Why is my dog losing hair on his lower body and shedding a lot?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on

  I would be concerned about an allergy or a skin mite in Sam, especially if he is very itchy. This could also be a hormonal problem but is less likely based on his age. The good news is that his skin does not appear to be infected. I would recommend you take Sam to your vet to be checked out. You vet will check for skin infection, demodex (the skin mite) and ringworm. Your vet may prescribed some medication for Sam or may recommend a food change depending on what they find. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on April 27th, 2018

  Hi there! There are quite a few things that can cause hair loss in dogs, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine Mello and do some testing. Some common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. Because of this, I would recommend taking Mello to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it depending on what is found.

  

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on August 15th, 2018

  Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a variety of reasons that can explain alopecia or hair loss. The causes can easily be differentiated by the clinical signs associated with it and the physical exam findings as well as diagnostics. If Melo is only showing some hair loss without scratching or overgrooming then it could conditions such as alopecia areata that can affect dogs and usually resolves on its own. If there is evidence of scratching and you start noticing some redness or irritation associated with it, then other conditions such as allergies are possible. If you notice him overgrooming himself in that area then it could be something like psychogenic alopecia which is more of a behavioral issue. I think that since he is not having overt clinical signs and it is mostly hair loss, I think it is possibly transient and could resolve on its own. You can monitor this closely and if it does not resolve or it worsens then have him examined by your veterinarian. Good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful