Why is my old dog's fur dying and falling out in white chunks?

Question

i’ve noticed she has what looked like small white spots forming in her fur on her hips/butt. she is old so i thought it was her hair graying in an odd pattern. but i just pulled on a couple of the spots and they came loose like little many chunks of fur are dying and not quite falling out on their own. is this an old age thing? will washing her more regularly help? she has lumps (fat deposits, according to the vet) everywhere and i’m so worried it’s cancer. Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Female | spayed | 9 years and 5 months old | 47 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

If there are bald spots left behind when you pull the fur out it is possible that Autumn has a skin infection, allergies, or a hormonal disease like hypothyroidism. If there are no bald spots this could simply be excessive shedding and not related to any medical problem. I wouldn't expect this to occur secondary to cancer unless she also had significant hair loss and skin lesions. If her skin does not look normal or she is itchy I would recommend having your vet examine her.

Why is my old dog's fur dying and falling out in white chunks?

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