Pet Hair Changes and Symptoms: A Troubleshooting Guide

Even the most intelligent cat or dog can't tell its owners about an illness or injury in so many words. However, alert, well-informed owners can often get the message due to exterior changes, including changes in an animal's hair. While these changes can occur naturally and harmlessly, they can also indicate trouble.

The more you know about common changes in a dog or cat's hair, the more quickly and easily you can identify a potential problem so you can schedule a veterinary evaluation, along with any treatment your best friend might need. The following troubleshooting guidance will help you notice and cope with some common examples.

Hair Loss

Hair loss, or alopecia, doesn't occur solely in humans. Cats and dogs commonly shed excess hair, especially breeds that sport thick double coats in winter only to shed that hair in warmer months.

Patches of hair loss can occur due to skin infections and infestations. Examples include mange from mites and ringworm due to a fungal infection. In fact, any skin condition that causes irritation, such as an allergic reaction, can compel pets to lick or bite the irritated skin obsessively. This friction can promote hair loss.

Nutritional or hormonal imbalances may cause your dog or cat to lose hair. Your veterinarian can run lab tests to check for issues such as Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism while also examining the skin for infections, infestations, or signs of allergies. Prompt treatment may then arrest and reverse the condition.

Some patches of hair loss can stem from emotional issues. For instance, a cat may lick itself constantly in reaction to stress. In this kind of situation, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medication or behavioral training.

Color Changes

Just as human hair turns silver or white with age, so do pets lose some of their hair's pigmentation as they grow old. However, instead of turning a uniform gray, an older pet's hair tends to go gray in specific areas such as the head and face. You can consider this kind of color change normal and harmless.

Occasionally, a change in your pet's hair color can point to current or previous health challenges. For instance, pets that undergo surgery may produce an excess of the pigment known as melanin at the incision site, darkening surrounding hair. Young dogs can develop white patches from a harmless condition called vitiligo.

Some hair color changes can indicate a potential concern such as cancer, thyroid trouble, liver disease, or chronic emotional stress, especially later in life. If your older pet displays an unexpected hair color change, see your veterinarian.

Changes in Texture

Sometimes, the texture of a pet's hair can change inexplicably. For instance, dogs can develop a condition called brittle coat in which the hair becomes dry and dull-looking. You may also notice dandruff-like flakes and a foul odor. Diabetes, parasites, digestive problems, poor nutrition, and improper bathing habits can cause this issue.

Cats sometimes experience the opposite problem, with their hair turning unnaturally greasy or sticky. Since healthy cats habitually groom themselves thoroughly to remove excess oils, this change may indicate that your cat has developed a mobility problem or other issue that requires treatment.

Matted, tangled hair can point to similar self-grooming challenges, or they may simply mean that you need to have your pet professionally groomed. These mats and tangles can cause pain and skin damage if you try to remove them yourself. In the meantime, they can interfere with your pet's skin health and cleanliness.

If a recent change in your pet's hair color, texture, or health has you worried, pay a visit to Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach. Our skilled veterinary team can run tests, identify and treat a related medical condition, or simply put your mind at ease about the nature of the change. Contact our clinic today.