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Is Your Dog Losing Fur? Causes to Be Aware of

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If you have noticed that your dog is losing a great deal of fur lately, you'll likely wondering what the cause is. Whether they seem to be shedding excessively or have certain patches of hair that seem to be missing, there are many potential reasons that your dog is suffering from this fur loss. Dogs can suffer from numerous dermatological conditions, most of which can cause fur loss. Get to know more about some of these skin issues. Then, you can be sure you address your dog's fur loss in the best way possible. 

Allergies

Dogs can suffer from allergies much in the same way that people can. Dogs can be allergic to grass, tree pollens, weeds, ingredients in their foods, and more. These allergies can cause skin reactions. 

If your dog goes outside and comes into contact with a plant or pollen they are allergic to, that physical contact can cause itching and discomfort. In turn, this can cause your dog to scratch, bite, or rub against things to try to relieve their discomfort. The results of these behaviors can include hair loss and even the development of sores and hot spots (open wounds) on the skin. Food allergies, though orally ingested, can also cause itchy skin.

Allergies can be treated in dogs. If the allergy turns out to be an ingredient in their food, a change to an allergy-friendly food, such as a poultry-free or grain-free option, could help to resolve the problem. This will remove your dog's discomfort and help their fur grow back. For pollen and other allergies, you can give your dog a daily allergy medication or even get them allergy shots. 

Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are a type of skin issue that are most commonly referred to as bedsores in humans. Dogs can get them too, though. If your dog is older, they will likely spend a lot of time laying down on the floor. This can lead your dog to develop pressure sores, particularly on their hocks or hips. 

These sores often cause fur loss. They can look like scabs and may grow quite thick. They can also crack or bleed. While older dogs are prone to these pressure sores, any age dog can get them. You can help treat your dog's pressure sores by providing them with soft places to sleep. Getting an orthopedic dog bed, for example, or a pillow-like bed can help to relieve the pressure and allow sores to heal. 

Knowing these possible causes of your dog's fur loss, you can get them to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible. For more information, contact a facility like Acequia Animal Hospital


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