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My dog has hair loss and dandruff on her lower back. Is it fleas?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 2 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

My dog is losing hair on her lower back and it looks like she has dandruff bad

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on November 16th, 2017

Poor Gucci! It is difficult to see exactly what is going on with those pictures and without an exam. From the location of hair loss and dandruff, my biggest concern would be allergies especially to fleas. I would make sure she is on a high quality flea preventative like nexgard or comfortis. I would also make sure you treat your house and yard and any other animals in the house for fleas as well. Fleas live in the environment, not on the animals. I would also start her on some omega-3 fatty acids to help moisturize her coat and heal her from the inside out. I have included a link to a good one by vetriscience. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/vetri-science-laboratories-omega-3-6-9-dog-and-cat-gel-caps Also, if she is itchy, you can try giving her benadryl. Here is a link for more information on benadryl. https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl If this doesn't help, she has scabs/sores in that areas, redness, or she isn't feeling well, then I would have your vet take a look at her. There is a chance that she could also have a secondary bacterial or yeast infection that needs to be addressed. She may also need stronger allergy meds. Your vet will be able to help determine the cause and get her start on the proper meds to help her feel better. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lotus Altholtz

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

    Published on January 10th, 2019

    Hair loss in the rump area could potentially be due to flea allergy dermatitis. If she is not currently on a monthly flea/tick preventative (the newer oral products such as Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto are generally more effective than the older topicals) I would definitely recommend flea combing her and starting her on Capstar and one of the prescription oral flea preventatives if live fleas/flea dirt are noted. There are lots of other causes of hair loss and dry skin including poor diet, ringworm, atopic dermatitis, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s but if the hairloss/itchiness is focused on the rump, I would have your vet check for fleas as part of his/her overall evaluation. Good luck!

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