How to Stop Dog Hair Loss

by Angela
(Ridgefield, WA, USA)

Dog Dry Flaking Skin and Hair Loss

Dog Dry Flaking Skin and Hair Loss

Reader Question: How to Stop Dog Hair Loss


'Ranger' my 9 yr old, un-neutered, Australian Shep. X has some kind of problem with his skin that has gotten worst over several months now. He gets topical flea treatments monthly. I thoroughly brush him 2 or more times weekly. He eats a quality dry dog food. He's overweight. He itchy all the time. His hair-loss when I brush him is extreme in his crusty, flaking areas. His coat looks greasy, skin has flaking/crusty patches on different parts/areas of his body. I will attach a few photos for you to see.

Please, any advice, help is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Angela & 'Ranger'

Suggestion from our Vet: How to Diagnose Dog Hair Loss

Hello Angela,

A number of different problems could be to blame for Ranger’s hair loss, itchiness, and skin lesions. If he were my patient, this is how I would go about figuring out what was wrong.

First I’d perform a physical exam and take a thorough history. Based on your description of his symptoms, I’m a little concerned that a systemic condition like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease might be playing a role. If that were the case, we’d need some blood work and other diagnostic tests to reach a diagnosis.

I would also look specifically at his skin using tests such as cytology to rule out yeast or bacterial infections, a fungal culture for ringworm, and skin scrapings to look for microscopic parasites. If none of this led to a diagnosis, skin biopsies or allergy testing might be necessary.

As you can see, the work-up for skin problems in dogs is often quite involved. If your veterinarian can’t help you, consider making an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM

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Dec 12, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		scaly, itchy, crusty scabs with hair loss in dogs
by: Anonymous

I have read a lot of your issues and comments and would like to say that my cat suffered tremendously from skin issues. My vet suggested taking her to a veterinary dermatologist. This was the best thing ever. They tested her for many allergies and then made up a specific allergen solution just for her. After a period of increasing the strength of this solution which I have to inject under her skin weekly, we found the strength which allows her to be symptom free. No more pododermatitis with its severely hurting and bleeding paws, no more restlessness from itching all over, no more rash and bleeding sores anywhere, nothing. No more Apoquel, no more prednisolone, no more anything! A healthy cat with a new lease on life! It still feels like a miracle!!!The cost was around $300 to $350, and she has been symptom free for more than a year. Her medicine is good for a year at which time it will have to be newly mixed at an additional cost. Thanks to my vet for sending me there. Hope yours will be a positive experience as well.
May 03, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		12 y/o shepherd mix-same
by: Anonymous

He got it really bad lost a lot of hair off of his rear-end in 2017 and he got antibiotics and a anti-itch medicine called epoqual (which worked with his hot spots as well) and flea medicine. My vet told me it was flea allergy combined with possible seasonal allergies, he also had ear infection at the time too. So needless to say after a few months I maxed out my credit card and he was better until just about a month ago when his hair started thinning on his back half again.
So with even more debt I'm trying to figure out some kind of natural remedies that won't be $200-ish every 2 weeks or so....
But that's what helped my boi a few years ago.
Apr 08, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same Problems no Resolution
by: Anonymous

Have a 6 year old German Shepherd. Developed problems the last two years. Many many vet visits. Ear infections, hot spots, dry flaky skin on tummy and spots on his body, legs and paws. Have tried prescribed died, apoquel, antibiotics, shampoos. Apple cider vinegar, prescribed ointments, sprays, yogurt and on and on. It comes and goes. Currently he’s at his worse. Makes me so sad for him. Anyone have any suggestions? Recently took him to a great groomer and he washed him well w a shampoo for the yeast he had on his back cleaned him up great and Hercules seemed so fresh and happy and in a matter of days he’s back to itching and scratching. We have spent thousands on vet visits, medicine and diet. I hope he understand we are trying.
Feb 04, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My 14 yr old Lab mix has hair loss
by: Anonymous

These babies sound like mine, she is 14, has congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism. She takes heart meds and thyroid meds. She has battled skin issues all her life. My friend who is a vet mentioned she may have a yeast infection, or candida. She did not examine her, but suggested an anti fungal like vagisil or lamosile. Haven’t used it yet, but I may try. Had her on Appoquel, felt like it made it worse. She said could be her thyroid causing it too. Just wanted to throw the yeast thing in the mix. I’m still doing research. None of the vets have found the solution. Good luck
Apr 23, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same problem
by: Zeusies Mom

