Why is my dog losing so much hair? Could it be Addison's disease?

Currently there are no skin problems associated with Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Although the opposite disorder, Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism) can cause many skin problems including thickening of the skin and Alopecia. The symptoms of Addison’s disease are weakness, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, trembling, increased urination and drinking, regurgitation and collapse. It typically also presents as an acute (all of a sudden) decline of the pet which is an emergency type situation. Before the pets acute episode, a waxing and waning of clinical signs over the course of weeks or months is typically seen. I hope this helps and best of luck with your pet Rosie. Addison’s disease -http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=608

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There can be many causes for hair loss in dogs. Mite infection, allergies, endocrine issues such as low thyroid or Cushing's disease as well as other disorders of the skin can all be causes. It is difficult to say for sure what the cause of Rocky's hair loss is without an exam and some diagnostic testing such as a skin scrape and blood work. I would suggest Rocky see his veterinarian soon so a cause for this can be nailed down.

I'm sorry Julinho isn't doing well! Addison's disease in dogs is diagnosed by a blood test. A dog is given an injection of the adrenal stimulation hormone called ACTH. A normal dog will show an increase in blood cortisol, which a dog with Addison's disease will not have an increase in blood cortisol. Keep in mind that Addison's is not common and has a wide variety of symptoms so your vet may want to do other tests to rule out other possible causes of his symptoms. If those are ruled out, then the vet will do an ACTH stimulation test. I would take him into the vet on Monday. I hope this helps!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a variety of reasons that can explain alopecia or hair loss. The causes can be differentiated by the clinical signs associated with it and the physical exam findings. If Wally is only showing some hair loss without scratching or overgrooming then it could conditions such as alopecia areata that can affect dogs and usually resolves on its own. If there is evidence of scratching and you start noticing some redness or irritation associated with it, then other conditions such as allergies are possible. If you notice him overgrooming himself in that area then it could be something like psychogenic alopecia which is more of a behavioral issue. I think that since he is not having overt clinical signs and it is mostly hair loss, I think it is possibly transient and could resolve on its own. You can monitor this closely and if it does not resolve or it worsens then have him examined by your veterinarian. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to us concerning your pets hair loss. Yes, hypothyroidism can be a cause of an older dogs hair loss. The clinical signs of hypothyroidism are no itchy hair loss, panting, constantly seeking out vents or shady places because the heat bothers them, etc. but this condition usually begins between the ages of two and five but there are some situations in which happens at an older age. There are many other diseases that can also cause hair loss so it is in your best interest To take him to a veterinarian to have a full physical examination performed. The vet will be able to run tests such as blood work up, thyroid testing, skin scraping, etc. to be able to make a diagnosis and put him on the correct treatment. I hope this information has helped. Have a great day.

Cushing Disease, food allergies (it's too early to see results yet), skin mites, flea allergies and environmental allergies can all cause these symptoms. Make sure you are conducting a proper food trial. If Maddox does not respond to the food trial, discuss with your veterinarian next steps. Here are some links with good information" https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cushings-disease-in-dogs https://www.petcoach.co/article/allergy-testing-immunotherapy-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-and-food-intolerance/ I agree with your vet that a hydrolyzed diet is the best option. I hope this helps.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Sam. This is a bizarre hair loss pattern for sure. Not sure what is causing this and I would advise that you take Sam in for a vet evaluation. Many different things can cause hair loss including external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), bacterial skin infection, allergies, endocrine/hormone problems (thyroid, etc), contact irritants, etc. Your vet can evaluate Sam and then advise some diagnostic or treatment plan for Sam. Diagnostics may include some skin tests including a skin scrape, fungal culture, blood work, etc. to try to determine what is going on. Your vet may even advise a referral to a dermatologist in your area if they cannot determine what is going on. Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be recommended to treat this condition. I will just say that this pattern of hair loss is not typical so I am very interested to know what is going on.