Dogs: Bald Spots and Hormonal Imbalance by Pet Care 360

Dog (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dogs of all breeds can be affected by a hormonal imbalance; this is the most common cause of bald spots. The good news is, bald spots are a treatable condition. There are several things, which may cause bald spots; a few are mites, ringworm, bacteria, allergies and Cushing syndrome.

If you suspect any of these causes for your dog’s bald spots, call your vet for an appointment to prevent any infections.

How to examine your dog:

While examining your dog have a family member or friend hold them, to keep them from moving around, so that you will not miss any bald spots. If there is a bacterial infection or worm issue, large amounts of hair will be missing causing bald spots; this is when you call your vet.
Your vet will do a complete exam; they will take hair, fecal and blood samples, to determine exactly where the problems are. Bald spots may be caused by, a hormonal imbalance, parasites or an infection, which are all treatable.
Allergies can also cause bald spots; the allergy may be caused by something as simple as their food. Just by changing their daily diet and adding omega fatty acids, you can eliminate the bald spots. Before making these changes, make sure to call your vet and ask for his advice.
Some dogs have bald spots due to a vitamin deficiency, once again ask your vet for his advice on what food you should be using and if you need to add vitamin supplements? You may also want to check dog food manufacturers for what ingredients are included in specific products.
If your dog has a hormone imbalance, it may cause their bald spots as well, if the vet recommends a hormone supplement for them, they will take it throughout their life. It is vital to administer your dog’s daily medication as required by the manufacture, to prevent recurring bald spots.

Do not supplement any part of your dog’s daily diet without asking your vet first. Supplements may affect your dog differently, than they do your friends or other family member’s dogs. Just as in humans, not everyone can tolerate the same medications.

Examine your dog often; bald spots are a sign of something, which may not be working in their system, this could be fatal, a regular visit to your vet may save your dogs life.

Dr. Susan Wright DMV is a veterinarian with more than a decade of experience. Susan is a writer and serves as a dog bark collar expert. Dr. Wright and her staff share their love of dogs both professionally and personally by writing informational and entertaining pieces on the proper care of domestic animals.