Hair loss is a fairly common occurrence in pets, and can be caused by any number of illnesses, both physical and emotional. Listed below are the most common causes of hair loss in dogs.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This is an allergic reaction to a variety of sources including metals, antibiotics, rubber, wool, chemicals or inflammation from plants. Your dog may have red bumps or skin irritation, sparse hair, itching or blisters. A patch test may determine the irritant, or by limiting exposure to certain potential irritants. Steroids or antihistamines can be prescribed to alleviate itching.

Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis (Atopy)

This is an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance such as pollen, mites or mold. Dog may lick its feet, be itchy and red, lose hair and may develop an infection due to severe itching. A vet will do a skin or blood test and may prescribe medications, steroids, antihistamines or immunotherapy.

Callus

Callus is caused by chronic pressure and is found mostly in larger dogs. Thick, hairless areas will emerge over bony areas like the elbows, especially if the dog sleeps on a hard floor. The dog may be more comfortable with a softer bed and extra support around the sore area.

Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)

This disease is caused by corticosteroids either produced by the body or as a side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Symptoms may include hair loss, thinning skin, hyperpigmentation (darkened skin), easy bruising, lethargy, increased thirst and urination, and a potbellied look. Your vet may check the function of the adrenal gland, do a urinalysis, CBC and a chemistry panel. If there are tumors they will need to be removed and steroid used should be limited.

Demodectic Mange (Red mange, Puppy Mange)

This is caused by an infection with the Demodex mite and occurs in a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include hair loss, a scaly appearance, pustules, ulcers, itching and darkening of the skin. The vet will examine the dogs skin and do a flea bath.

Folliculitis

This is an infection of the hair follicles, and symptoms will include hair loss, pustules and lesions, crusty areas and itching. The vet will perform a biopsy and skin cultures. Antibiotics should cure folliculitis.

Food Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to foods just as humans are. They will lick their feet, have inflamed ears, be itchy and red, and will lose hair. Severe itching may lead to infection. You?ll want to determine what the dog is eating that makes it itch, and change diets.

Hair Loss During Pregnancy

This can also occur while nursing and in other stressful situations. Work to alleviate the stress or anxiety, and the hair should grow back.

Hypothyroidism

A lowering of the thyroid hormone is common in dogs. Symptoms will include hair loss, brittle hair, seborrhea, bacterial and yeast infections, lethargy, obesity and a slowed heart rate. A few tests will need to be done to determine a thyroid deficiency and the dog will need to take a thyroid supplement.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection resulting in hair loss, scaly skin, crusted areas, pustules and itching. A culture will be performed and a medication to treat the ringworm will be administered.

Sarcoptic Mange

This is caused by an infection of the Sarcoptes mite and will result in severe itching and self-trauma, crusty skin and scaly skin. A pesticide will be used to kill the mite.

Tail Gland Hyperplasia

The sebaceous gland found at the top of the tail near the base becomes enlarged, usually in dogs that have not been neutered . Symptoms will include oily hair, hair loss, skin crusts and darkened skin around the gland. Treatment may involve neutering.

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It can be a difficult thing when your cat is sick and you don’t know why. Just as when babies are ill and we can’t tell what’s wrong, your pet may be showing signs of distress, but it’s difficult for humans to figure out what’s wrong. Cat hair loss can be due to itching from fleas, or a sign of a serious disease or psychological problem.

Below you’ll find the most common causes of hair loss in cats.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This is caused by an allergic reaction to a variety of substances, including antibiotic, chemicals, metals, or plants. Symptoms will include a rash or blisters on the area of bare skin, itching and chronic hair loss. Determine what is triggering the allergy and remove it from the cat’s environment. A vet can prescribe an antihistamine or steroids to ease itching.

Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis (Atopy)

Atopy is caused by an inhaled allergenic, such as pollen, dust mites or mold. Your cat may show signs of inflammation, redness, itching, hair loss or infection. Blood testing is most commonly used to diagnose. Be sure to limit cat?s exposure to the allergen; your vet may prescribe steroids, antihistamines, shampoos or immunotherapy.

