- 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
German Shepherd
Six Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
My German Shepard, A few months ago started with darker thicker skin starting under his arms and groin area and is now spreading to his stomach with hair loss (border of it looks a little red) And now I have notice a spot on his back of hair loss. (He itches every so often). We changed his food from pedigree to blue buffalo half a month ago to see if was food related but it’s getting worse.
Aug. 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. He may have a skin infection that is causing this discoloration. You can try a medicated shampoo to see if it helps. Many times these dogs will need oral antibiotics to help. If you think this may be allergy-related, you can try Benadryl at 1mg/pound. If this does not help, I would reccomend making an appointment with your vet for prescription medications. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
Aug. 25, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Jack russel mix
14 yr
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching,Taking Off Hair, Until Skin Is Raw
So this is been going on for years. And usually only happens in the summertime. But has on occasion happened during the winter months. The vet gave me special shampoo and conditioner and ointment. But it didn't help any. They said it would cost $200 to find out what he's allergic to.
Aug. 8, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
6 Recommendations
Hello, YOur dog has seasonal allergies. You will have to deal with these every summer. I have found that Jax N Daisy shampoo really helps dogs with allergies. There are other medications such as Benadryl or Apoquel that you can try. The typical dosage of Benadryl is 1mg/pound twice a day. Your vet can prescribe your dog Apoquel to help. Good Luck
Aug. 11, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Boston Terrier
Four Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
My baby has been itching her back like crazy recently, I’ve also noticed she’s starting to bald in on particular spot on her back. Other than the excessive itching she seems fine. Do you have any ideas of what’s going on and how I can help her?
Aug. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is possible that your dog has allergies, parasites, mites, or a bacterial or fungal infection. If this is something that is not improving, it would probably be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can actually look at her, see her skin, and see what might be going on. They will be able to examine her, see what's happening, and let you know what sorts of treatment options might be available. I hope that she is better soon.
Aug. 3, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Labrador Husky
Nine Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching, Panting
My dog is itching way more than normal. We recently just moved out of our house that he grew up in, and it was a very sudden move. I have searched all over his body for fleas, ticks, different skin textures, and have found none of the above. He is scratching so much, he’s starting to lose his fur. He is a long-hair dog, who lives in Texas, so I suspect his panting is due to heat, but he’s inside 90% of the time. He hasn’t lost his energy, he acts like nothing is wrong, except for the constant scratching. He’s not eating as much as he used to, however, I haven’t made any changes to his diet.
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Some dogs will have allergies to flea bites, and can become extremely itchy even though you may not see fleas. They can also have other parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, or allergies. Since this does not seen to be getting better, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, see what might be causing the problem, and let you know what treatment he may need.
I hope that all goes well for him!
Aug. 1, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
