-
When a dog has cancer and undergoes chemotherapy, many of the side effects are similar to humans. However, most dogs do not lose their hair the way humans do.
Chemotherapy
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine explains that chemotherapy drugs attack cells that divide very fast. Although the target is cancer cells, it also affects other cells that are rapidly dividing, such as blood cells, sperm and ovarian follicles. In humans, hair cell follicles divide quickly. (Reference 2)
Cycles
According to Maravistavet.com, most dogs grow their coat hair in cycles, and their cells are not fast dividing. However, their whiskers are the result of continuous, fast-dividing cells, so the chemo often causes whisker loss. (Reference 1)
Continuous
Some breeds of dogs, such as poodle, old English sheepdog, lhasa apso, shih tzu, and Bedlington and Kerry blue terriers, and dogs with similar coats have continuously growing hair. These dogs are more likely to have coat hair loss because their hair follicles are fast-dividing cells.
Regrowth
Like humans, once chemotherapy is over, dogs will grow back the lost hair.
Considerations
If your dog loses a lot of hair, you may need to make sure to keep it warm or even put a sweater on it when it is cold. Other than being cold, your dog will not care about the hair loss.
Source:
Marvistavet.com: Canine Lymphoma
Gopetsamerica.com: Grooming Needs of Different Coat Types
More Information:
Dogcancer.net: Chemotherapy Information-K9 Immunity and Canine Cancer Treatment
The National Canine Cancer Foundation: Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
Vetinfo.com: Canine Cancer Treatment Options: A Brief Overview
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC