Healthy Dogs

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Bald Spots in Dogs

It's normal for your canine companion to shed hair -- sometime lots of it. What isn't routine is for that shedding to result in noticeable bald spots on your dog.

Why do dogs sometimes lose too much hair? Are certain breeds more prone to hair loss? Find out what causes bald spots in dogs and what you can do to keep your pet's coat in top form.

Recommended Related to Dogs

Sprains and Ligament Injuries in Dogs

A sprain is an injury caused by sudden stretching or tearing of the ligaments in and around the joint, or the joint capsule itself. Signs are pain over the joint, swelling of the tissues, and temporary lameness. Treatment: If the dog is unable to put weight on the leg, seek veterinary consultation to rule out a fracture or dislocation. This is true for any injury that fails to improve in 24 hours. X-rays should be taken. It is most important to prevent further injury by resting the affected...

Read the Sprains and Ligament Injuries in Dogs article > >

Bald Spots in Dogs: Common Causes and Treatments

There are lots of reasons dogs may lose hair (also called alopecia), from infection to irritation caused by parasites. A few of the more common reasons include:

Allergies

Allergies are a frequent trigger for hair loss in dogs. Like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to foods, environmental triggers such as pollen, or to parasites like fleas or mites.

Flea bites are behind most dog allergies, however, and along with hair loss from licking and biting the irritated areas, signs of flea allergies include itching and redness. For a particularly allergic dog, it may take as little as one flea bite to start an allergic reaction that lingers for days.

While any dog can have allergies, some are more prone to them than others, including golden retrievers, dalmatians, boxers, Boston terriers, shih tzus, and Labrador retrievers. Treating your dog's allergies may include topical or internal medication, immunotherapy, a change in diet, and avoiding the allergen.

Cushing's Syndrome

Common in dogs, Cushing's syndrome is caused by exposure to excessive cortisol or other steroids. Along with hair loss, symptoms can include a pot-bellied appearance, drinking and urinating often, and constant hunger.

Treating Cushing's syndrome depends on its cause, which may be a tumor of the pituitary or one of the adrenal glands, or the overuse of corticosteroids. Your vet may recommend drugs, surgery, or reduction in the use of corticosteroids.

Genetics

Some dogs are more prone to baldness than others. Bald spots on the outer ear, chest, back, thighs, or lower neck may appear in whippets, Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and Italian greyhounds, usually after their first year.

Most owners learn to live with this, as treatment options are limited. Always make sure your vet has ruled out other causes of hair loss such as infection before you turn a blind eye to this cosmetic problem.

Infection (Ringworm, Mites, Bacteria)

Ringworm fungus, pests like mites, and bacteria can all lead to infections that may ultimately cause bald spots in your dog.

Along with hair loss around the eyes, mouth, and elsewhere, signs your dog may have mites include oily skin, thickened skin, itching, and inflammation. Symptoms of ringworm -- a contagious infection of haired skin and claws -- includes circular or irregular hair loss, inflammation, and infected crusts.

Although small ringworm lesions may clear up spontaneously, a severe infection will need treatment with an antifungal shampoo or cream and/or antifungal drugs. Treating mites may require medicated shampoos and antibiotics.

1 | 2

Next Page >

WebMD Veterinary Reference