Are you also tired of the hair trail your dog leaves everywhere? Different dog breeds have different coat styles. Hence, dogs shed hair depending on their coat styles. However, if you notice an unusual hair fall or bald patches, then it is better to contact your veterinarian.

Home remedies to prevent hair fall

Hair fall in dogs is usually caused by allergic reactions due to pollen or any food. Parasites, flea, ringworm, and Cushing’s disease are some of the many reasons behind hair fall. Insect bites could cause severe rashes in dogs, which then result in hair fall. Therefore, it is always better to go to a veterinarian if you notice a bad odor, skin infection, or itching along with hair fall. Here are some trusted home remedies for the coat of your furry friend:

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is nothing more than a mixture of apples and water. It is completely safe for your little friend. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties due to its acidic nature. It also increases the immunity of your dog. Apple cider vinegar kills the pathogens. This helps in the restoration of your dog’s skin. This leads to reduced itchiness. Here are some methods to make apple cider vinegar beneficial:

Mix an equal amount of raw apple cider vinegar and water. Spray it all over your dog. If your dog is going through a severe hair loss, then repeat this step 3 to 4 times a day. Use the spraying method only if there’s no infected spot.

If you see an infected spot, then use the same mixture. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the infected area. This would kill the bacteria.

Add two or three drops of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water.

Bathe your dog with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.

2. Lemon juice

Lemon juice should be your best friend’s best friend. It is highly acidic and antibacterial. It helps in restoring the pH level of infected areas. It is one of the best and fast ways to control hair loss. Here are some steps to treat your dog with lemon juice:

Cut the lemon into small pieces and put it in water.

Boil the lemon added water.

Once boiled, let it cool down for a night.

Strain the water and make sure that the pulp is completely removed.

Apply the water to your dog’s skin or infected area daily.

3. Diet

A healthy, nutritious diet is not just good for your dog’s health but could prevent hair loss as well. It is generally advised to shift your dog to a natural diet whenever you notice a change in your dog’s behavior. Here are some tips for treating hair loss with just a healthier diet:

Homemade food is the best way to replace artificially made food. Try feeding cooked chicken, cooked vegetables, boiled rice, or baked beef to your dog.

Your dog should have a higher protein content in their feed. For example, boiled or slightly cooked eggs and pulses could help reduce hair loss as hair majorly contains protein.

Remove everything from the diet that your dog could potentially be allergic to. The most common items are wheat, soy, corn, and sometimes egg.

Note: If your dog keeps shedding hair even with a good diet, then consult your veterinarian.

4. Olive oil

Olive oil is a great moisturizer for hair. It also helps in reducing scalp irritation and itchiness. Olive oil is a great source for vitamin E, which helps prevent hair fall by making hair strong. It also helps remove mites, which then reduces hair fall. Here’s how you can utilize all of the benefits:

Add some olive oil to your dog’s diet.

Massage your dog’s coat with olive oil daily.

Apply oil to affected areas only.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an excellent source of lauric acid. This acid is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. These properties help combat hair loss and itchy skin. Coconut oil stands out from other oils as it helps in increasing the local immunity of your dog. Therefore, add one or two teaspoons to your dog’s diet or rub it on infected areas. You could also mix it with some other oil, for example, oregano oil, and rub it on the coat of your dog.

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has antiparasitic and antiseptic properties. It helps soothe skin irritation, which reduces excessive itching. It also helps in reducing mange. Therefore, use aloe vera whenever your dog would not stop itching. Here’s how you should apply aloe vera:

Wash your dog with an antiseptic soap.

Dry your dog’s coat.

Apply the gel and let it dry. Do not wash the gel.

7. Goldenseal

Goldenseal tea is one of the best ways to naturally treat hair loss. Goldenseal is extremely effective, but going overboard with it could worsen the condition of your dog. Therefore, do not make a strong mixture. Add a little amount of goldenseal tea in water and cook it. After cooling it down, apply it to your dog’s skin.

8. Bathing sessions

Bathing a dog could turn the tables when it comes to hair fall. It helps in keeping your dog’s skin healthy and clean. It could also remove mites, mange, or any other parasite if you use a good shampoo or soap. Therefore, regular baths are essential. The frequency of bathing varies from breed to breed and the coat of your dog. Consult your veterinarian for information on this.

9. Humidifier

Most of the hair fall problems arise due to dry skin or dry hair. Dry skin results in excessive itching, which then results in more hair loss. One of the ways to get rid of this situation is by buying a humidifier. A humidifier will keep the air moist and nice. This will cause your dog’s skin to gain the required moisture back. It would be better if you keep it near your dog’s bed or the place where your dog spends most of its time.

10. Brushing your dog

Brushing your dog helps in preventing hair fall and keeping the skin healthy. It also helps in maintaining the coat of your dog by getting rid of allergens. Dog’s skin produces natural oils. Brushing helps in spreading those natural oils. It also stimulates the skin, which then produces more natural oils. Hence, brush your dog daily with an appropriate brush to keep the coat shiny and clean.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned techniques are useful in helping with hair loss. But it is important to note that hair fall occurs due to underlying problems. Therefore, it is essential to identify the underlying issue first. If you notice excessive hair loss, skin irritation, or itching, then immediately check with your vet. Hair loss could be an indicator of a bigger problem. Hence, keep following the above remedies but do not shy away from seeking medical assistance.

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