Why is My Dog Losing Hair and What to Do? | Hair Loss Problem in Dogs

This is a common question among pet owners. It is important to know that dogs lose hair for many reasons. The most common reason for hair loss in dogs is due to seasonal changes, allergies, and parasites.

There are many things you can do if you notice your dog's hair loss. One of the first things you should do is take your dog to the vet if they have not been recently. The vet will examine your dog and help determine the cause of their hair loss. They may recommend a shampoo or treatment plan depending on what they find out.

You can also consult with a veterinarian about other possible causes of hair loss in dogs such as:

- Hypothyroidism

- Fleas

- Parasites (lice, mites)

Introduction: Why is My Dog Losing Hair?

There are many reasons why your dog may be losing hair. Some of these reasons are simple and easy to fix, while others require a veterinarian's attention. The first thing you should do if you notice your dog shedding more than usual is to take them to the vet for a checkup.

We will explore some of the most common reasons why dogs lose hair and how to address them from home.

Dogs shed their fur for various reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, or seasonal changes in weather. Some breeds of dogs also have short coats that are naturally more prone to shedding. Shedding is normal and can be beneficial because it helps remove dead skin cells and keep your dog's skin healthy and clean; however, when you notice excessive shedding in conjunction with other symptoms

Causes of Dog Hair Loss

It is important to note that hair loss in dogs can be caused by a number of different things. The most common causes are diet-related, hormonal, or stress-related. It is also important to rule out any possible medical conditions that might be causing the hair loss before concluding that it is due to a food allergy or other type of skin condition.

The most common causes of dog hair loss are:

-Diet-related: If your dog has been eating something new, this could cause the sudden onset of hair loss in dogs.

-Hormonal: This type of dog hair loss can be caused by breed (such as Alaskan Malamutes), age (such as older dogs), or even pregnancy.

-Stress-related: Hair loss may occur if your dog is having some kind of stress. Maybe you have brought him to a new home or new family or he's not getting the right training from you. 

Why my dog is losing hair on its tail

Hairloss of Dogs in their tails is not to be taken lightly. This can cause due to many reasons. Here are some of them:

Allergies and parasites

One of the most common reasons for a sudden bald patch on a dog’s tail is allergies. Many pet owners might not be aware, but dogs can actually become allergic to a number of allergens, including ingredients in their food, grooming products, pollen, and more. 

So, if you have recently introduced something new into your pet’s environment, such as a new type of treat, a new food, or a new shampoo, then this could be the cause. You can do a simple test of removing the suspected allergen and see if your dog stops losing hair.

Flea bites are another potential reason, as they can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. According to WebMD, a sensitive dog can be itchy for days after receiving just a single flea bite. If your dog has fleas, then this would cause them to be incessantly scratching at the area, thus producing a bald spot on their tail.

Treat the potential problem by treating your dog for fleas. However, if the allergic reaction continues you may need veterinary assistance as your vet can prescribe a topical ointment or medication. Furthermore, they will help you try to identify the root cause in order to eliminate your dog’s hair loss.

Thyroid issues

Hypothyroidism can also result in a dog’s tail becoming ratty and bald, or even bald patches covering their hind legs and hips. According to Web DVM, hypothyroidism commonly results when a dog’s immune system starts to attack their thyroid gland tissue. 

The result is a drop in the level of thyroid hormone, which can cause other problems such as anemia, muscle weakness and atrophy, and lethargic behavior.

Because hair growth is dependent on sufficient thyroid hormone levels, when a dog develops hypothyroidism, their tail may start to bald quite badly. In addition, the hair on both sides of his abdominal region, and the backs of the rear legs may also become thin and start to fall out.

Hypothyroidism most commonly affects breeds such as Labs, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Boxers, and Rottweilers.

If you suspect that your dog may have hypothyroidism, take them to the vet. The vet will order a blood test in order to confirm the diagnosis and will treat your dog with an oral thyroid hormone in order to help regulate thyroid levels.

Sarcoptic and demodectic mange

Mange can also cause a dog’s tail to start losing hair. Mange is a parasitic skin disease that can make your dog very uncomfortable. According to Canna-Pet, there are two main types of mange that affect dogs.

