Why is my dog scratching his hair off without fleas

Looking at the once energetic and smooth haired dog, now frequently scratching its body and even experiencing depilation, even though it has been carefully checked for fleas, it still suffers greatly. This worry and heartache surge in my heart like a tide. Dogs cannot express discomfort through words, and can only transmit physical abnormalities through these scratching movements. As owners, we are eager to explore the reasons behind it and hope to find a solution to restore its health. Behind this seemingly unsolvable situation, there are actually many factors that are easily overlooked, and our love for dogs drives us to delve deeper and use professional knowledge and warm care to dispel the shadow of illness for them.

Allergy is one of the common reasons for dogs to scratch and remove hair without fleas. Dogs have a wide range of allergy sources, and food allergies are one of the important ones. Some dogs may be allergic to specific meats such as beef, chicken, or food ingredients such as grains and dairy products. When food containing these allergens is consumed, the immune system recognizes them as "foreign invaders" and triggers an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction can manifest on the skin, causing redness and itching, and the dog will constantly scratch, leading to hair loss. Just like some dogs that were originally lively and healthy, after switching to a new brand of dog food, they began to frequently scratch their abdomen, face, and other parts, and their hair became sparse. Watching it sit still due to itching, we feel guilty and regret not noticing the food problem in time. In addition to food allergies, environmental allergies cannot be ignored. Pollen, dust mites, mold, and other common environmental allergens. In spring and autumn, pollen flies in the sky, and dogs allergic to pollen may experience symptoms such as itching and redness on their skin after contact. Dust mites are ubiquitous in homes, and when dogs come into contact with sofas or carpets covered in dust mites, they may also trigger allergic reactions. Every time we see a dog scratching in pain due to environmental allergies, we wish we could immediately isolate these allergens and provide it with a safe and comfortable environment.

Skin infections can also lead to scratching and hair loss in dogs. During bacterial infection, bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can invade the skin of dogs, causing local inflammation. At the beginning, it may only appear as a small rash, but as the infection worsens, pustules may form, accompanied by itching and pain. Dogs will constantly scratch to relieve discomfort, causing hair loss and skin damage, which may lead to more serious infections. Fungal infections are also a common problem, with fungal infections being the most common. Circular or oval depilation spots will appear on the infected area, covered with scales and a strong itching sensation. When we noticed these strange depilation patches on the dog's body, looking at its uncomfortable appearance, our hearts were filled with anxiety, eager to help it heal as soon as possible.

Endocrine disorders may also be the "behind the scenes" behind dogs scratching and shedding hair. Hypothyroidism is one of the common endocrine disorders. When a dog's thyroid gland secretes insufficient thyroid hormones, metabolism slows down and normal skin and hair growth is affected. Hair will become dry, fragile, and prone to shedding, while the skin will also experience itching symptoms. Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, also known as Cushing's syndrome, can lead to excessive secretion of cortisol hormones in dogs, causing problems such as skin thinning, hair loss, and pigmentation. Watching our once healthy dog gradually lose its former glory due to endocrine disorders, shedding hair and feeling lethargic, we feel heartbroken and only hope that through treatment, it can regain its vitality.

The psychological factors of dogs should also not be underestimated. When dogs feel anxious, nervous, or stressed, they may exhibit excessive licking and scratching behavior, which can lead to hair loss. For example, adding a new member to the family, sudden changes in the environment, or prolonged absence of the owner can all cause the dog to feel uneasy. Once upon a time, there was a dog whose owner was on a business trip. Due to excessive longing and anxiety, the dog kept licking its legs, causing partial hair loss. Looking at its lonely and anxious appearance, we deeply blame ourselves and regret not giving it enough comfort before leaving. This kind of scratching hair removal caused by psychological problems is called "psychological hair removal", which requires us to pay attention to the emotional changes of dogs and provide more companionship and care.

In addition, nutritional deficiencies may also affect the skin and hair health of dogs. If a dog's diet lacks important nutrients such as protein, vitamins (such as vitamin A, vitamin B family), minerals (such as zinc, copper), etc., their hair will become fragile and prone to breakage, and the skin's resistance will also decrease, resulting in symptoms such as dryness and itching. Long term consumption of nutritionally imbalanced food is like planting hidden dangers for a dog's health. When we see dogs scratching and shedding hair due to nutritional deficiencies, we feel guilty and regret not providing them with a better quality diet.

The reasons behind dogs scratching and shedding hair without fleas are complex and intricate. From allergies, skin infections, endocrine disorders, psychological factors, to nutritional deficiencies, every reason can cause dogs to suffer greatly. As owners, we need to use professional knowledge to determine the cause of the illness, and use patience and love to help them treat and recover. Every careful observation and meticulous care is a manifestation of our deep love for dogs. We look forward to the day when dogs can get rid of the trouble of scratching and shedding hair, regain healthy and beautiful hair, run happily in the sunshine, and we will continue to protect them, becoming their strongest support.