As a dog owner, it can be alarming when your dog experiences diarrhea and starts losing hair.
Both of these issues are often interconnected, and while occasional diarrhea in dogs is common, the combination of diarrhea and hair loss could indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Understanding the causes of dog diarrhea and hair loss is crucial to ensure your dog’s well-being. We outline the reasons why this happens and what to do.
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Here’s Why Dog Diarrhea and Losing Hair Happens
Dog diarrhea and losing hair often indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention. The two symptoms may be linked to nutritional deficiencies caused by malabsorption of nutrients due to chronic diarrhea.
Infections, parasites, or allergies are common culprits that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation, causing both diarrhea and hair loss.
For example, food allergies or intolerances can cause digestive problems like diarrhea while also triggering itching and hair loss due to skin inflammation.
Also, hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can result in both gastrointestinal issues and thinning hair.
Dog Diarrhea: A Look at the Causes
Dog diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools that occur more frequently than normal.
While it may sometimes be mild and self-limiting, chronic diarrhea or diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms such as hair loss requires a deeper examination.
Diarrhea in dogs can stem from various sources, including changes in diet, infections, stress, parasites, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Regardless of the cause, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which could further exacerbate other symptoms like hair loss.
Common causes of diarrhea in dogs include:
Dietary Issues: A sudden change in diet, food allergies, or food intolerances can lead to gastrointestinal upset, causing diarrhea. A diet too high in fat or difficult-to-digest foods can trigger digestive disturbances.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can affect a dog’s gut, leading to both diarrhea and discomfort. Infections can cause fluid loss, which may affect a dog’s hydration and overall health.
Stress: Environmental stressors such as changes in routine, new pets, or loud noises can affect a dog’s gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea.
Dog Losing Hair: Common Causes
When it comes to hair loss in dogs, there are a variety of potential causes.
Hair loss can be localized or affect the entire body, and understanding the root cause is key to providing the right treatment.
Common causes of hair loss in dogs include:
Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can lead to hair thinning or loss. Both conditions affect the body’s ability to regulate normal growth cycles of the hair.
Fungal or Bacterial Infections: Ringworm, a fungal infection, and pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection, can cause localized hair loss in dogs. These infections may be more severe if the dog is immunocompromised or stressed.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to food or environmental factors like pollen or dust mites can cause itching and hair loss. The constant scratching or biting at irritated skin can further exacerbate hair loss.
Flea Infestations: Flea allergies are a common cause of itching and hair loss in dogs. Fleas can cause discomfort and hair thinning, particularly around the tail and hindquarters.
How Dog Diarrhea and Losing Hair Are Related
When a dog experiences both diarrhea and hair loss, the causes are often linked to systemic health issues.
The body’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively may be compromised, leading to deficiencies that affect the skin and coat.
Also, chronic diarrhea and hair loss may indicate a more significant medical problem.
Underlying causes include:
Nutritional Deficiencies and Malabsorption
Chronic diarrhea can result in poor nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
Dogs with nutritional deficiencies may show signs of hair loss, poor coat condition, and weakened immune function.
Malnutrition caused by ongoing digestive problems can prevent the body from getting the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy coat.
Zinc Deficiency: Zinc is essential for healthy skin and hair growth. A deficiency can lead to hair loss, especially in combination with gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea.
Protein Deficiency: Proteins are the building blocks of the body, including hair. If a dog is losing protein due to digestive issues or a poor diet, it can lead to thinning hair and a dull coat.
Allergies and Intolerances
Allergies to certain foods, flea bites, or environmental factors can trigger both diarrhea and hair loss in dogs.
For example, a food allergy could cause gastrointestinal upset, resulting in diarrhea, and the same allergy could lead to itchy skin, causing hair loss due to constant scratching or biting.
Food allergies are commonly linked to protein sources such as chicken, beef, or dairy, and can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and skin issues.
The skin becomes inflamed from the allergic reaction, leading to hair thinning or loss.
If your dog is losing hair and has digestive issues, it’s a good idea to explore the possibility of food allergies with the help of a veterinarian.
Related: Dog diarrhea and losing weight (Explained)
Parasites and Infections
Intestinal parasites such as Giardia, hookworms, or roundworms can cause both diarrhea and skin issues, including hair loss.
These parasites steal nutrients from the dog’s body, leading to malnutrition and an unhealthy coat.
The resulting skin irritation can cause hair loss.
In addition to intestinal parasites, external parasites like fleas and ticks can lead to both diarrhea (due to stress or infection) and hair loss (due to itching and irritation).
A dog with fleas may chew or scratch at their skin, causing hair to fall out.
Furthermore, flea bites can lead to allergic reactions that result in hair loss and diarrhea due to inflammation in the gut.
Related: Understanding dog diarrhea and breathing heavy
What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Is Losing Hair
If your dog is experiencing both diarrhea and hair loss, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for a thorough diagnosis.
Depending on the underlying cause, your vet will recommend specific treatments to address both the gastrointestinal and skin issues.
Here’s what you can expect:
Veterinary Examination: The vet will conduct a physical examination, check your dog’s medical history, and may perform tests such as blood work, stool samples, and skin scrapings to diagnose the cause.
Treatment for Diarrhea: Based on the diagnosis, your vet may recommend dietary changes, deworming medications, probiotics, or other treatments to address the cause of the diarrhea.
Skin and Hair Treatment: If your dog’s hair loss is due to an infection, allergy, or hormonal imbalance, your vet may prescribe medications such as antifungal or antibacterial treatments. In cases of allergies, dietary changes or antihistamines may be recommended.
Improved Diet: A well-balanced, nutritious diet is crucial for your dog’s overall health, especially if diarrhea and hair loss are caused by nutrient deficiencies. Your vet may recommend a special diet or supplements to improve your dog’s condition.
Parasite Control: Flea and parasite treatments are essential if external parasites are contributing to both diarrhea and hair loss. Regular use of flea preventatives can help protect your dog from infestations.
Key Takeaways: Dog Diarrhea and Losing Hair
The combination of dog diarrhea and losing hair can be concerning, but understanding the causes can help you address the problem effectively.
While food allergies, infections, parasites, and stress are common culprits, underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalances or malabsorption can also contribute.
If your dog shows these symptoms, a visit to the vet is essential to pinpoint the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
By addressing both the gastrointestinal and skin issues, you can help your dog feel better and restore their health.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and parasite control are important steps in ensuring your dog’s well-being.
If the symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to prevent further complications.