Have you ever brushed your pet and ended up with such a large pile of fur that you would think you had more than one pet? Most pet owners need to have a certain comfort level with pet hair in the home—sometimes a lot of hair—but while some coat shedding is completely natural and necessary, hair loss can also indicate an underlying health condition in your pet. To help you understand the different hair loss types and potential causes, our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team offers six reasons why your pet may be losing their hair. 

#1: Pet hair loss from shedding

Shedding is a natural process that helps control your pet’s body temperature and rids them of unnecessary, damaged hair that has stopped growing. Pets mostly shed their undercoats during the spring and fall. Your pet will typically shed their hair evenly over their body, so if their hair loss appears patchy and uneven, they could have a skin or health condition. Some pets shed more often than others, with the breeds that shed most heavily including:

  • Border collies
  • Labrador retrievers
  • Beagles
  • German shepherds

While you can’t stop your pet from shedding, you can manage them with regular brushing, de-shedding, and bathing.

#2: Allergy-related pet hair loss

While humans respond to allergies with respiratory issues such as sneezing and coughing, an allergic pet is more likely to suffer from skin irritation and hair loss. Allergies can make pets’ skin extremely dry and itchy, and your pet may scratch and bite at their fur, leading to hair loss. The three most common types of allergies in pets include:

  • Environmental allergies — Allergens in the environment, such as dust, pollen, and grass, can trigger an allergic reaction in pets. These allergies tend to be seasonal, but can worsen over time and become year-round.
  • Food allergies — Food allergies occur when a pet is allergic to a type of protein in their food, most often chicken or beef. 
  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) — Some pets are highly allergic to a protein found in flea saliva, which can cause intense itching, hair loss, and scabbing when a flea bites your pet. 

#3: Pet hair loss caused by hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland in the neck makes a hormone that controls metabolism. When a pet has hypothyroidism (i.e., an underactive thyroid gland), seen most commonly in dogs, the gland becomes inflamed or shrinks and no longer produces enough hormone. Hypothyroidism signs include:

  • Hair loss
  • Dull, thin coat
  • Flaky skin
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle loss

Fortunately, hypothyroidism is not life-threatening and can be treated with medication. 

#4: Post-clipping alopecia pet hair loss

When a pet is shaved during grooming or to prepare for surgery, they can develop post-clipping alopecia, meaning that their fur takes longer than normal to regrow, and may initially grow back in patches. The condition does not affect your pet’s health, and their hair should eventually fill in evenly. 

#5: Pet hair loss caused by pressure sores

Pressure sores are similar to humans’ bed sores, and can occur when a pet’s joints, especially their hips and elbows, regularly contact hard surfaces. Older or less mobile dogs, and pets who lie on hardwood floors, are more prone to pressure sores, which are often accompanied by hair loss. Over time, because of the pressure and friction on the joint, the skin becomes irritated, and the hair covering the joint falls out. To prevent pressure sores, ensure your pet has a soft bed, and keep them mobile several times each day. 

#6: Pet hair loss caused by ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is not actually a worm—ringworm is a fungus that commonly grows on a pet’s outermost skin layer, hair follicles, or nails. Ringworm is not life-threatening, but is transmitted through direct contact, and is highly contagious. Signs include:

  • Circular areas of hair loss
  • Dry, brittle hair
  • Scabby, irritated skin
  • Rough, brittle nails

If your pet is experiencing hair loss that concerns you, our team at Creature Comforts Veterinary services can identify the cause and provide suitable treatment for your pet. Contact us, and we will restore your pet’s beautiful fur coat.