Hair Loss, Ear Infections, and Diarrhea - Common Concerns For Dog Owners

Hair loss, ear infections, and diarrhea are some of the most common concerns for dog owners. Although all canine health concerns need to be addressed by a veterinarian, owners can learn which problems should cause concern, and which ones can probably be easily treated. Keep in mind that if you dog experiences any pain as a result of any condition, you should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hair Loss

Most hair loss in dogs results from allergies to fleas, food, or their environment. This hair loss is usually localized to the area around or above the tail. Flea allergies result from a dog's sensitivity to flea saliva. This common allergy can be prevented with a flea preventative that paralyzes a flea prior to biting. Veterinarians can test for food or environmental allergies that might cause hair loss. Owners can help their veterinarians determine the cause by observing if the hair loss is seasonal or chronic.

Other, more severe cases of hair loss can result from ringworm or mange. Contrary to its name, ringworm is actually a fungus but does cause defined circular patches of hair loss, usually starting on the ears, feet, or tail. This is contagious to other animals and should be diagnosed quickly.

There are two kinds of mange. Demodex mange is not contagious and is often a sign of immune deficiencies, usually in hormonally stressed individuals (ones that have not yet been spayed or neutered). Sarcoptic mange, however, is very contagious but can be easily treated by a veterinarian. Both kinds of mange can occur anywhere on the body but usually attack the face and feet first.

In order to properly diagnose the cause of hair loss in a dog, a veterinarian needs to see the animal and potential scrape the skin and look for microscopic mites.

Ear Infections

Many dogs have dirty ears, but some have ear infections [http://www.myonesource.com/articles/103/1/Earmites-and-Ear-Infections-a-Common-Concerns-for-Dog-and-Cat-owners/Page1.html] that need medical treatment. Ear mites are more common in cats than dogs, but the occasional canine gets an infestation of tiny mites in their ear. These mites cause a black, flaky residue inside the ear and severe itchiness. Veterinarians need to diagnose the symptoms as ear mites prior to treatment.

Dogs also get yeast and bacterial infections in their ears. Both of these infections have a tendency to come with strong odors and are common in dogs with floppy ears (such as bassets and bloodhounds), dogs that swim frequently, or dogs with hairy ear canals. These infections can cause pain so consult a vet if you are concerned that your dog might have an ear infection.

Diarrhea

Dogs can get diarrhea [http://www.myonesource.com/articles/104/1/Diarrhea-in-Dogs-a-Common-Causes/Page1.html] from almost anything, but owners whose dogs have chronic cases of irregular bowel movements should consult a veterinarian immediately. Since diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious disease, these cases need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Dogs do, however, get occasional diarrhea. Some common causes of diarrhea include:

· Rawhides

· Drastic changes in food

· Stress

· Changes in people or places

· Table scraps

Bloody diarrhea needs immediate attention since it is usually a symptom of a more serious condition.

Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog's health.