- Home
- Dog Symptoms
- Itchy and Losing Hair in Dogs
Itchy and Losing Hair in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/01/2017Updated: 08/11/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Itchy and Losing Hair?
It can be frustrating to see your dog itchy and then losing their hair. Constant itching and scratching can cause pet owners a headache as well as be painful for your dog. Your dog’s hair loss may look similar to shedding or it may start coming out in large tufts, creating bald spots on their body. Possible causes of itchy skin and hair loss include:
- Mange
- Trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Hormonal imbalance
- Mites or parasites
Red, irritated skin can be indicative of a skin infection, trauma or mange. Mites do not generally cause inflamed skin, but they can cause red bumps or hive-like appearance. Hormonal imbalances might cause your dog to experience dry skin and hair loss that is patchy in appearance.
Why Itchy and Losing Hair Occurs in Dogs
Mange
Mange is a skin disease that occurs when tiny mites overpopulate the skin, causing irritation. All dogs have some mites on their skin, but during times of high stress, these mites will multiply uncontrollably. Mange can cause patchy hair loss and scaly skin that can be extremely itchy.
Trauma
Depending on the type of trauma, your dog can experience hair loss if they continually lick a specific area. This is called acral lick dermatitis and many dog owners will notice persistent licking of one area that results in skin irritation, skin lesions and hair loss.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions can occur from a variety of sources including food, chemicals, plants and external parasites. Hair loss and extreme itching can occur from certain allergic reactions especially food allergies where the allergic reaction is not diagnosed immediately and the symptoms are more subtle.
Infection
Skin infections can cause red, inflamed skin that is itchy and hair loss can occur. Infections include ringworm, yeast, folliculitis and bacterial. Pus and/or hot spots are usually good indicators that an infection is present.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones play a large part in healthy skin and hair, when your dog is experiencing problems with their hormone levels you may notice itching and hair loss. Thyroid and adrenal gland deficiencies can cause problems for your dog, especially hair loss.
Mites or Parasites
There are mites that can cause scabies, a contagious infection that can be spread to humans. Scabies will cause intense itching and possible hair loss from the scratching. Fleas can also cause your dog to experience intense itching when they bite. It is important to treat your dog for fleas as soon as you see the first sign of fleas.
What to do if your Dog is Itchy and Losing Hair
Treatment for your dog’s itching and hair loss will strongly depend on what is causing the itching and hair loss. Always consult your veterinarian for advice when your dog is experiencing symptoms of itching and hair loss.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat an infection or as a preventative if your veterinarian is concerned about the redness of your dog’s skin from itching. If there are any lesions, those may need to be cleaned and treated with a topical cream. Medical treatments may be necessary if your dog has been diagnosed with abnormal thyroid or adrenal gland functions.
Food allergies will require a change in your dog’s diet. Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic testing to determine the ingredient that is causing the allergic reaction. You will then need to avoid that ingredient for your dog. Once your dog’s food has been changed and the problematic ingredient removed, the symptoms should resolve.
Hydrocortisone shampoos, creams and sprays may be used in treating itchy skin. Hydrocortisone shampoos and creams can promote healing. Sprays can be applied directly to the area that is itchy. It is important to use these products under veterinary supervision.
Prevention of Itchy and Losing Hair
Flea medications can be used to prevent fleas on your dog. Speak with your veterinarian about the right flea medication for your dog. Regularly bathe your dog to remove any allergens from their skin and hair.
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, ask your veterinarian about a quality food that will meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Research the ingredients in your dog’s food and do not give table scraps or excessive treats.
Should you notice your dog licking a certain area of their body incessantly, thoroughly examine the area for any lesions or irritation. Do not allow your dog to continue licking the area. Cover it with a clean bandage and if your dog insists on licking, have your veterinarian examine them.
Insuring your dog as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.
Want more info on pet health insurance? Check out our guide to pet insurance 101.
Cost of Itchy and Losing Hair
The cost of treatment will vary depending on the cause of your dog’s itchy skin and hair loss. Mange and mites, including fleas, can average about $350 to $600. Other treatments, including bacterial infection, allergic reaction and hormonal imbalance can range in price from $300 to $2500.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Itchy and Losing Hair Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Cairn Terrier
Eleven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Itching And Raw Skin And Hair Loss
My dog has been itching a lot and biting now losing hair and it’s raw not sure what it is? Mange? Allergies?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Without being able to see your dog, unfortunately, I don't have any way to say what might be causing the itching, but some causes for this might be parasites, allergies, or bacterial or fungal infections. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 14, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit Bull
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss Red Irritated Skin
Home remedy
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
What you are describing can be caused by parasites, allergies, bacterial or fungal infections. Since I cannot see your dog, it would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Beagle maltese
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching And Red Spots And Scabs
She itches and bites at her skin from time to time and has some hair loss on her tail
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
There are many reasons for what you are describing, including parasites, allergies, or bacterial or fungal infections. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
German Shepherd
7 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Crust
Hi, I needed some help with my pet; it would be great if you could help me out.
My pet has started to itch a lot more compared to 3 months ago, she is losing a lot more hair and she is constantly scratching and whimpering as if she has ticks/flea on that skin spot. She has scaly patches on her upper front limp, I have tried frequent baths with a good anti- bacterial shampoo, I have given her anti-allergy medicine, I am also keeping a check on her food intake. But nothing is helping the condition, would be great if you could help me understand the condition and help me cure it.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Puppies are commonly affected by fleas, and other parasites such as Demodex. Bathing frequently can dry out their skin and make things worse. Without being able to see her, I cannot say what might be causing this problem, and It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 20, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Corgi
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching Shedding Biting Feet
He has been biting at his paws, started to shed excessively, and scratching like crazy.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
There are many possible reasons for what you describe. Allergies, parasites, or infections can all look that way. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Chichauhua/Terrier mix
Bailey, Buster and Frankie
7 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dry Patches
I am living in a household that has 2 chihuahuas and 2 cats (1 cat recently disappeared) . I have a little terrier mix. We stayed outside through the summer in our trailer but moved into the house. The fleas were horrid inside and I have always used a flea comb on my dog so have never had much of a problem. Upon moving in I started combing the other 2 dogs and noticed 1 had horrible red itchy, flaky skin and bald patches. The owners told me she was allergic to fleas. We bombed and I combed 2-3 times daily. She started to respond her fur began looking much better. In the last month or so her skin has gotten so bad, I can't even comb her. Losing clumps of fur and large flaky (like oatmeal) skin. Here's the best part, the other chihuahua got pregnant by our terrier and she had 3 puppies. I have not been personally caring for mama and babies until yesterday when they were brought downstairs and basically left for me to care for. I started combing the pups and they did have 3-4 fleas but I noticed a rough clump on on dogs fur and little rough spots on the other 2. I am so upset about it and just sick. I now know that this was probably not because of fleas. I am looking to find something topical for puppies - they are 7 weeks old. The older dog no longer is allowed in my room. Mama dog comes in but I've not noticed any skin issues on her???
