Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?
While it’s normal for dogs to shed a bit of fur year-round, seeing bald spots or significant changes to the pet’s coat can certainly be alarming for pet parents. Here, we’ll answer common questions about dog hair loss and what you should do if you’re noticing this symptom.
Q1: Is my dog’s shedding normal or is this hair loss?
Dogs normally shed some hair year-round, with seasonal upticks potentially happening in the spring and fall. With normal shedding, there is an even thinning of the fur with no underlying skin irritation. Double-coated dogs can appear to lose fur in tufts during their shedding season. This is normal.
Concerning signs that may indicate your dog is experiencing true hair loss include:
- Visible bald spots
- Skin redness
- Scabbing, sores, pustules, or scaliness of the skin
- Excessive itchiness (scratching, chewing)
Q2: What are the most common causes of dog hair loss?
Common medical causes for a dog losing fur include:
- Allergies: Allergic skin disease is common in dogs, with the most common symptoms being itching and skin inflammation. Allergies can be environmental (e.g., pollen, grasses, etc.), food-related, or due to fleas.
- Parasites: Skin parasites, like fleas or mites, can cause bald spots on dogs, as well as itchiness.
- Skin infections: Skin infections can be bacterial or fungal. They most commonly occur secondary to allergies.
- Hormonal disorders: Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease are two common hormonal disorders in dogs that can cause hair loss. Hair loss with these conditions is often symmetrical.
- Excessive licking or chewing: Overgrooming can cause hair loss and is often caused by behavioral issues like anxiety. Pain can also lead to excessive licking or chewing.
- Breed-related or seasonal alopecia: Breed-related dog alopecia, which can result in bald spots without changes to the skin underneath, can happen in some breeds like Dachshunds or Doberman Pinschers. With seasonal alopecia, the skin may darken but is otherwise normal.
Q3: What does allergy-related hair loss look like?
When a dog has allergies, hair loss often results from chronic inflammation and itchiness.
You’ll likely notice:
- Red, irritated skin
- Excessive scratching and chewing
- Butt-scooting, paw-chewing, and face-rubbing
- Hair thinning rather than completely bald batches
- Ear infections
With environmental allergies, these symptoms occur during specific seasons. Food allergies are usually year-round, so long as the dog consumes the ingredient they’re allergic to.
Product Spotlight: Native Pet Omega Oil for Dogs
Healthy skin starts from the inside out, and Omega-3 fatty acids can play an important role in maintaining a dog’s coat. Native Pet Omega Oil is a fish oil supplement formulated to support skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote a shinier, healthier coat.
Highlights & Benefits
- Supports Skin & Coat Health: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help nourish the skin barrier and reduce dryness that can contribute to hair loss.
- Helps Reduce Itching: Omega oils may help manage inflammation linked to allergies, one of the most common causes of hair thinning in dogs.
- Easy-to-Use Pump Bottle: Simply add the recommended amount directly to your dog’s food for a convenient daily supplement.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Made with sustainably sourced fish oil to provide essential fatty acids that support overall wellness.
Q4: Could parasites be causing my dog to lose fur?
Parasites can certainly be the cause of fur loss in dogs. If a dog has flea allergies, significant hair loss can occur, often on the rump and near the tail base. The skin will be red, and you may notice pimple-like spots.
Mites, which cause mange, can cause patchy bald areas. Demodectic mange, which is not contagious, usually causes small patches. Sarcoptic mange (scabies), which is contagious to other dogs and to people, can cause extreme itching and widespread hair loss.
Year-round parasite prevention is the best method for preventing hair loss due to parasites.
Q5: When should I take my dog to the vet?
You should take your dog to the veterinarian for any abnormal hair loss or skin inflammation.
Signs that you need to contact a vet include:
- Rapid or widespread hair loss
- Open sores or crusting
- Skin scaliness
- Excessive itchiness (scratching and chewing)
- Lethargy or behavior changes
- Symmetrical hair loss without itching, which may indicate a hormonal issue
It’s best to seek a veterinary evaluation to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to ensure your dog gets proper relief.
Q6: How is dog hair loss treated?
To treat hair loss, the underlying cause needs to be addressed. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, and your dog may need a combination of therapies for you to see improvement.
Treatments may include:
- Parasite control and preventives
- Medications for allergies, like antihistamines or immunosuppressants
- Allergy diets
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Antibiotics or antifungals
- Hormone therapy for endocrine disorders
- Shampoos and other topical medications
- Anti-anxiety medications
Product Spotlight: Rejuvenating Hair Grower for Dogs
If your dog’s coat looks thin or patchy, targeted topical treatments may help support healthier hair growth. The Rejuvenating Hair Grower for Dogs is designed to nourish the skin and encourage stronger, fuller coats using veterinary-inspired ingredients like melatonin and botanical extracts.
Highlights & Benefits
- Supports Coat Regrowth: Formulated with melatonin and plant-based ingredients that may help stimulate hair follicles and promote thicker fur.
- Soothes Irritated Skin: Helps calm redness, dryness, and inflammation that can contribute to hair loss in dogs.
- Easy Topical Application: The lightweight formula can be applied directly to problem areas, making it simple to target thinning patches or bald spots.
- Grooming-Friendly Formula: Designed for regular use as part of a coat care routine to help maintain skin health and coat quality.
Product Spotlight: Hair Regrowth & Density Dog Shampoo
Bath time can be an opportunity to support healthier skin and coat growth. This Hair Regrowth & Density Dog Shampoo is designed to gently cleanse while nourishing the skin with ingredients that support stronger, fuller fur.
Highlights & Benefits
- Promotes Coat Strength & Thickness: Formulated to help support natural hair regrowth and improve coat density over time.
- Gentle Skin Support: Helps soothe dry, irritated skin while removing buildup that can worsen hair loss.
- Deep-Cleansing Formula: Washes away dirt, allergens, and excess oils that may contribute to itching and coat problems.
- Suitable for Regular Grooming: Safe for routine bathing to help maintain a healthy coat and skin barrier.
It may take some trial-and-error to find what is most effective for your dog. Your veterinarian is your best resource for developing a treatment plan.
Most causes of dog hair loss are treatable once diagnosed, with early veterinary care leading to better outcomes. If you’re noticing persistent bald spots, skin inflammation, or itching, make sure to get your pet seen by a veterinarian.