My 8-week puppy is losing hair with peeling skin, no itching. Why?

Question

My 8 week old rat terrier mix has two patches on him that are both peeling and taking hair. He is not itching at all. He does not have fleas and is clean. What could the problem be and is there a home remedy that can help? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 1 month and 26 days old | 2 lbs

Ana M, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bentley. I am concerned that he has a condition known as demodex. This is an overgrowth of a normal mite that lives within the hair follicles of dogs. It results in bald spots that generally do not itch. This is diagnosed by the veterinarian doing a skin scrape and identifying the mites under the microscope. If this is what causing his signs, he will need a prescription medication as well as a medicated shampoo. Of course there are other skin conditions that he could have. In the meantime, you can try bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula and see if this lessens his signs at all. I hope this information helps!

My 8-week puppy is losing hair with peeling skin, no itching. Why?

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