What is follicular dysplasia?
Follicular dysplasia refers to various disorders that result in abnormal hair loss and changes of your dog's coat.

What will follicular dysplasia look like in my dog?
Symptoms generally include bald spots and a change of coat color or coat texture. The skin exposed by the hair loss will often become dry, scaly and infected. 

One type of follicular dysplasia, known as black hair follicular dysplasia, impacts puppies who are about one month old. With black hair follicular dysplasia, only black portions of the coat are impacted.

How does my dog get follicular dysplasia?
Follicular dysplasia is an inherited disorder athough the exact mechanism of inheritance is unknown.

How is follicular dysplasia diagnosed?
A physical examination can diagnose follicular dysplasia. However, your vet will often take a skin biopsy of the impacted area to rule out other ailments.

How is follicular dysplasia treated?
Most often, the changes to your dog's coat will be permanent. However, to relieve some symptoms such as dry or infected skin, your vet will likely suggest topical ointments, shampoos, dietary supplements or antibiotics.

How is follicular dysplasia prevented?
Since follicular dysplasia is an inherited condition, dogs with this condition should not be bred. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog with a family history of this condition.

Can I get follicular dysplasia from my dog?
No, you cannot contract follicular dyplasia from your dog.