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

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 20 lbs

My dog has lost almost all of his hair on the bottom half of his body. There's no change in behavior or anything else that is a concern. Do you know what this could be? The hair he still has on top is shedding like crazy.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 17th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Sam. This is a bizarre hair loss pattern for sure. Not sure what is causing this and I would advise that you take Sam in for a vet evaluation. Many different things can cause hair loss including external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), bacterial skin infection, allergies, endocrine/hormone problems (thyroid, etc), contact irritants, etc. Your vet can evaluate Sam and then advise some diagnostic or treatment plan for Sam. Diagnostics may include some skin tests including a skin scrape, fungal culture, blood work, etc. to try to determine what is going on. Your vet may even advise a referral to a dermatologist in your area if they cannot determine what is going on. Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be recommended to treat this condition. I will just say that this pattern of hair loss is not typical so I am very interested to know what is going on.

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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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