Your Dogs Shedding and Bald Spots
If your dog sheds a lot it does not necessarily denote ill health. Dogs that spend a lot of their time indoors are exposed to electric lights and central heat and air which can throw off their normal shedding schedule that nature built in. However, profuse shedding may have other causes like an unbalanced diet, a kidney or bladder infection or a parasitic ailment.
If your dogs shedding leads to bald spots you should seek help from your veterinarian as soon as possible. All severe shedding conditions are either parasitic or non-parasitic. Parasitic means caused by parasites such as mites or fleas. Non-parasitic means conditions created by a hormonal imbalance and or poor diet, which can easily be treated with vitamins and a more controlled diet.
Eczema is a symptom of an underlying disorder, usually dietary, rather than a disease. In older animals and altered ones, it may be caused by a hormonal imbalance due to a change of body chemistry. The skin becomes scaly and the hair falls out in patches. You must correct the cause by hormone injections or a change in diet, usually by adding fat supplements of Vitamin A and E.
Eczema can also be caused by fleabite allergy, or a parasitic condition. However, these bald spots usually appear suddenly and resemble lesions, or burns. To treat these, after veterinarian diagnosis, you must eliminate the fleas and use a local application of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Bald spots can also be caused by mange. There are two types of mange, ot mange, Sarcoptic mange or “Scabies”, which has a musty odor, often starts on the head and spreads to the ears, tail, the abdomen, chest and under the front legs. Skin eruptions may take the form of red dots or blisters, then scabs. Your veterinarian can provide medicated baths; generally sulfur preparations and anti-itch topicals.
The second type of mange is Follicular or Demodectic mange or “red mange”, caused by a different family of mites that burrows into the hair follicles and most often attacks young puppies. Entire litters can be born with it. It is more serious and persistent that the other variety. In the most serious cases, pustules dot the skin where the hair has fallen out. Veterinary treatment will include oral medications and external treatments to kill the mites, but this type of mange takes a long time to cure.
Lastly, he may have contracted ringworm, a contagious fungal infection, (non-parasitic), that grows on hair follicles, rather like athletes foot. It is characterized by ring-shaped red patches covered with scales, and may be dry or moist, usually starting on the head, neck, and legs. Your vet will advise strict anticontagion measures, since it is communicable to humans. Treatments include oral medications, anti-fungal shampoos or dips, and frequent applications of iodine.
Remember, shedding is a symptom of an underlying condition that is best diagnosed by your Veterinarian usually by microscopic analysis of skin scrapings and or blood tests. While bald spots may not be life threatening, the animal is suffering and the conditions usually only get worse with time, so asking your veterinarian for his opinion is more sensible than just worrying about it.
Bestsellers and Hot Products
Now retrieving an image set.
GREENIES Original TEENIE Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, 36 oz. Pack (130 Treats)
$34.99 (as of September 29, 2023 08:30 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
62”L Portable Folding Dog Ramps for Large Dogs SUV Lightweight Outdoor Truck Car Ramps Non-Slip Design for High Bed Universal for Deck Stairs,Couch-Easy Storage,Supports up to 150 lb
$34.94 (as of September 29, 2023 08:35 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled Chicken and Porterhouse Steak Variety Pack, 3.5 oz. Easy Peel Trays (Pack of 24)
$27.96 (as of September 29, 2023 08:30 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers, Real Bacon, Made in USA, Medium
$11.14 (as of September 29, 2023 08:30 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
MidWest Homes for Pets Bolster Dog Bed 18L-Inch Pink Dog Bed or Cat Bed w/ Comfortable Bolster | Ideal for "Toy" Dog Breeds & Fits an 18-Inch Dog Crate | Easy Maintenance Machine Wash & Dry
$4.99 (as of September 29, 2023 08:30 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Is Your Dog Ready for Summer?
Is Your Dog Ready for Summer? Summer is almost here and if you haven't already done so, you should make sure your dog is ready for another season out of doors. Most pet owners spend a good deal of time outside during the Spring and Summer months, taking their pets along to share in the […]
Pit Bull Terrier Dog Grooming Tips And Advice
Pit Bull Terrier Dog Grooming Tips And Advice Keeping your Pit Bull healthy can be a full-time job. He requires lots of love and attention, routine well check-ups with the veterinarian, teeth cleaning, and training. A big part of your time will be spent on keeping your Pit Bull clean and neatly groomed. Grooming and […]
Dog Sicknesses Symptoms & Diagnosis
Dog Sicknesses Symptoms & Diagnosis The downside of dog ownership is that communication can sometimes be a guessing game. This is particularly true when your dog is not feeling well.Sometimes your dog may just be “off” – not as energetic or acting odd. This may be nothing but it could be a sign of a […]
Natural Balance Dog Food And Allergies
Natural Balance Dog Food And Allergies The most common problem faced by a dog owner is allergies caused to their dog due to climatic conditions. Our pets are like member of the family, they need a special care and especially in the matter of diet. There are many problems caused due to irregular diet such […]