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My puppy is thin, losing hair, and scratching. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 3 months old

Good day! My puppy, just turned 3 months yesterday, became thinner as i have noticed today. Then, her legs have lost hair and she keeps on scratching. I'm a first-time puppy owner and I don't know what to do :( Her behavior did not change though. She still eats all of her food and she is still playful. I will bring her to a vet clinic near us tomorrow but right now I need advice on what I can do. Please help me I am new at this. Thank you very much.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Elle. She has lost a fair amount of hair. I am glad that she will see her veterinarian soon. Demodex is a common mite in puppies that results in hairloss. This is identified with skin scrapes. Ringworm can also cause hairloss. It is diagnosed with a fungal culture. Based on these results, medication will likely be prescribed. In the meantime, place an E-collar on her if she is itching or scratching the affected areas. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 19th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the pictures you provided, I suspect that Rosie may have Demodex mites causing the hair loss and red bumps to occur or a skin infection. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Rosie so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Demodex mites can be treated with Nexgard or Bravecto (both are flea and tick preventatives) which you will need a prescription for. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

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