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You can treat your Frenchie hair loss. But, first, you need to follow adequate steps.
Shedding or hair loss is one of the several natural occurrences dogs experience at some point in their lifetime.
It is a necessary part of their fur and skin health. This is why most dogs get rid of damaged or old hair for new ones to grow.
For most breeds, shedding is natural, seasonal, and is dependent on the layer of the dog’s fur, whether it is single or double.
As short, smooth, shiny, and attractive as most French Bulldog hair is, they also shed when necessary.
However, although this is a natural process, hair loss in French Bulldogs might not be a function of normal shedding. Instead, it could be a consequence of health-related issues, stress, or skin conditions.
When you notice your Frenchie is losing hair excessively, getting a little worried and frustrated is normal.
So, while reaching out to a veterinary doctor is ultimate, this article explores everything you need to know about French Bulldog hair loss and the treatment you can give for your dog’s hair to grow back.
Why is my French Bulldog Losing Hair?
A unique trait of French Bulldogs is that they do not shed hair as often as other dog breeds.
When they do, they are expected to shed just two times a year – during spring and fall. If your Frenchie losses hair outside those two seasons has patches and bald spots,
the following are some of the causes:
- Allergies
- Skin Conditions
- Mange
- Poor Nutrition
- Hormone Problems
- Pressure Sores
1. Allergies
Allergies are prevalent triggers in dogs. The same way most humans are allergic to several things, with each allergen producing unique effects, the same way dogs are.
For dogs, allergies are mostly genetic – this is why it is essential you know your dog’s health record. And your Frenchie can be susceptible to the following common types of allergies:
Food Allergies
We all know how excited dogs can be towards edibles. They consume as much as they are given.
During this process, they can take foods whose ingredients could be allergic, which can have a lasting effect on them.
So, while feeding your Frenchie, be careful of allergens that may trigger them.
If exposed to such allergens, take them to the vet for examination and diagnosis. Your vet will also recommend a strict diet for your Frenchie.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies are the most common type because they can be challenging to control. Some of these allergies include airborne materials, dust, mold, pollen, among others.
Flea Allergies
Your Frenchie can also suffer flea allergies, especially if they are young. Parasites can infest their foods and lay particles that cause skin irritation, itching, and Scratching when ingested.
Some symptoms of french bulldog exposure to allergens include
- Itchingness
- Scratching
- Red skin
- Hair loss
Some of the ways to treat your French Bulldog of its allergies include giving it allergen shots, topical medication, and totally avoiding the dog’s exposure to allergens.
2. Skin Conditions
When your Frenchie develops multiple skin conditions, it can degenerate into excessive hair loss. Some of these conditions are irritations and dermatitis.
Some of the common types of dermatitis are:
Acral Lick Dermatitis
This type of dermatitis is not only common but is also psychological. Whenever dogs are anxious, bored, or stressed, they tend to resort to excessive licking.
This usually degenerates into irritation, especially when the enzymes in the dog’s saliva are deposited at that spot they lick.
At this spot, dermatitis begins, which ultimately spreads all over the dog’s body.
Atopic Dermatitis
This type of dermatitis occurs when a dog is exposed to certain foods and airborne substances, resulting in skin itching, biting, and rubbing.
It can also be localized at a particular spot or spread all over the body if care is not taken in due time. This condition can be easily cured if it is from a food reaction.
But if it is airborne, it can only be managed through anti-inflammatory and anti-itch medications.
3. Mange
This is the most potent cause of hair loss in dogs, particularly french bulldogs. A veterinary doctor could identify it from afar. Most dog owners dread it due to how contagious it is.
Mites are the causative agents of this condition, and they are hidden in dogs’ hair follicles. The common species of mites that cause mange are Sarcoptes and Demodex species.
As dreadful as this condition is, you can easily treat it. With topical creams, antibiotics, and shampoos, you can help your dog get rid of this dreadful condition on time.
However, it is safer to get prescriptions from your vet.
