Alopecia (Hair Loss)

descriptionOverview

Alopecia means abnormal hair loss — beyond normal shedding. It can be caused by allergies, hormonal disorders (hypothyroidism, Cushing's), nutritional deficiencies, parasites, stress, or autoimmune conditions. Pattern and location of hair loss often point to the cause: symmetrical loss suggests hormonal, patchy loss suggests infection or parasites, and stress-related over-grooming in cats creates bald belly patches.

searchSymptoms to Watch For

• warningThinning coat or bald patches
• warningHair that doesn't regrow after clipping
• warningSymmetrical hair loss on both sides of the body
• warningSkin changes: darkening, thickening, or scaling
• warningExcessive shedding or fur coming out in clumps

restaurantHow Nutrition Helps

Nutritional causes of alopecia include zinc deficiency, biotin deficiency, essential fatty acid deficiency, and protein malnutrition. Ensuring adequate omega-3, omega-6, zinc, biotin, and copper directly supports hair growth and coat quality. Many dogs with unexplained hair loss improve dramatically with fish oil and zinc supplementation alone.

directions_runHow Activity Helps

For stress-related alopecia (especially in cats), environmental enrichment and regular play reduce anxiety-driven over-grooming.

verifiedPrevention Tips

• check_circleFeed a balanced diet with adequate protein
• check_circleSupplement with fish oil for coat health
• check_circleHave your vet check thyroid levels if hair loss is symmetrical
• check_circleAddress underlying allergies
• check_circleReduce stress for over-grooming cats with play and enrichment