CHANGES IN COAT OR SKIN CONDITION (SYSTEMIC CAUSES)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Dull coat, flaky skin, hair thinning, or excessive shedding often indicates endocrine disease, malnutrition, allergies, parasites, or chronic inflammation.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Seasonal shedding
• Dry indoor air
MEDICAL
• Hypothyroidism (dogs)
• Cushing’s disease
• Allergies
• Fleas or mites
• Nutritional imbalances
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
EMERGENCY
• Sudden hair loss in patches
• Skin odor + lethargy
• Severe itching + bleeding
• Yellow skin
RED FLAGS
• Bald patches
• Skin changes + drinking more
• Sudden severe itchiness
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Omega-3 supplements
• Humidifier
• Gentle shampoos
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Skin scraping
• Thyroid panel
• Allergy evaluation
• Nutritional assessment
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Endocrine disease
• Allergies
• Nutritional deficiency