Some of its symptoms include:
- Hair loss
- Skin redness
- Skin lesions
- Rashes
- Emaciation
- Extreme itchiness
4. Poor Nutrition
Everybody knows dogs are opportunistic feeders. They eat almost anything that comes their way.
But this is not enough reason to ignore their food intake. Healthy feeding is essential for their coat and skin condition.
The reason for this isn’t far-fetched. Keratin and biotin are components of the hair that need active nutrients like protein.
A deficiency in any of these results, in stunted hair growth and hair loss for your dog. So, if you notice strange hair loss, it might be because of nutritional deficiency.
5. Hormone Problems
Several hormones are actively influential in your dog’s hair growth. Your dog’s system requires a minimum level of activity of these hormones.
Whenever they are too high or too low due to overproduction or under-production, it can be detrimental to your dog’s hair.
These hormones are melatonin, testosterone, estrogen, thyroxin, cortisol, and growth hormones.
A widespread hormonal problem that arises in your Frenchie and leads to hair loss is hypothyroidism. It happens when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones.
6. Pressure Sores
It is almost impossible to help your dog avoid contact with hard surfaces. They tend to move and rest at will, especially when they are younger.
But when old age sets in, or your Frenchie becomes heavy, they get pressure sores on the bony parts of their body due to contact with hard surfaces.
This usually degenerates into calluses, a hardened part of the skin caused by friction, ultimately leading to hair loss.
How Do I Stop My French Bulldog from Losing Hair?
Every dog owner feels good whenever they are complimented on their dog’s beautiful and healthy coat.
However, it can be really frustrating when you see your Frenchie losing hair due to some or all of the causes of hair loss mentioned above. What can you do to stop these when it happens?
1. Change your Frenchie’s Diet
As you already know that your dog can suffer hair loss due to diet.
Once you notice your dog is allergic to some ingredients in some food, it’ll be best to change it.
It would help if you also were watchful of what your dog consumes around the home so that its allergies aren’t triggered.
2. Routine Care
After your vet’s prescription, you should also observe routine care for your dog. Care for it like a child by constantly checking all over its body for yeast and other bacterial infections.
Grooming your Frenchie is always helpful to remove potential allergens. It would help if you also watched out for certain behaviors like licking and scratching.
3. Appropriate Shampoo
You can never downplay the importance of choosing the right shampoo for your Frenchie.
You can’t bathe your Frenchie all the time. Doing this might ruin the dog’s skin elasticity and hair moistness.
You also might not have time to bathe your dog when necessary.
This is where some shampoos come in handy.
Here are some great options we recommend!
All you need to do is just gentle application over the dog’s body. This can be effective in stopping hair loss.
4. Contact your Vet
Your vet’s expertise is always invaluable and necessary to identify and treat hair loss in your dog.
Do not wait for the condition to get worse before you wrap things up and book an appointment. Once you notice, act accordingly immediately.
5. Using Home Remedies that are Effective for Hair Rejuvenation in French Bulldogs
Reaching out to your vet is the most viable option for resolving hair loss in your Frenchie. But there are also effective home remedies.
These remedies include:
- Sugar-free oatmeal bath
- Coconut oil
- Aloe Vera
- Soda pastes
- Apple cider vinegar
- Plain yogurt
- Tea baths
It’s important to note that, while applying any or all of these remedies, you must avoid smearing on open cuts or wounds as it can be excruciating for your dog.
Will my Frenchie’s Hair Grow Back?
Yes! Your Frenchie’s Hair will grow back, but that is dependent on two conditions. Firstly, the hairs will grow if and only if it is a rejuvenation from seasonal loss.
Alternatively, your Frenchie’s Hair will grow if you take all the necessary steps mentioned above, especially when the cause of hair loss is not seasonal or natural.
Final Thoughts
Hair loss in dogs can be terrifying but can be easily treated, provided you don’t waste time reaching out to your veterinary doctor.
