I do about Dog baldness?

Fur loss isn’t necessarily permanent, and it also doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong with your dog. There are tons of things that cause baldness, some of which your dog has been inflicting on himself.

Have you noticed him licking a specific spot obsessively? If so, he may also be scratching it when you’re not looking. This is referred to as lick dermatitis and can lead to both hair loss and skin irritation. Treatments for this condition often involve using the funky-looking satellite dishes you see some poor pooches wearing, since it keeps them from licking the area while a vet is treating it.

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotic creams or pills, both of which fight the infection that may have been caused by the licking. This condition can also result from leaving your dog alone for long periods of time or not giving him enough exercise. He’s bored! Check out the creative exercise methods listed on page 15 for some fun ways to distract him from that nasty hobby.

Perhaps the most recognizable skin/hair condition is ringworm, in which a circular patch of hair is lost and the underlying skin becomes inflamed. Contrary to what the name suggests, ringworm is a fungus, not a parasite, and can create a crust that dogs love to scratch off. Your vet may decide to let your dog’s immune system try to heal the infection itself. If not, he’ll probably recommend an antifungal bath and ointment.

A Virtual Rainbow…

While dogs come in a variety of shades, some (typically blue and fawn-colored dogs) are more prone to skin problems like baldness and loss of color. If you notice odd hair or color loss on your pooch, it may be:

• Hypopigmentation – loss of pigment in fur or nose; may be seasonal or due to skin problems

• Hyperpigmentation – extra pigmentation or more vivid coloring; typically due to sunlight or allergies

• Color-dilution Alopecia – loss of hair in small circular areas accompanied by a fading of pigmentation; usually hereditary.

Did You Know?

Vibrissae are the tiny touch-sensitive hairs on a dog’s muzzle. They’re so sensitive they can detect changes in the airflow around the face.

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