7 Reasons Why Your French Bulldog Is Losing Hair

So, you've recently noticed that patches of your french bulldog's hair have been falling out. This is a pretty scary situation to be in. Try not to get too afraid, though. Here is some information about the hair loss that you should take note of.

Some breeds will naturally shed more than others. Some kids are going to shed very little. French bulldogs don't shed very much, but they do shed their undercoat twice a year.

Since french bulldogs don't shed that often, you know that seeing patches of hair falling out is very abnormal. Here are a few things that may have caused this hair loss:

1- The Hair Is Falling out Because of a Lack of Nutrition

According to Royal Canin, most dogs will begin to lose their hair if they are not eating a well-balanced diet. It is very similar to what would happen to humans if they weren't eating the right foods.

Most dog owners care about the health of their pets, so they try to cook the dog's meals and make foods as natural as possible.

Going the homecooked route is an excellent alternative to generic kibble. However, it is a method that should be used with caution. You must make sure that the diet is equal, consistent, and well-balanced.

Generic kibble is quite dull, but it does the trick as far as making sure there is a balance in the ingredients. If you are making it yourself, you should try to include the same components if not better. Most dog owners trip up on this and cause more harm than healing.

Your veterinarian might try to see if anything else contributed to the hair loss first. If you find that the hair loss is due to the diet, work with your vet to come up with a proper one.

2- The Hair Loss Is a Result of a Hormonal Issue

Pet MD suggests that there can be many reasons why dogs lose hair from hormonal issues. The most common problems stem from Hypothyroidism and having a low thyroid problem.

Most people mistake the two and cause a misdiagnosis. However, it is true that those problems cause significant hair loss.

Diseases can cause hair loss, as well. Cushing's disease would be another one. Cushing's disease happens when the dog is producing too many hormones. The overproduction of hormones suppresses the body's ability to grow hair properly.

According to The Honest Kitchen, Cushing's disease can also cause skin thinning and hyperpigmentation.

Your veterinarian will most likely prescribe the dog a thyroid medication to control the overproduction. Your dog may also have to undergo some testing to ensure that nothing is leading to a bigger problem.

3- The Dog Is Having an Allergic Reaction

Environmental allergies, flea allergies, and food allergies are the most common in dogs. Environmental means that the dog is allergic to something in the environment. It might be a fragrance or a certain spray that you use or a certain plant that is in the room.

Any of these allergic reactions can cause major hair loss. The dog might also be very itchy and scratchy. Hair loss won't be the only symptom of an allergic reaction. In some cases, you can probably get an over-the-counter drug to treat some reactions that your dog has.

Wag Walking recommends that you keep track of all events of hair loss so you can make a detailed report to the vet.

4- The Hair Is Falling out Because of an Infection

Bacterial infections, yeast infections, and ringworm are all examples of infections that can cause hair loss. Sometimes there can be more than one reason why the hair is falling out.

Bacterial infections and yeast infections are sometimes a side effect of another infection or disease. In that case, avoid self-diagnosing at all costs. Contact a professional for a proper evaluation of the problem.

Your vet will probably give you some antibiotics to treat the illnesses. If your dog has ringworm, you will most likely get some type of cream or ointment.

5- The Hair Is Falling out Because of Parasites

Mange is a common skin disease that brings on parasitic insects like mites. There are two versions of the mange disease. Demodectic mange cannot be transmitted to any humans. Sarcoptic mange can be transmitted to other people.

This parasitic mites that come from this disease will thrive in the hair follicles. Since they are biting at the roots of the hair, it will begin to fall out. Sarcoptic mange is very itchy as well.

After a while, you may notice that there are scabs and sores on the skin from the bites. It is best to avoid freaking out if this situation ever occurs.

Just talk to your vet and be patient. This type of disease can be taken care of with the same products used to eliminate fleas and ticks.

6- The Hair Loss Is a Result of Cancer

Cutaneous lymphoma is the most common type of cancer that runs in dogs. Metastatic cancer is paraneoplastic that is common as well. Paraneoplastic means that it is an internal disease that manifests itself onto the skin of the dog.

In order to find out if your dog has this type of cancer, your dog will have to get diagnosed through a biopsy at the veterinarian's location. Your dog will most likely be treated through medication and some form of chemotherapy.

More like this: What Is A Long-Haired French Bulldog? 

7- The Hair Loss Is Due to Seasonal Flank Alopecia

This type of hair loss is seasonal for most dogs. This type of alopecia is most common in English bulldogs. It can happen to french bulldogs, but it is pretty rare. When it happens, the hair will be dark, and it won't cause any itching.

Most dog owners don't have to medicate this problem because the hair will grow back on its own. If you do go to the vet for this, you might just get a melatonin medication. Hills Pet suggests that if you live in a moderate climate, seasonal shedding will be minimal.

Remember to consult a professional before you get any medication or try to diagnose the problem on your own. One symptom could be the result of multiple problems and vice versa. Take a look at this YouTube video for more information on how you can treat and prevent hair loss.