Baldiness

Dog Gone Hair

by Bald Man on April 28th, 2007

I must be finding inspiration in the puppy dog eyes my wife was giving me this afternoon after she and our daughter wandered out of a local pet shop. Whatever the cause, this article on hair loss among dogs caught my eye this evening. It’s a local news Q & A type article written by Dr. Page Wages. The good doctor mentions three causes on hair loss to me on the look out for this time of year.

• Mange - Causes by the mite, Demedox, is it treatable with medication.
• Seasonal Alopecia - Certain breeds are susceptible, and it can be treated with over the counter Melatonin.
• Fungal infections - Ringworm is one example, and these are created with prescription medications.

All three require a veterinarian to diagnose accurately.

I grew up with dogs - shelties and goldens - and we never to my knowledge had to deal with any of these. I do remember the occasional bald patch on a leg or at the base of the tail. Typically this was due to an injury or insect bite that the dog wouldn’t leave alone. Constant gnawing and licking eventually wore the fur away. Controlling the dog’s behavior was still important, though. Otherwise, the wound would never have a chance to heal.

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POSTED IN: Bald Medicine, Bald Symptoms