Hair loss in dogs is a common symptom. Hair loss can affect dogs of any age. Up to 30% of dogs will suffer from some coat or skin issues during their lifetime. Possible causes of hair loss in dogs range from mild shedding to a serious underlying disease.

Hair loss in dogs (also known as alopecia) happens if there’s a problem with your dog’s normal cycles of hair growth. It can result in general thinning, patchy fur or baldness. Possible causes include parasites, allergies, hormonal disease and genetics. The sooner your dog’s hair loss is recognised and treated, the more likely the coat will regrow without further skin damage, discomfort or longer-term complications.

What to do if your dog is losing hair

If you think your dog is losing hair, start by assessing their overall health and behaviour.

• Are they itching, scratching or licking more than usual?

• Does their coat or skin show redness, sores or dander (flakes, scurf)?

• Have there been changes in their diet or eating habits?

• Are their parasite preventive treatments up to date?

• Have you noticed any changes in their behaviour, drinking habits or appetite?

If hair loss isn’t treated, it can get worse very quickly, especially if it’s due to infection or disease. Seek prompt help from a vet to reduce the risk of complications.

Common causes of hair loss in dogs

• Parasites: fleas, mites, lice

• Allergies: food or environmental (atopy)

• Bacterial or fungal infections

• Hormonal problems: including hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease

• Poor nutrition or an unbalanced diet

• Self-trauma (licking, chewing) due to stress or anxiety

• Pressure: hair loss and callus formation over the elbows and other joints of large/giant breeds, and overweight or inactive dogs.

• Genetics: breed-related alopecia

• Telogen effluvium: sudden hair loss 1-3 months after a serious illness or stressful event

• Cyclic flank alopecia (seasonal flank alopecia): non-itchy hair loss down the dog's sides; often starts in autumn and winter, with gradual regrowth in the Spring.

When to worry about hair loss in dogs

Talk to a vet if your dog develops any of the following:

• Bald patches or a thinning coat

• Red, inflamed or bleeding skin

• Persistent itching or discomfort

• Lethargy or other health changes

Hair loss resulting from illness or infection often requires veterinary treatment. The sooner this begins, the better the outlook for a rapid and complete recovery.

Joii vets are available online 24/7. Reach out now for support.

Schedule a prompt in-person assessment if:

• The hair loss is spreading very quickly

• Your dog seems to be uncomfortable or distressed

• Your dog’s skin looks infected or swollen

• Symptoms are persisting, despite home care measures

• Your dog has other health problems

• Hair loss (and possibly itch) starts spreading to other animals or humans

Tips on how to prevent your dog from hair loss

• Feed your dog a balanced, high-quality diet: appropriate to their age, breed and general health

• Use parasite preventives regularly: talk to a vet for advice

• Groom your dog frequently for a healthy coat and early detection of any issues 

• Avoid over-bathing your dog or using harsh grooming products

• Monitor their skin and coat condition carefully

• Minimise potential stress with exercise, environmental enrichment and a regular routine

Still have questions about hair loss in dogs?

Our Joii Vets can help if:

• You’re unsure whether your dog’s shedding is normal

• You need advice on the best grooming products and routines for your dog

• You want help with choosing appropriate parasite control

• You need guidance on diets or supplements

• The symptoms are mild or just starting

Warning signs of excessive hair loss in dogs

You may notice:

• Tumbleweeds of shed fur around your home

• Bald patches or thinning 

• Flaky, greasy or discoloured skin

• Increased scratching or licking

• A dull coat or a brittle feel to your dog’s coat

Contact a vet to discuss the next steps if you notice any of these symptoms. 

How to treat hair loss in dogs at home

If your dog is otherwise well and comfortable, mild hair loss can sometimes be managed successfully at home. Focus on improving the health of their coat and removing potential triggers for hair loss.

• Brush your dog regularly to remove any loose hair.

• Use gentle, dog-specific shampoos and avoid bathing more often than necessary.

• Consider using omega-3 and 6 supplements for optimal coat health.

• Keep up-to-date with flea and parasite treatments.

• Reduce stress with a regular routine and environmental enrichment.

• Wash your dog’s bedding frequently and keep their living areas clean.

It’s best to seek help from a vet if symptoms don’t improve or get worse.

Veterinary treatments for hair loss in dogs

If your dog’s hair loss is more severe or persistent, they may need to see a vet.

Further tests help the vet to identify an underlying cause and may include:

• Skin tests: skin scrapes, biopsies

• Blood tests and urine tests

• Fungal culture: for ringworm

• Allergy investigations

Veterinary prescription treatments include, where needed:

• Antibiotics or antifungal medication: for underlying infections and/or complications.

• Anti-itch or anti-inflammatory drugs: to ease symptoms, improve comfort, aid recovery.

• Hormone treatments: help re-establish normal hair growth cycles.

• Special (prescription) diets or supplements.

Are some dogs more at risk of hair loss than others?

Whilst any dog can suffer hair loss, some have an increased risk, including: 

• Breeds with a double coat who tend to shed more anyway: Labradors, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pomeranians

• Dogs with allergies: prone to hair loss from skin irritation

• Older dogs: higher risk of hormonal and metabolic illnesses

• Undernourished or malnourished dogs: poorer general coat health

• Dogs not receiving regular parasite preventive treatments

• Certain breeds are susceptible to particular types of hair loss:

  • Cyclic flank alopecia - Boxers, English bulldogs, Schnauzers

  • Congenital alopecia - Mexican Hairless

  • Pattern baldness - Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Whippets, Greyhounds

Other causes of hair loss in dogs

If symptoms persist, less common causes to consider include:

• Autoimmune disease

• Pregnancy-related shedding

• Side effects of medication

• Chemical burns or irritants

• Colour dilution alopecia: Blue Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dobermanns, Great Danes, Yorkshire Terriers 

• Alopecia X (follicular cycle arrest): Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, Miniature Poodles

• Cancer