Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Help! Dog losing hair around eye with discharge and gunk buildup.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 8 days old | 64 lbs

Yesterday I noticed a small patch of hair missing from the top and bottom eyelid. Today I noticed it is not bigger but there also seems to be hair missing from the inner part of face next to the same eye. There is also a discharge that is coming out of both areas as well as a lot of buildup in corner of eye. I just lost my job so vet visit is tough right now. Please help before it gets worst and quite frankly, way more expensive.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 17th, 2017

Hair loss in that area is generally due to allergies, mites or less likely and autoimmune disease. You can try giving Shadow an over the counter antihistamine to see if it helps. Wipe his eyes out daily to keep them clean. If he is rubbing the eyes, put an elizabethan collar on him to protect them. If you are not seeing any improvement, or if he is getting worse, I would recommend a vet visit. Taking care of things early is much better. I hope this helps Shadow.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 23rd, 2019

    Hair loss around the eyes could be several things including skin mites, allergies to something in the environment or food allergy. These conditions all look the same clinically. Each one of these problems is detected and addressed differently and I recommend to discuss with your veterinarian which one to start hunting down first. Parasites are often ruled out with an oral medication like Simparica and a skin scrape. Food allergy is best ruled out with a diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein. Environmental allergies are a little more difficult to detect but a response to therapy or a blood test can give an indication. Once you figure out and address the underlying cause, the hair should grow back. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they are unlikely to address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Cairo wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored