Your dog sheds so much that you’re sure he’ll wake up bald one morning. Chances are the extra hair on your furniture, carpet, and clothes is just biology at work. Hair grows and sheds in cycles - even in people - and all but a few breeds experience regular fur fallout. Outdoor pets tend to shed according to seasonal changes, while indoor pets shed year-round. But excessive hair loss or brittle hair isn’t normal. If your dog’s shedding creates bald spots or the entire coat appears thin, he may have a problem.
In dogs, patchy bald spots or an all-over thinning coat usually result from mange mites or hormone imbalances associated with such diseases as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome. Some dogs suffering nutritional deficiencies that can be addressed with dog supplements or stress also lose their fur. Shedding can also be a symptom of cancer, allergies, fungal, or bacterial infections or certain immune system disorders. Female dogs can shed excessively shortly after giving birth. And anything that causes itchy skin, such as fleas or allergies (atopy), can lead to excessive scratching and shedding.
Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog develops other signs of illness, including lethargy or appetite loss, along with her shedding. And if the shedding causes bald spots, overall thinning, skin irritation, or excessive scratching, a visit to your dog’s doctor is also warranted.
Your veterinarian will ask about your dog’s medical history and examine your dog’s skin for lesions and parasites. She also may recommend blood work to uncover any hormonal disease. If your veterinarian rules out illness, she may suggest nutritional supplements, a different diet, or a special shampoo to help curb the shedding.
