Its normal for your canine companion to shed hair — sometimes lots of it. What isnt routine is for that shedding to result in noticeable bald spots on your dog.
Why do dogs sometimes lose too much hair? Are certain breeds more prone to hair loss? Find out what causes bald spots in dogs and what you can do to keep your pets coat in top form.
Hair loss in our furry friends can be quite concerning If you’ve noticed your dog developing bald patches, you’re probably wondering – do bald spots on dogs grow back? The short answer is it depends on the cause In many cases, yes, the fur will return, but sometimes it might be permanent. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about canine alopecia and what you can do to help your pup’s coat return to its former glory.
Understanding Dog Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Alopecia is the medical term for abnormal hair loss or baldness in dogs. It occurs when the body attacks its hair follicles, resulting in hair falling out partially or entirely over your dog’s body. Unlike normal shedding, alopecia involves the inability to regrow hair regularly.
Small areas of alopecia that aren’t itchy or bothersome might even heal on their own. However, depending on the underlying cause, some cases may not be curable and could require lifelong treatment.
Will My Dog’s Bald Spots Grow Back?
The regrowth potential depends entirely on what’s causing the hair loss Here’s a quick breakdown
- Likely to grow back: Hair loss from allergies, minor infections, seasonal shedding, or post-medical procedures
- May grow back: Hair loss from stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal issues (once treated)
- Unlikely to grow back: Hair loss from severe skin trauma where follicles are destroyed, congenital conditions, or hereditary pattern baldness
In normal cases where the hair has been trimmed or treated bald spots will typically fully grow back within 2-3 months though this depends on your dog’s coat length and type.
Common Causes of Bald Spots in Dogs
1. Allergies
Allergies are actually the most common reason your dog might be scratching and losing hair. Dogs can develop allergic reactions to:
- Environmental factors (pollen, mold, dust mites)
- Food ingredients
- Flea saliva
Allergic reactions cause itching, leading to excessive scratching and eventual hair loss. Once the allergen is identified and removed, the hair usually grows back.
2. Infections
Various types of infections can cause hair loss in dogs:
- Bacterial skin infections: These can cause redness, hives, pustules, scabbing, and hair loss
- Fungal infections: Ringworm is a common fungal infection that creates circular bald patches
- Yeast infections: Often occur between toes or in ear canals
With proper treatment, hair typically regrows once the infection clears.
3. Parasites
External parasites are another frequent cause of hair loss:
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mites (causing mange)
The hair loss usually occurs around the eyes, ears, abdomen, and chest. After successful parasite treatment, the hair generally grows back.
4. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal conditions can cause symmetrical hair loss (on both sides of the body):
- Hypothyroidism: Hair loss typically along chest and front legs
- Cushing’s disease: Hair loss usually on flanks and hind legs
With proper medical management, hair often regrows, though it may take time.
5. Stress (Physical or Emotional)
Both physical stress (illness, surgery) and emotional stress (anxiety, major life changes) can trigger hair loss. Once the stressor is removed or managed, hair usually returns.
6. Skin Trauma
Burns, wounds, or other injuries can damage hair follicles. If the follicles aren’t permanently damaged, the hair will likely regrow. However, severe trauma may result in permanent baldness in affected areas.
7. Genetic or Breed-Specific Baldness
Some dogs are just genetically predisposed to hair loss:
- Hereditary pattern baldness: Common in Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Whippets, and Greyhounds
- Congenital hair loss: Present from birth or early adulthood
- Natural hair-free patches: Some breeds like Chinese Crested naturally have bald areas
These types of baldness are usually permanent and don’t require treatment unless skin protection is needed.
When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Bald Spots
Not all hair loss requires immediate vet attention, but watch for these warning signs:
- Rapid hair loss beyond normal shedding
- Bilateral hair loss (symmetrical on both sides)
- Excessive itching or rubbing
- Behavioral changes
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Altered bowel movements
- Skin changes (wounds, color changes, texture differences)
If you notice any of these signs alongside baldness, it’s time to visit your vet.
