As a dog lover, seeing your dog always itching and shedding fur all over its body is truly heartbreaking. Itching and shedding of hair all over a dog's body may be a manifestation of many health problems. Today, we will explore the common causes and coping strategies for this condition.
1. Common reasons
(1) Allergic reactions
Dogs may be allergic to food, environment, or substances they come into contact with (such as dust mites, pollen, certain detergents, etc.), causing skin inflammation, itching, and hair loss. This allergic reaction is usually accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and fever of the skin.
(2) Parasitic infection
Parasitic infections such as fleas, ticks, lice, and mites are common causes of skin itching and hair loss in dogs. Flea allergic dermatitis is a common condition, and infected dogs often exhibit strong scratching behavior.
(3)skin disease
Skin diseases such as eczema, fungal infections (such as ringworm), and bacterial infections can all cause itching and hair loss throughout a dog's body. Skin diseases are usually accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus, and odor.
(4)Dry climate
Low humidity in winter or dry environments may make dogs' skin dry and itchy, leading to hair loss. Especially for long haired dog breeds, without proper care, this situation is more likely to occur.
(5) Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal hyperfunction, may cause dogs to experience hair loss and skin itching. In this case, it is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as weight changes, changes in appetite, etc.
(6) Malnutrition
Long term lack of nutrition, vitamins, and minerals may make dogs' skin dry, reduce their resistance, and lead to allergies, infections, and hair loss.
2. Response measures
(1) Seek medical attention promptly
If a dog continues to experience itching and shedding of hair, it should first be taken to a veterinarian for a comprehensive examination. Veterinarians will determine the cause based on symptoms, signs, and necessary examination results (such as skin scraping, allergy testing, etc.).
(2) Regular deworming
Regular parasite prevention and elimination for dogs, and selecting appropriate deworming drugs can effectively reduce the risk of parasite infection.
(3) Improving diet
Ensure a balanced diet for dogs, provide high-quality dog food, and add supplements containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in moderation to help improve skin condition.
(4) Keep clean
Regularly bathe your dog and use specialized pet care products, especially shampoo for allergies or skin conditions. At the same time, regularly clean the dog's living environment to reduce the presence of dust mites and allergens.
(5) Provide a comfortable environment
Try to create a comfortable living environment for your dog and avoid excessively dry air. In winter, you can consider using a humidifier to help keep the air moist.
(6) Pay attention to emotions
Sometimes, climate change or environmental changes can make dogs feel anxious and stressed, leading to scratching and shedding of fur. Appropriate companionship and relaxation training can help dogs reduce stress.
Itching and shedding hair all over a dog's body is not a small matter, and timely identification and resolution of the problem are crucial. Pay attention to the daily behavior of dogs, and if any abnormalities are found, consult a veterinarian in a timely manner to ensure their health and happiness, and let our little companions continue to accompany us! If you have more questions about dog health care, please follow us and we will continue to provide you with relevant pet health knowledge and care tips.