Alopecia in Dogs

Alopecia (Hair loss) in Dogs

By: Dr. Mark Thompson

Section: Veterinary Care In-Depth

Treatment

The only way to successfully treat alopecia is to identify and treat the underlying cause. There are no symptomatic treatments.

  • If the alopecia is associated with pruritus, symptomatic treatments such as antihistamines, antipruritic shampoos, fatty acid supplements or corticosteroids may be temporarily helpful.

  • If alopecia is associated with pyoderma, antibiotics may help temporarily. Remember that pyoderma is nearly always secondary to another problem, so the underlying cause must still be found for long-term success.

  • Brushing dead and matted hair out of the coat may help to relieve symptoms that lead to alopecia.

    Follow-up

    Since there are so many different causes of alopecia, follow-up by the owner and communication with the veterinarian is critical. Administer all medications as instructed. Keep your dog's coat clean and properly groomed.
    Observe closely for fleas. Flea infestation always makes alopecia worse.

  •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Lack of Hair Growth in Dogs

      Hair growth and shedding is often overlooked until there is a problem. When hair is lost or doesn't grow as normal, underlying disease or illness may be the cause. Early treatment can sometimes resolve...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Atopy in Dogs

      Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Food Allergy in Dogs

      Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Demodicosis (Red Mange) in Dogs

      Demodicosis (red mange) is a common skin disease of dogs causes by a microscopic mite that are present in small numbers on all dogs. In predisposed individuals the mites increase in number causing disease....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

      Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious disease caused by microscopic mites that invade the skin of healthy dogs and puppies and create a variety of skin problems.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 6 Lick Granuloma (Acral lick dermatitis or ALD)

      Lick granuloma is a common condition in which a dog's excessive licking causes a raised, firm ulcerated lesion prone to infections, which make them itchier and itchier, and leads to a self-perpetuating...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 7 Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Demodicosis (Red Mange) in Dogs

      Demodicosis (red mange) is a common skin disease of dogs causes by a microscopic mite that are present in small numbers on all dogs. In predisposed individuals the mites increase in number causing disease....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Food Allergy in Dogs

      Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Lick Granuloma (Acral lick dermatitis or ALD)

      Lick granuloma is a common condition in which a dog's excessive licking causes a raised, firm ulcerated lesion prone to infections, which make them itchier and itchier, and leads to a self-perpetuating...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Atopy in Dogs

      Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 6Lack of Hair Growth in Dogs

      Hair growth and shedding is often overlooked until there is a problem. When hair is lost or doesn't grow as normal, underlying disease or illness may be the cause. Early treatment can sometimes resolve...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 7Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

      Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious disease caused by microscopic mites that invade the skin of healthy dogs and puppies and create a variety of skin problems.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1Demodicosis (Red Mange) in Dogs

      Demodicosis (red mange) is a common skin disease of dogs causes by a microscopic mite that are present in small numbers on all dogs. In predisposed individuals the mites increase in number causing disease....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Food Allergy in Dogs

      Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Lick Granuloma (Acral lick dermatitis or ALD)

      Lick granuloma is a common condition in which a dog's excessive licking causes a raised, firm ulcerated lesion prone to infections, which make them itchier and itchier, and leads to a self-perpetuating...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Atopy in Dogs

      Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 6Lack of Hair Growth in Dogs

      Hair growth and shedding is often overlooked until there is a problem. When hair is lost or doesn't grow as normal, underlying disease or illness may be the cause. Early treatment can sometimes resolve...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 7Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

      Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious disease caused by microscopic mites that invade the skin of healthy dogs and puppies and create a variety of skin problems.

      Read MoreRead More