Treatment Options for Dog Hair Loss
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause:
For Allergies:
- Elimination diets to identify food allergies
- Antihistamines or specialized medications like Apoquel
- Environmental management for inhalant allergies
For Infections:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antifungal medications for ringworm
- Medicated shampoos and dips
For Parasites:
- Flea and tick preventatives
- Anti-parasitic medications
- Medicated baths
For Hormonal Issues:
- Thyroid medication for hypothyroidism
- Medication to manage Cushing’s disease
For Stress:
- Behavioral modification
- Calming supplements
- Establishing routines
For Nutritional Deficiencies:
- Improved diet quality
- Supplements (especially omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E)
- Increased protein intake
Preventing Hair Loss in Dogs
While not all causes of baldness are preventable, these steps can help maintain a healthy coat:
- Regular grooming: Brushing removes dead hair and distributes natural oils
- Quality nutrition: Feed a balanced diet with adequate protein
- Parasite prevention: Use monthly flea/tick preventatives
- Regular vet checks: Catch potential issues early
- Reduce stress: Maintain consistent routines and provide adequate exercise
- Proper collar fit: Ensure collars aren’t causing friction
- Sun protection: For naturally thin-coated areas or existing bald spots
Caring for Dogs with Bald Spots
If your dog has bald patches while waiting for hair regrowth:
- Keep the area clean: Gently wash with mild, dog-safe soap
- Prevent sunburn: Apply pet-safe sunscreen or limit sun exposure
- Prevent scratching: Use an Elizabethan collar if needed
- Follow treatment plan: Be consistent with any medications prescribed
- Consider protective clothing: For extensive baldness in cold weather
Final Thoughts
Most cases of canine hair loss are treatable, and the fur will regrow once the underlying issue is addressed. However, some cases, particularly those involving permanent damage to hair follicles or genetic conditions, may result in permanent baldness.
Remember, small areas of alopecia that aren’t itchy or bothersome might heal on their own. But if you’re concerned about your dog’s bald spots, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
We know how worrying it can be to see your furry friend losing their coat – but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many dogs return to their full, fluffy selves within a few months. Just be patient and consistent with the treatment plan, and you’ll likely see improvement over time.
Have you dealt with alopecia in your dog? What treatments worked best for your furry friend? Let us know in the comments!
Other Causes of Bald Spots in Dogs
- Foreign body reaction. Glass, thorns, even a dogâs own coarse hair can all cause inflammation and bald spots if they lodge in your dogs skin. Along with hair loss, signs of irritation by a foreign body include swelling and licking the area repeatedly — for example between the toes. Treatment may require lancing under local or general anesthesia to remove the irritant, and antibiotics if theres a secondary bacterial infection.
- Post-clipping alopecia. For some dogs, especially densely-coated breeds like the Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, and keeshond, clipping — for example in preparation for surgery — can lead to persistent bald spots. A fairly common condition, there really isnt any treatment for post-clipping alopecia except patience while the hair grows back.
- Hypothyroidism.With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesnât make enough of a a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism. the result effects your dogs coat and can result in hair loss. It affects all breeds, but it is often found in golden retrievers, Doberman pinschers, Irish setters, dachshunds, boxers, and cocker spaniels. It usually happens in middle-aged dogs (ages 4 to 10) of medium to large breeds. Neutered males and spayed females also have a higher risk, but vets are unsure why.
Bald Spots in Dogs: Common Causes and Treatments
There are lots of reasons dogs may lose hair (also called alopecia), from infection to irritation caused by parasites. A few of the more common reasons include:
Allergies
Allergies are a frequent trigger for hair loss in dogs. Like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to foods, environmental triggers such as pollen, or to parasites like fleas or mites.
