Dog Losing Hair? There is Hope!

Today’s guest post features Ask Ariel! Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist offers expert advice about pet nutrition and holistic pet health. Their exceptional quality supplements were developed based on Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis’ experiences rescuing and rehabilitating homeless shelter animals. Ask Ariel supplements have been used successfully in veterinary hospitals since 2005 and are recommended by veterinarians nationwide. Purchases from links in this post provide proceeds that go 100% to furthering GARC’s mission!

Why Is My Cat or Dog Losing Hair?

Here are 5 common causes of hair loss in dogs and cats:

1. Food and Environmental Allergies

Both food and environmental allergies can cause cats and dogs to lose hair. Pets may also develop flea allergies in which the pet develops an allergic reaction to the flea bite. Pets with allergies will itch and scratch, developing bald spots and patches and feeling itchy and miserable. Your dog may have hot spots and sores or be chewing, licking and scooting on its butt. Many pet owners are frustrated because they have brought their pet to the veterinarian and used medications and yet the problem continues, especially during the hot summer months. Cats and dogs can get fleas and develop flea allergies in the most meticulous homes.

The first step is to take control of any problems with fleas. Once fleas have been ruled out, it’s important to consider what other foods and environmental allergens your pet may be allergic to. Allergy testing can be helpful. Switching your pet to a hypoallergenic diet along with using a few supplements can be life-changing for your pet.

Dogs and cats respond very well to home remedies for allergies. Please click here to learn more about using a holistic approach to help your pet’s allergy symptoms (e.g., scratching, itching, odor, hot spots, chewing, etc.) A change of diet and using a few holistic supplements can help allergy-induced hair loss. Featured below are just two examples of Ask Ariel’s time-tested, veterinary-approved supplements that help relieve pet allergy symptoms.

AllerEaze Cats and dogs with hair loss may itch, scratch and chew on their skin. Hair may fall out due to infections on the skin and exposure to allergens such as food, grass, plants and dust. AllerEaze is nature’s own “Benadryl,” containing ingredients that naturally reduce the histamine response and ease allergy symptoms. AllerEaze is one of our favorite home remedies for dog hair loss and itching.

ProAller Especially helpful for small pets, these drops temporarily reduce allergic itching and discomfort. It works most effectively when combined with NotaSAN to reduce redness,

infection, odor and drippy eyes due to allergies. Many pet owners have reported that ProAller has helped their itchy pets finally get a good night’s sleep instead of staying up scratching and chewing.

2. Dry Skin Due to a Lack of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Amazing Omegas is the best fish oil available for pets. It’s made in the USA from

mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Packed in glass bottles, Amazing Omegas is third-party tested for purity and potency and h

as all of the impurities, such as heavy metals and PCBs, removed in a natural process that maintains the integrity of the oil. Amazing Omegas is a must-have for any cat or dog with hair loss.

3. Fungal or Bacterial Infection

Bacterial and fungal infections are common in pets. Fungal infections are often the culprit in ear infections. Some pets will be diagnosed with both types of infection. Many pets develop yeast infections after using antibiotics for a bacterial infection, so treating both simultaneously is often an effective strategy.

Bacterial skin infections usually occur when your pet scratches and breaks the skin, which allows bacteria to infect the wound. Hot spots occur when the pet starts licking and chewing on the irritated area, creating an open wound. The skin loses hair, and the repeated licking and chewing causes it to become red and inflamed. Hot spots are painful and can spread quickly, so if you notice one, please take your pet to the veterinarian right away.

The most common type of fungal infection is yeast (candida), and you may notice your dog scratching, biting, shaking its head or licking the genitals constantly, or you may smell an odor (even after a bath). Dogs with yeast infections on the skin typically have chronic ear infections too.

Immune support supplements for yeast and fungal infections:

Power Probiotic is the best probiotic for pets! Backed by scientific research, this powerful multi-strain formula promotes the growth of friendly bacteria that are essential to a healthy immune system. It’s essential if your pet has taken antibiotics and steroids and is the most basic supplement to use for any pet with hair loss, infection or allergies. Most pets love the taste too!

K9 Yeast Defense along with the Power Probiotic kills off the yeast overgrowth while the replenishing the healthy, friendly bacteria. This amazing formula helps prevent odor and ear infections and reduces chronic yeast overgrowth. It works best when used with NotaSAN. Say goodbye to yeast infections, smelly odor, genital licking and ear infections. K9 Yeast Defense is a staple for dog owners whose dogs start itching, licking and chewing in the warmer weather.

4. Parasites

Infestations of parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites can be the reason your cat or dog is losing hair. The hair loss might occur around the ears, eyes, abdomen, tail or back end, causing inflammation, itching and redness. Parasites can cause a thin coat due to scratching and irritation of the skin. Working with your veterinarian to get rid of the parasites is the first step.

5. Endocrine Conditions

Certain endocrine conditions (such as hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, etc.) can cause cats and dogs to lose hair. These conditions can be very serious, and it’s essential to work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Once a diagnosis is made, supportive supplements can be helpful.

Canine Cushing’s Support is a safe, natural product that can be used with dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and those with symptoms of “probable” Cushing’s. It naturally helps to lower cortisol levels.

French Bulldog Finds Relief
From Scratching and Hair Loss

“Dear Susan:
Our sweet French Bulldog Maestro was scratching his face and tearing his fur out. He is very sensitive and we didn’t want to keep giving him prescription medications. Benadryl would just knock him out and we wanted our doggie to feel better. We tried several diet changes and a few itch-relief products from other brands but nothing worked. Then, we found AskAriel. I am happy to report that after using the Amazing Omegas, K9 Digestive Enzymes, Power Probiotic, K9 Yeast Defense, Proaller and QuentaSAN, Maestro started to get better right away. He loves the Amazing Omegas on his food! A patch of fur that he kept chewing on is finally growing back. Thanks for the diet tips too. We are very happy we found Ask Ariel.”

Amy, Orange County CA