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Puppy losing hair in patches. What's causing it and is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Pinscher | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 19 days old

My puppy is developing is developing small bald patches around his body. They aren’t open and he is eating fine, his weight is fine and ears and eyes normal. Will it just grow back or is it something more sinister?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Marlow Ball, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 29th, 2017

Puppies are at risk for mites like demodex, ring worm, bacterial infections. I would recommend an exam with your vet and a skin scrape to look for mites. Some mites are contagious to people like sarcoptic mange. Some mites are not. Hope that helps

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I recommend taking Cosmo to a veterinarian. The looks of the bald spots can be something called demodex. This is a normal mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. When a dog's body is stressed, even if it is just from growing, demodex can over grow and cause bald spots. They are usually not itchy unless the areas become infected. Treatment is recommended before the lesions spread. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Cosmo is feeling better soon!

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 29th, 2017

    It would be very unusual for a puppy this young to have bald patches from a dietary issue. Patches of hair loss in young puppies can indicate a type of mange caused by a skin mite called Demodex or a fungal infection known as ringworm. The third possibility is a bacterial infection. We may be able to help you more with a photo, but I would suggest that Cosmo go to a veterinarian for an exam.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 15th, 2019

    With healthy shedding there is no bald spots. So to me, this looks like either mange or a flea allergy. I know you said he isn’t scratching but some of the areas do look red (could just be photo quality). With the flea allergy they’re actually allergic to the saliva of the flea so it only takes one to bite them for a reaction to happen; but usually they are scratching. I suggest you get him to your vet for an exam so they can give you a diagnosis and he can get the proper treatment.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 7th, 2017

    Hi. Hairless areas on a puppy found be from scratching (fleas or allergies) mange mites, ringworm or infection. If not red or itchy you can monitor but if he continues losing hair or you find more spots I recommend a vet check to find out what is causing this.

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