Alopecia in Dogs: How to Treat Canine Hair Loss
Key takeaways:
Alopecia can result in patches of hair loss, irritated skin, and a very itchy dog.
There are many potential causes of alopecia, including parasites, hypothyroidism, and even genetic causes.
Alopecia is treatable. But to determine the right treatment, your vet will need to identify what’s causing your dog’s condition.
Table of contents
All dogs shed, so chances are you’re used to vacuuming pet hair around your home. But if your dog seems to be losing excessive amounts of hair, something else might be going on.
If your dog’s coat feels unusually thin in patches, or if you’re noticing areas of hair loss and irritated skin, your dog might have alopecia.
The symptoms of alopecia, the clinical term for hair loss, can range from mild to severe. So if
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you suspect your dog has this condition, it’s important to call your vet.
What is alopecia in dogs?
Alopecia in dogs is partial or complete hair loss where hair usually grows. It can present as hair loss in patches or all over the body, said Brian Evans, DVM, a veterinarian and clinical director at Dutch. That hair loss can occur with or without skin lesions (abnormally appearing skin). Alopecia is usually a sign of an underlying condition.
Signs and symptoms of alopecia in dogs and puppies
Symptoms of alopecia in dogs include:
Hair loss (either in patches or all over the body)
Skin lesions, most often on a dog’s face and front legs
Hair thinning along sides or thighs
Scratching, biting, or excessive grooming
Wounds or hot spots from excessive licking
Dry, crusty, or flaky skin
Red and inflamed skin
Hives or pimples
Thicker skin texture
Darker skin color
Bleeding at the infected area
Dog allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause a lot of skin discomfort in dogs. Here’s what you should know if your dog has allergies.
Itchy pups: If your dog is scratching a lot, it’s likely a sign that something needs to be addressed. Learn about the most common causes of itchy dogs.
Treating hot spots: Dogs who lick, bite, or scratch at the same area too much can develop hot spots. Read up on the best way to treat these red, painful spots.
Some dogs might be born with a condition that can cause hair loss. They might experience alopecia when they’re puppies or as young adults. Dogs and puppies with this kind of alopecia usually have similar hair-loss patches on both sides of their bodies, but sometimes it’s in one spot. It generally doesn’t cause inflammation.
What causes alopecia in dogs?
One of the most common causes of alopecia in dogs is allergies. Dogs with allergies will often experience skin irritation that can lead to hair loss and other common alopecia symptoms.
Other potential causes of alopecia in dogs include:
Feeding a dog poor-quality food
Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections (like mange)
Inflammatory skin diseases
Skin trauma, like a burn
Poisoning from a substance like thallium, mercury, or iodine
Hormonal imbalances, like from hypothyroidism
What should you do if you notice signs of alopecia in your dog?
If your dog has alopecia symptoms, it’s important to see a veterinarian. They will do a complete physical examination to determine the cause of the hair loss. They may also order lab tests, such as:
Bloodwork
X-rays
Urinalysis
Your vet may recommend a skin scraping or biopsy to determine what’s causing the skin irritation and hair loss.
Once a vet identifies the cause of your dog’s alopecia, they can recommend an appropriate treatment.
How is alopecia in dogs treated?
The treatment for your dog’s alopecia will depend on what’s causing it. Successful treatments address the root cause of the condition. For example, if a flea infestation has caused alopecia, it’s important to treat the fleas before you treat the alopecia.
As a result, your vet might recommend one of many potential treatments for alopecia, like:
Reducing how often you shampoo and groom your dog
Using hydrating sprays or rinses
Using antibacterial shampoos and conditioners
Making diet changes
A vet may also recommend treatment with antibiotics, melatonin, or corticosteroids.
Can you treat alopecia in dogs naturally?
Whether you can treat your dog’s alopecia naturally will depend on its root cause. If your dog’s alopecia is caused by poor nutrition, then they may not need medication or topical treatments. You can treat it by improving your dog’s food quality.
In other cases, supplements may help your dog’s alopecia. Let’s take a closer look.
Supplements for dog hair loss
For some causes of alopecia, you may be able to use home remedies, such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin health
Melatonin, which may promote hair growth
Oatmeal baths to relieve itchiness
Skip the apple cider vinegar
You may read about apple cider vinegar for hair loss in dogs. But don’t use cider vinegar on your dog for hair loss, especially if they’re having related skin problems. Start with a trip to a vet for a full workup and diagnosis. Then they can help you identify the best treatment for your dog.
Can a dog recover from alopecia?
Dogs can recover from alopecia. But whether your dog makes a full recovery depends on the cause. Dogs with alopecia caused by hypothyroidism have a good chance for recovery, though some dogs may experience periodic flare-ups. And alopecia caused by stress or shock also carries an excellent chance for recovery.
In some cases, dogs may recover to the point that their skin is no longer irritated and itchy, but they don’t experience full coat regrowth.
A vet can give you an accurate prognosis for your dog based on their diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Alopecia can be seasonal for some dogs. They might have a condition called seasonal flank alopecia. Dogs with this condition lose hair along both their sides every season or every other season. The bald spots are generally dark colored. Sometimes, an infection might be present.
If your dog’s alopecia is primarily caused by seasonal allergies, you might notice that their alopecia symptoms are also seasonal.
Talk to your veterinarian. There’s not much research on whether spaying or neutering can lead to hair loss in dogs. But one study suggests that female dogs can have changes to their fur after being spayed.
The bottom line
Alopecia, which causes itchiness and discomfort, can negatively affect how your dog looks and feels. Because the hair loss can get worse over time, especially if your dog scratches their skin open, it’s important to get your vet involved right away.
A vet can help you identify what’s causing your dog’s alopecia. Then you can get them the best treatment and maximize their chances of a full recovery.
Why trust our experts?
References
Brooks, W. (2023). Omega three fatty acids for our pets. Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2023). Seasonal flank alopecia in dogs. Veterinary Partner.
Dryden, M. W. (2024). Mange in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Dutch. (n.d.). Dr. Brian Evans.
Eisenschenk, M. (2021). Diagnosing and treating alopecia in dogs. Veterinary Practice News.
Moriello, K. A. (2024). Hair loss (alopecia) in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Mueller, R. S. (2006). The dog with alopecia. Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner.
Reichler, I. M., et al. (2008). Spaying-induced coat changes: the role of gonadotropins, GnRH and GnRH treatment on the hair cycle of female dogs. Veterinary Dermatology.
Rosenbaum, M. (2001). Focal, non-inflammatory alopecia: A diagnostic, treatment challenge. DVM360.
Shipstone, M. (2013). Alopecia in the dog. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Zabel, S. (2011). Shampoo use in veterinary medicine. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
