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My dog has hair loss around eyes and black skin. How to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 4 years and 3 months old | 7 lbs

Dog has hair loss around eyes skin is black what can I do for her

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 24th, 2017

Oh dear, poor Gidget! Some of the most common causes of hair loss and black discoloration of the skin around the eyes include allergies, ringworm, and mange. Skin discoloration can occur as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation of the skin. If Gidget is scratching at her face or rubbing it on the ground, I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further hair loss and also to prevent injury to her eyes that could occur from her scratching/rubbing. Otherwise, the best thing that you can do is to take her to her vet for an exam. The vet may need to perform a skin scrape (to check for the presence of the mites that cause mange) or a fungal culture (to check for ringworm). Based upon their exam and test findings, they will be able to prescribe the best medication for Gidget, whether it is an antifungal, anti-parasitic, antibiotic, or anti-inflammatory medication. I hope that all goes well for Gidget!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Gidget! Hair loss can be for many reasons: allergies, demodex, excessive tearing from an infection or a clogged tear duct. The skin becomes black from chronic inflammation or infection. I recommend that you make an appointment with your Vet to get some tests done in order to provide relief. That may be antibiotics or antifungals. They may discuss changing her diet if food allergies are a possible cause. Good luck!

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