Do Fleas Make Dogs Lose Hair?
WouterIf your dog is losing hair, it could be from fleas. Fleas irritate the skin and cause itching and scratching which leads to hair loss. Other causes of hair loss in dogs include mites and lice. While they are not harmful to humans, these parasites can cause severe problems for your pet. You can prevent fleas from infesting your dog by treating them with topical medications and flea collars. You should also consider putting your pet on a calming medication to reduce their anxiety levels.
Some of the symptoms of flea infestations include oily or thick skin, hair loss, itching, and inflammation. Additionally, your dog might develop ringworm, which is a contagious infection of the hair follicles. The treatment for this infection includes topical antifungal medications and anti-fungal oral medication. You will need to decontaminate the environment as well.
If you suspect your dog of flea allergy, he or she will need to undergo an allergy test. This test is similar to the allergy tests performed in humans. The specialized blood test will confirm if your dog is allergic to fleas. In most cases, symptoms of flea allergy will be very classic.
Other factors that can cause hair loss in dogs include food allergies. Some pets are allergic to certain kinds of food, such as chicken, fish, or grains. This may cause increased licking or chewing, which can lead to hair loss.