Cheyletiella (Rabbit Fur Mite) Mange

Mange is caused by an infection of the cheyletiella mite and will cause itching, scaliness and hair loss. A prescription called Pyrethrin will help.

Facial Alopecia

This is a normal occurrence of hair loss between the eyes and ears. This may start as young as fourteen to twenty months old. It’s more prominent in short-haired cats or dark colored cats. No treatment is needed unless there are other symptoms.

This is a common, but more severe, reaction to flea bites. Cat may show itching, redness, hair loss, crusts and scales; serious itching may result in infection. The cat should be treated for fleas, and may be given steroids or antihistamines for the itching. Be sure to check the cat’s bed and living environment for fleas as well.

Food Allergies

Cats can be allergic to some foods. Try to eliminate certain food items until cat’s symptoms ease. Be sure to alter their diet as necessary. Cat will lick feet, have inflamed ears, be itchy and red, and may lose hair. Infection can result from severe itching.

Hair Loss During Pregnancy and Nursing

Cats can lose hair during pregnancy, nursing and other stressful situations. If you treat the stress, the hair should return.

Hyperthyroidism

Some cats with hyperthyroidism will have skin lesions; others will have hair loss or hair that can be pulled out easily, and may over-groom, resulting in bald spots. A blood test will determine if your cat has hyperthyroidism.

Psychogenic or Neurogenic Dermatitis

Anxiety, boredom or stress can cause a cat to over-lick. Your cat may develop ulcers and hair loss on the abdomen, groin or back. Be sure to determine if stress is causing the hair loss and work to reduce it with behavioral therapy.

Ringworm

Ringworm or infection with fungus can cause hair loss, scaliness, crusty skin and itching. A culture test will need to be performed and the vet will prescribe medication or a ringworm vaccine.

These are the most common types of hair loss in cats; however hair loss is a common symptom of many types of diseases. Be sure to take your cat to the vet if you notice severe or unusual hair loss.

In the hot summer months, it’s not uncommon for our feline companions to be shedding. There’s fur on the furniture, our clothes, and perhaps in the form of a partially digested hair ball, left right where we walk.

A little shedding is normal. If you notice that your kitty is loosing chunks of fur or if they are developing bald spots-then you have a serious issue that needs to be dealt with.

Feline skin is susceptible to many ailments. Here are three skin conditions that may have your cat loosing fur and itching for relief!

Feline Acne

Carefully look at the your cat’s chin. If you observe small black dots, tiny red pimples, or scabbed over sores, the chances are pretty good that your cat has a case of feline acne. This unsightly condition can cause your feline to scratch which could leave the kitty open to secondary infections.

Ringworm

This fungal infection is highly contagious and can be contracted by humans. The ringworm is found in the claws, hair and the top layers of the cat’s skin. Although some cats will appear completely healthy, a tell-tale sign of ringworm is the round, hairless patches on a cat’s body. These patches can be accompanied by dry or itchy skin and dandruff.

Allergies

A cat may be allergic to foods, fleas (flea bite dermatitis), or other allergens in their environment. Allergies may cause your cat to bite and scratch at its fur, trying to alleviate their discomfort.

The previously discussed skin ailments can lead to hair loss. There are additional reasons why your cat may be experiencing excessive loss.

Enodcrine Alopecia

This condition is caused by a lack of the hormone that produces new hair growth. This hormone imbalance may leave your cat with bald patches on the tail and abdomen, while leaving the head and legs, unaffected.

Psychogenic Alopecia

If your immaculate feline is often grooming herself, to the point of obsession, Psychogenic Alopecia may be what ails her. Due to fear, stress or anxious feelings, a cat may “over-groom” herself. This fur fixation may lead to your cat plucking out large chunks of hair or licking an area until it’s a virtual bald spot. The areas most affected are the abdomen, inner thighs and hind end.

When dealing with felines who are contending with skin ailments or fur disturbances, it is in their best interest to obtain a medical diagnosis. Veterinarians are able to find any hidden diseases and prescribe necessary medical treatments to ensure that your pet remains healthy.

