We love our pets and want them to be healthy. Sometimes it can be difficult to know if something is wrong with them. Pets can mask illness very well. However, one of the first signs something may be wrong is hair loss. There are a lot of reasons for hair loss in pets. Some are more serious than others. Even if it may not be something to worry about, it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of our pet’s fur. Here are some of the reasons for your pet’s hair loss.
Parasites
One of the most common reasons for pets to scratch and bite their fur is fleas, ticks, and lice. Fleas are most common in warmer climates. They can be almost impossible to get rid of if your pet spends time outdoors. Ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas. It is important to check for ticks regularly and have them properly and carefully removed. Lice in pets are not as common. The type of lice that pets can get cannot live on humans. They are a different species but will still irritate your pets.
Allergies
Just like humans, pets can have allergies. If you notice your pet constantly itching and pulling out their fur and they do not have parasites, check with a vet to make sure they are not having an allergic reaction. Both dogs and cats can be allergic to food like shellfish, beef, dairy, etc. Not only that, but they can even be allergic to things like fleas, pollen, dust, or mold. For information on pets and allergies, read our article, “Pets and Allergies”.
Medications
Sometimes the medications given to pets can even cause hair loss. Some common medications are steroids, vaccines, or even medications for fleas. This is why it is so important to communicate with your vet before starting them on anything new.
Unhealthy Diet
If pets are not getting the diet their fur needs, it is more likely to fall out. It is important to make sure that your pet is getting the vitamins and minerals that their specific breed needs. Supplements for pets are available, like Fidonutrients, to help your pets get proper diet in their systems. Make sure you are also not giving your pet human food that could make them sick like dairy, fat, garlic, or onions. If your pet is not eating, there may be other issues going on that need to be addressed. To learn more about why your pet may not be eating their food, read this article here.
Behavior
Your pet may also be pulling out their hair or over-grooming due to behavior from anxiety. There are a lot of reasons why a pet may have anxiety. This could be a result of moving to a new place, separation anxiety, or even a phobia of being trapped. It is important to calm your pet rather than discipline them if this is the case.
There are a lot of reasons for hair loss in pets. Overall, it important that you keep an eye on your pet and know what normal behavior is. Catching any hair loss early can help you determine the underlying problem before it gets too bad.
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