Dog Hair Loss

by Amy

I have an 11 year old Chihuahua. He is losing dog hair in patches. You can look at him and it looks like his fur is sticking up. When you barely pull on the hair it will fall out and have a scab on the end of the fur. It leaves a complete bald spot.

We have taken him to the vet several times and he has been treated with antibiotics for a bacterial infection. The antibiotics work for about 2-4 weeks and than it comes back. What else can be done to help him?

Dog Health Guide Editor Suggestion - Dog Hair Loss

Dear Amy,

Thank you for your question regarding dog hair loss.

Dogs, especially older dogs like this one, can face several primary (originates on the skin) and/or secondary skin conditions (caused by another problem), which not only involves the skin, but also other systems in the body.

Though, it is not possible to confirm the condition without a detailed clinical examination and laboratory tests, according to the pattern of disease and symptoms you described, we can help you get an idea of what a diagnosis might be, for further discussion with your veterinarian.

First of all, symptoms such as dog hair loss, weakened hair follicles and scabs at the hair base indicates that your dog has got problem with sebaceous gland and hair follicular health. It is a common problem with older dogs. Possible causes include allergy, infection or an endocrinal (hormone) disorder.

However, you can eliminate the possibilities with additional observation. For example, observe the oiliness of the skin, any unusual eating and drinking habits (thirst, appetite, weight change), pus under the scab or at the base of the hair, itching (pruritus), diet etc.

You have not mentioned signs such as itching or pruritus, which usually is a primary sign. Since these symptoms are absent, then it is possible that your this senior dog is most likely suffering from an endocrine problem and/or other systemic disease.

Regarding the treatment with antibiotics, remember, older dogs have a weakened physiology and are more prone to secondary infections, such as skin infections in this case, which responded well to antibiotics. But, if the condition recurs, it indicates some type of an underlying cause, which requires a detailed clinical examination along with laboratory tests, and skin scrapings. This is then followed by systemic tests.

We suggest you take your dog for a detailed examination and laboratory tests, preferably done by a veterinary endocrinologist and/or a dermatologist (in collaboration), so that the underlying cause can be identified and treated specifically. Remember, treating a dog with antibiotics without any confirmation of the underlying cause of the problem, can resolve symptoms, but not the exact problem.

Here are some suggestions that might help in the mean time. Try to use a quality shampoo like Nutri-Vet Medicated Antibacterial Shampoo which is formulated to reduce dog skin oiliness or seborrhea. You can also try some natural remedies to improve skin condition such as Skin and Coat Tonic and Immunity and Liver Support to improve the overall immune system health of your older dog.

Please keep us up to date on the dog hair loss problem.