Demodectic mange occurs when a dog’s immune system is compromised, and the mites begin to overtake their fur and skin. The condition can be localized to one area, or it can spread across the body. Demodectic mange can cause hair loss, bald spots, sores, lesions, and redness, among other symptoms.

Whereas sarcoptic mange is caused when a dog contracts canine scabies (burrowing mites) from interacting with another dog who is infected. The mites with then mate, after which the female mites burrow into your dog’s skin, laying their eggs which hatch three-to-10 days later. The process is extremely uncomfortable, so the dog will likely be scratching incessantly at the affected areas. As a result, they can develop sores, hair loss, itching, skin rash, and scabs.

Mange of either variation requires veterinary treatment. Your vet will take a skin sample in order to determine the type of mange that is present. Depending on what they find, your vet may prescribe both topical and oral medications.

Cushing’s disease

Another potential cause of a bald spot on a dog’s tail is Cushing’s disease. According to Pet MD, Cushing’s is an endocrine disorder that presents itself when a dog produces too much cortisol. Cushing’s causes a variety of symptoms, including hair loss, obesity, increased hunger, and many other symptoms.

To diagnose Cushing’s disease, your vet will need to perform some blood work, along with a urinalysis. Managing Cushing’s requires regular monitoring, and sometimes a vet may even prescribe trilostane in order to help regulate your dog’s symptoms.

Whether or not you feel your dog has a simple allergy problem or something more serious like Cushing’s, it is important to get your dog some medical attention. Consulting with your vet is the quickest way to get to the root cause of your dog’s hair loss problem.

Dog is losing hair around eyes

The most common cause of hair loss around the eyes is ringworm infection.

Ringworm is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin and can be transmitted to other animals, humans, and objects.

Ringworm causes inflammation of the skin, which leads to hair loss. A dog can contract ringworm from other dogs or from objects that have been in contact with infected animals such as bedding, toys, or food dishes.

If you notice any areas of baldness on your dog's body, consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options.

Other Skin or Eyes Related Problems in Dogs

Loss of furs around the eye isn’t the only symptom for pet parents to watch for with an underlying condition, of course. Other symptoms that he is struggling with can easily be spotted and logged, too.

Constant Rubbing Of His Eye Area With His Paws Or Carpet

Since his eyes and face are itchy and uncomfortable, you’ll notice that he is going to be rubbing his eyes with his paws a lot, or maybe even on the floor, carpet, or yourself!

Discharge-Filled Eyes Usually With A Bad Smell

While clear discharge is common from time to time, if you notice that your dog has colored discharge (especially if it’s stinky), that’s another symptom that he has got something going on in his body that needs attention. 

Red Or Irritated Skin

Whether it’s hot, scaling, flaking, bare skin spots, or just skin that seems irritated to the naked eye, any skin that looks like it’s uncomfortable most likely is for your dog. You may notice that it is near the eye area, or somewhere else on his body. 

Dog Shedding & Hair Loss Treatments

Once your vet has taken a look at the issue, the following steps are normally the ones you can expect. 

Wipe Discharge From Eyes

Assuming it’s an actual eye issue, of course, your vet will often tell you to use a warm and damp soft cloth to wipe the discharge from the area a few times a day. This will ease discomfort and keep the eye from getting too traumatized. 

Antibiotic Pills Or Topical Creams

From pills for ringworm to topical creams for Pink Eye, your vet will prescribe what they think is best for your dog and it will be up to you to make sure that you get him his treatments as soon as possible. 

Conclusion: How To Stop Your Dog From Shedding & Keep Them Healthy

Both grooming and bathing are crucial for a lot of things for your dog. However, when it comes to keeping his fur strong around his eyes, it’s very closely linked! A dog who is groomed regularly is easy to check for any kinds of issues that may lead to eye fur loss. For instance, hives from allergies or dermatitis scaling, etc. The sooner that you realize the issue and have it treated, the better. 

Hair loss around the eye for your dog is always something to take seriously. If you notice it, regardless of what you think the cause might be, contact your vet and get to the bottom of the issue so that your dog and his furs can get back to normal as soon as possible!