Zues has identical problem. I melt coconut oil, and lather him very thick with it, he is usually looking wet all over. I do it all over his body.I let him rest outside for 2-3hours with it on his skin and then wash him.... two weeks later the same regime and then he usually holds well. I also put coconut oil over his food and he gets Zyrtec 10mg twice daily and that holds him from breaking out...spring is the time that I bathe him with the coconut oil when he starts to develop those rough scaly spots....this is cheap and very effective treatment! Good luck!
Sep 07, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		12yr Wheaten Terrier Flaky Crusts Dry Skin
by: Jerry

12 Yr old kirby a 47lb Wheaten Terrier going thru itching dry skin. Dry Salmon & Potato kibble mixed with 1/2 can wet beef or chicken cuts for moisture twice daily. I've fasted him for 24 hrs to help slow down the itching, then just dry by itself to eliminate possible suspects. I don't like using the immunosuppresive Apoquel, but I do have some. I've done medicated shampoo, added to that a few drops of tea tree oil, sulfur & lime dips 3 times. Bannixx for itching, Witch Hazel to clean skin, Chlorphenorlramine for allergy 3 times daily, & Chlorhexadine 2% solution for skin cleansing (only tried this once & his skin reacted so I quit) It's frustrating, but comforting that others have similar issues that vets can't figure out. I've considered that with so many common itchers if it could be the water they drink? Just thinking of common threads.
Mar 09, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Border Collie mix with crusty flaky skin
by: Anonymous

Mine is the same, took her to the dermatologist and they believe it's the mange. Skin scrapings are not full proof. We have her on an oral flea and tick now and a shampoo, which should kill any type of mite she has.
Nov 28, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		stinky crust
by: Frank

Dermatitis. Clean affected area remove all crust hair will fall out also . Skin will probably be red . Apply ZYMOX Topical Cream with .5% Hydro-cortisone to affected area.This usually clears it up within 2 weeks.
Nov 28, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		stinky crust
by: Frank

Dermatitis. Clean affected area remove all crust hair will fall out also . Skin will probably be red . Apply ZYMOX Topical Cream with 5% Hydro-cortisone to affected area.This usually clears it up within 2 weeks.
Aug 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How to stop dog hair loss
by: Anonymous

My golden retriever suffered this type of skin condition for years. It would come and go but the best thing that helped her the most was brewers yeast in her food every night until it cleared up. I found that it took anywhere from a week to months to go completely. However, before starting your pup on it, I think you would need to take your dog to the vet. I hope this helps :)
Apr 20, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Same thing..
by: Alyssa

Don't continue going to a vet, take your dog to a dermatologist. I had an appointment with my Sasha after 4 years of taking her to a vet, but sadly had to put her down (cancer formed on her neck) 3 days before the appointment. The last year and 1/2 was the worst. I had so many tests done on her, doing the same thing day in and day out ruling out what it was. The tests all three vets I took her to couldn't figure it out. Its honestly better to take her to the vet once have them do the tests then call and go to a dermatologist. Doing the small tests at the vet will make it to where you go in the dermatologist they can start with the things the vet couldn't test for.

Please contact me if y'all ever find out the result of what your dog has, I just want some peace of mind knowing what she really had. My email is alyssahalla@gmail.com My email is open if you have any questions or results.
Apr 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same here
by: Anonymous

Same dog, same result. My aussie-mix is black, his red/white brother doesn't have this issue. Poor lil guy has been battling this for years. It gets worse with age. He's 16 now. Apoquel worked for a bit. A steroid used to knock it out years ago when we had no other choice. Not much helps now.
Jan 20, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Solution?
by: Emma

Did you ever figure out what's wrong? I have a collie/aussie mix and this describes her to a T. Her coat looks flaky like that, is greasy and starts to stink very quickly. She itches ALL THE TIME.

My vet and I have tried everything under the sun. Tick/flea treatment, medicated shampoos, elimination diet, you name it. There is a drug called Apoquel that really seems to stop the immune response, so she can get some relief.

At the end of the day, I'm really thinking she's just reacted to over-vaccination :/

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