Dear VetBabble, Lately, I’ve noticed that my dog seems distressed with constant itching and has been losing fur. On top of this, my furry friend has a case of diarrhea. Should I be concerned and visit a vet?
Your Dog’s Health Issues Explained
As a dedicated pet owner, it can be quite disconcerting to notice your dog displaying signs of discomfort or illness. In your case, where your dog is suffering from itchy skin, hair loss, and an upset stomach, seeking professional help is highly advisable. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind these symptoms.
1. Hair Loss: An Indicator of Underlying Issues
Seeing clumps of fur around the house can be worrying. Hair loss in dogs, also known as Alopecia, can be due to various reasons. One primary cause can be allergies. Dogs, similar to humans, can have allergic reactions to foods, environmental elements or possibly fleas. The constant itching and scratching on your dog’s part confirm this likelihood. Read our article on Alopecia, allergies and other causes of hair loss in dogs to understand more about this condition.
2. Dealing with Dog Diarrhea
Another symptom you mentioned is your dog’s diarrhea. Diarrhea can be a common occurrence in dogs, but if it’s persistent, it’s a cause for concern. The condition could be due to a range of factors – from dietary changes, intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, or again, allergies. Our articles, ‘Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?’ and ‘Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry’ explain in detail about the possible causes and when it’s time to worry.
3. Allergies: The Common Culprit
As a vet, I see many cases where these two symptoms – hair loss and runny stool lead back to allergies. If your furry friend is allergic to something, it could manifest in different ways, including the symptoms you’ve observed. Allergies can be seasonal, food-borne or can even stem from the fabrics or cleaning products you use at home. Our comprehensive guide on Dog Allergies will help you understand more about the root causes and solutions.
Before we jump to conclusions, however, it’s essential to visit your vet for a thorough check-up and accurate diagnosis. This will help pinpoint the cause of the symptoms. From there, you can work in conjunction with your vet to come up with the best treatment plan to alleviate your pet’s discomfort.
Don’t forget, when it comes to your pet’s health, staying observant and taking swift action is key.
Take care, and give your dog a gentle pat from us here at VetBabble!