Why is my healthy dog balding symmetrically on both sides? Causes?

Question

My dog seems to be in very good health, but near the start of the season I noticed he's balding in the exact same spot on both sides and is still shedding quite a bit everywhere else. Causes? I haven't changed his food at all. He still has a very healthy appetite and is drinking. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered

Eryn Taormina, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about Leo's troubles. Dogs can get itchy and lose hair for a variety of reasons. When a dog comes into the office to see me for itchy skin and hair loss, the first thing I do is make sure they don't have any mites or parasites, or a skin infection of some kind, like a bacterial infection, or even something like ringworm. It's really important to check these things as ringworm and some mites can be contagious to people. Once I make sure these things aren't an issue, I can start considering allergies (which can develop really any time throughout a dog's life), and even some metabolic diseases. Certain hormonal issues can cause hair loss, especially symmetrical hair loss. Therefore depending on the dogs age, and what I'm able to do in one visit, I may run skin tests and labwork all at once. Until you get in to see a veterinarian, the vetericyn plus products are very nice for cleaning the skin. That may help alleviate some discomfort if there is any of that as well. I hope Leo feels better very soon! Best of luck!

Why is my healthy dog balding symmetrically on both sides? Causes?

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