Why is my dog scratching and pulling hair, causing bald spots?

Question

Every time I come home my dog has a bald spot from scratching or pulling his hair out and I don't know why. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 6 years and 4 months old | 17 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

This could actually be a sign of separation anxiety in Ramses, and he's doing it due to anxiety. I would recommend crating him when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can also fill a Kong toy with peanut butter and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety. Other causes include allergies, fleas, or mites. You can have Ramses seen by a vet to rule these causes in or out.

Why is my dog scratching and pulling hair, causing bald spots?

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