Why Is My Dog Losing Fur?

Seeing your dog suddenly losing fur can be a jarring experience, especially if it’s something you’ve never seen before. Whether it's a small patch or widespread thinning, fur loss can cause concern for pet owners. Hair loss in dogs can occur for various reasons, ranging from environmental factors to underlying health conditions. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you identify the root of the problem and determine how best to care for your pet.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of hair loss in dogs, how your vet can diagnose these conditions, and the treatment options available.

Symptoms Of Hair Loss In Dogs

Hair loss in dogs often comes with other symptoms that can help pinpoint the cause. Here are the most common symptoms to watch out for:

• Bald patches: Areas where hair is missing, which may appear suddenly or gradually.
• Itchy or inflamed skin: Itching, redness, or irritation that could indicate an allergy or infection.
• Flaky or scaly skin: Dryness or dandruff in the area of hair loss.
• Change in coat texture: Fur that feels different—dry, brittle, or thin—may be a sign of an underlying issue.
• Odour: An unpleasant smell can indicate a bacterial or fungal infection.
  
• Excessive licking or chewing: Dogs may focus on the areas of hair loss, possibly due to irritation or discomfort.
  

If you notice any of these symptoms along with fur loss, it’s time to consider the cause and, if necessary, consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Dogs

There are numerous reasons why a dog might lose fur, and the cause can range from something as simple as stress to something more complex like an infection or underlying health condition. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes:

• Allergies: Allergies to food, environmental factors (like pollen or dust mites), or flea bites can cause hair loss. Dogs with allergic reactions often experience itchy skin that leads to excessive scratching and fur loss.
• Nervousness or Stress: Dogs can lose hair due to stress, anxiety, or nervousness. Separation anxiety, moving to a new environment, or changes in routine can all contribute to this kind of fur loss.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites can irritate your dog’s skin, leading to hair loss. Mange, caused by mites, can result in severe hair loss.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can cause fur loss. These hormonal imbalances can affect the growth and shedding cycle of your dog’s coat.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause hair to fall out. Ringworm, a fungal infection, is one example that leads to hair loss in circular patterns.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: An inadequate diet or specific nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of fatty acids or vitamins, can result in poor coat quality and hair loss.
• Age: Older dogs may experience thinning fur as a natural part of aging, similar to humans.

Diagnosis Of Hair Loss In Dogs

When it comes to diagnosing the cause of your dog’s hair loss, your vet will typically begin with a physical examination and ask about your dog’s symptoms and history. Depending on the signs observed, your vet may perform additional tests, including:

• Skin Scraping: To check for mites, parasites, or fungal infections.
• Blood Tests: To check for hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or signs of infection.
• Allergy Testing: To identify potential environmental or food allergies.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of the skin may be taken to examine for autoimmune diseases or other underlying conditions.

Pattern Of Hair Loss

The pattern in which your dog’s fur is falling out can provide important clues to the underlying cause. Below are some common patterns and their possible causes:

Dogs Losing Fur Around Eyes & Face

Hair loss around the eyes and face can be caused by several factors. Food or environmental allergies can lead to localized hair loss around the eyes. Infections like ringworm or bacterial dermatitis can also cause fur to fall out in these areas. Additionally, tear staining or excessive licking of the face can contribute to fur loss around the eyes.

Dogs Losing Fur On Back

Hair loss on the back is common in dogs with hormonal imbalances, particularly hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. Fleas, ticks, or fungal infections may also cause patchy fur loss along the back. In some cases, it may be related to the dog’s grooming habits—over-grooming or licking specific areas may cause fur to fall out.

Dog Losing Fur On Tail

Fur loss on the tail could indicate several potential issues. It may be a sign of flea infestations or mite infestations like mange. If the tail area is itchy and inflamed, allergies may be the cause. Additionally, injuries, such as bites or scratches, can result in localized fur loss in this area.

Treatment Of Hair Loss In Dogs

The treatment for hair loss in dogs depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatment approaches include:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or antifungal medications can treat infections or conditions like mange.
• Allergy Management: If allergies are the cause, treatment may include antihistamines, dietary changes, or allergy shots.
• Parasite Control: Regular use of flea and tick preventatives can help prevent fur loss caused by parasites.
• Hormonal Treatment: If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, medication to address thyroid issues or Cushing’s disease may be necessary.
• Specialty Diets: Nutritional supplements or special diets may help if hair loss is related to a deficiency.
• Topical Treatments: Shampoos or ointments may be prescribed to soothe the skin and promote hair growth.
  

Recovery Of Hair Loss In Dogs

The recovery process for hair loss varies based on the cause. For mild cases, like those related to stress or allergies, hair may start to regrow in a few weeks with proper treatment. More severe conditions, like autoimmune diseases or hormonal imbalances, may require long-term management, but with the right care, your dog can still live a comfortable life.

If your dog’s hair loss is linked to a nutritional deficiency, providing high-quality food like Forthglade’s healthy wet dog food or our Cold Pressed Dry Dog Food will help support their coat health and overall well-being.

Takeaway

If you notice your dog losing fur, it’s important to consider both the symptoms and the potential causes. By understanding the reasons behind the hair loss, you can take steps to address the issue, whether that’s managing allergies, treating an infection, or providing a more balanced diet. If in doubt, consult your vet to ensure your dog gets the proper diagnosis and treatment.

For dogs with sensitive skin or coat issues, Forthglade offers a variety of nutritious options designed to promote a healthy, shiny coat. Shop our healthy dog food to give your dog the support they need to thrive.