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Why does my Dachshund have patchy hair loss, sores, and bumps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 9 months and 18 days old | 6 lbs

Hi my dog dexter is a dashound and he is sopost to be a long hair he has long hair on his elbows an the back of his legs but he has no hair on the rest of his body . he get sores all on him an bumps I have tryed everything that I can think of even my vet doesnt know what's wrong

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 8th, 2017

Hmmm, it sure does make him look cute, though! This is a very interesting pattern of hair growth. It is quite possible it is just how his hair grows! Possible causes for this (although not very common in puppies) include hypothyroidism, endocrine or hormonal disorders, or color dilution alopecia since it appears to be no hair growth in the blue areas. I recommend that your vet test his different hormone and endocrine levels to see if there is a treatable cause. If it is alopecia, you can try supplements (discuss an appropriate dose of melatonin with your vet) but there is no cure. For the sores and bumps, common causes include fleas, mange, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies, among others. You can try a medicated shampoo like Dechra MalAcetic Ultra Shampoo as well as a good flea preventative like Seresto Collars or a prescription oral feal preventative. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/color-dilution-alopecia-in-dogs

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 28th, 2018

    Alopecia means hair loss or absence of hair. There can be several possible causes. Low thyroid function is one of the most common causes in mid aged dogs. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. They will likely recommend lab work to help with the diagnosis. They may also recommend skin scrapes looking for mites and other causes of hair loss. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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