Dog Hair Loss

As a pet owner, it’s hard to see your dog suffer any kind of wound or illness. Their physical pain affects you, because they are part of the family. When your dog begins to lose their hair, or go bald, it can be for a variety of different reasons. In ways, this can be painful to your dog. Not only does the hair loss cause excessive itching — it affects their confidence too. Dogs are sensitive to one another and it can be a cause for anxiety to look different than the rest of the pack. Your dog may lose his dominance around other dogs because of his problem.

What is Canine Alopecia?

Late onset Canine Alopecia is a skin condition found in certain breeds of dogs that causes them to lose their hair. The disease only affects male dogs, and symptoms are not usually noticeable until they are about 5-7 years old. Dogs that have this condition experience excessive itching and loss of hair in patches, usually near the head, neck, and body.

Alopecia X is another form of Alopecia that can affect dogs of all ages. The disorder is believed to be caused by a deficiency of specific hormones, which leads to balding. Unlike Late Onset Alopecia, Alopecia X can start at a very young age in a dog’s life. The disorder is progressive, so symptoms often get worse as your dog gets older.

Other Types of Dog Hair Loss

Pattern baldness is another problem your dog may experience. Pattern baldness is usually more common among smaller dogs, and can occur when they are as young as 6 months old. There are no dangers associated with this disorder; it is really just a cosmetic problem.

Follicular dysplasia is another disorder that can affect you dog’s appearance. This is a hair follicle disorder that can prevent hair from growing in certain places on your dog, usually the neck and thighs.

Mange is another major condition that contributes to hair loss in dogs. Tiny mites burrow deep into the skin’s oil producing glands. Once the mites are in, they attack the follicle of the hair and hair loss occurs. There are different types of mange, and some of them, if caught early enough, are treatable. Some types are highly contagious, so your dog could get mange just from being around other dogs that have it.

How to Help Your Pet

If your furry friend is going bald, there is hope! There are medications that your veterinarian can prescribe for your pet, but these prescriptions (Ivermectin, Mitaban) can be toxic to your companion. Home remedies that people have tried, include: motor oil and sulfur baths. This is dangerous and unhealthy for your dog.

Does your cat seem to be constantly itching and biting their skin? Are they losing more and more hair every day? If so, your cat probably has a skin or hair disorder. Skin and hair problems in cats are very common, and sometimes go unnoticed. Recognizing when there is a problem, and treating it as soon as possible, will help your cat live a full and happy life.

Causes of Hair Loss in Cats

There are a variety of factors that can cause your cat to lose their hair. Stress is one of the most common causes of hair loss in felines. When cats are stressed out they over groom themselves and remove too much hair. Allergies are also a common cause of hair loss. If your cat seems to suddenly start losing hair, it could be the result of a change in their environment or a change in diet.

Beside stress and allergies, there are a several diseases and disorders that will cause your cat to lose hair. Some of these conditions are listed below:

• Cushing’s Disease is a comon cause of hair loss, that is usually recognized by the way your cat will lose their hair. Unlike other conditions that cause hair loss, cats with Cushing?s Disease will lose their hair in the same spot on both sides of their body. Your cat may also seem very bothered when you touch their skin or pet them.

• Addison’s Disease is the result of a significant decrease in adrenal activity, causing a change in skin color, hair loss, and lethargy. This disease is usually brought on by a more severe problem, such as cancer or lymphosarcoma. Fortunately, this disease is not very common in cats.

• Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause of hair loss in cats. Symptoms include: weight loss, excesive urination, and drinking unusully large amounts of water.

• Hypothroidism is a condition caused by a hormone imbalance, causing the cat to bite and lick their skin until their skin is dry, and hair begins to fall out. Symptoms of Hypothroidism include: weight gain, and having a very dry hair and skin.

Feline Skin Disorders

Identifying what type of skin disorder you cat has can be very difficult, since many of the disorders have symptoms that include: dry skin, itching, and hair loss. Here are some of the more common problems:

• Ringworm is a fungus that infects the skin, causing your cat to itch excessivly, often resulting in hair loss. Your cat will usually experience redness and scaling skin at the site of the infection.
• Fleas are probably the most common cause of itchy skin on your cat. Fleas bite your cat’s skin, causing them to itch excessively and give them dry, red skin.
• Food allergies are also a common cause of dry and itchy skin.