Flea bites are behind most dog allergies, however. Along with hair loss from licking and biting the irritated areas, signs of flea allergies include itching and redness. For a particularly allergic dog, it may take as little as one flea bite to start an allergic reaction that lingers for days.
While any dog can have allergies, some are more prone to them than others. Treating your dogs allergies may include topical or internal medication, allergy shots, a change in diet, and avoiding the allergen.
Hair loss in dogs may also be caused by hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushings disease, a condition caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Medication and sometimes surgery is available to treat Cushingâs disease, also known as Cushings syndrome.Â
Cushings disease is more common in dogs 6 years or older. Other signs of Cushings disease include eating, drinking, and urinating more, panting, as well as having a pot-bellied appearance. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs.
Genetics
There are some “hairless” dogs like Chinese crested and Mexican hairless, but there are some dogs are more prone to baldness than others. Bald spots on the outer ear, chest, belly, thighs, or lower neck may appear in greyhounds, whippets, Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and Italian greyhounds, usually after their first year.
Most owners learn to live with this, as treatment options are limited. Always make sure your vet has ruled out other causes of hair loss.
Infection or Infestation (Ringworm, Mites, Bacteria)
Ringworm fungus, pests like mange mites, and bacteria can all lead to infections that may ultimately cause bald spots on your dog.
Along with hair loss around the ears, eyes, mouth, and elsewhere, signs your dog may have mites include oily skin, thickened skin, itching, and inflammation. Symptoms of ringworm — a contagious infection of the hair and skin that includes circular or irregular hair loss, inflammation, and infected crusts.
Although small ringworm lesions may clear up spontaneously, it is contagious and should be treated. Ringworm is treated with topical antifungal medications. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. Treating mites may require topical or oral medications and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
Pressure Sores
Older or heavy dogs can be prone to pressure sores where their elbows or other bony parts of the body come in regular contact with hard surfaces. Over time, the constant pressure tends to thicken the skin, the hair falls out, and calluses form.
If calluses crack, bleed, or get infected, treatment may include moisturizers, antibiotics, or the use of bracing. You can prevent pressure sores and calluses by providing your pooch with cushioned bedding.
Insect bites and stings, medications, plants, chemicals, and even shampoos can cause some dogs to develop a rash or hives, which can result in bald spots.
Allergic rashes usually appear within minutes to hours of exposure, and other symptoms can include listlessness, fever, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Always talk to your vet immediately if your dog develops hives as emergency treatment may be needed.
How to Naturally Treat Hair Loss in Dogs and Cats
FAQ
How long does a bald spot last in a dog?
Bald spots can also happen from grooming or veterinary procedures where the hair needs to be trimmed. In normal cases, trimmed or treated bald spots will fully grow back within 2-3 months. This ultimately depends on the length of your dog’s coat. There are many reasons for a bald spot to appear.
Do bald spots grow back?
Bald spots may also not be completely hairless. Instead, you may notice patchy areas of thinner or rough hair that is different from your dog’s usual coat. Bald spots can also happen from grooming or veterinary procedures where the hair needs to be trimmed. In normal cases, trimmed or treated bald spots will fully grow back within 2-3 months.
Can a dog get bald spots after clipping?
For some dogs, especially densely-coated breeds like the Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, and keeshond, clipping — for example in preparation for surgery — can lead to persistent bald spots. A fairly common condition, there really isn’t any treatment for post-clipping alopecia except patience while the hair grows back.
Why does my dog have bald spots?
Foreign body reaction. Glass, thorns, even a dog’s own coarse hair can all cause inflammation and bald spots if they lodge in your dog’s skin. Along with hair loss, signs of irritation by a foreign body include swelling and licking the area repeatedly — for example between the toes.
How long does it take for a dog’s hair to grow back?
In summary, while the answer to “how long does it take for a dog’s hair to grow back?” may vary depending on the dog, it is generally safe to say that it will take anywhere from four to six weeks for the hair to grow back completely.
Do pit bull terriers have bald spots?
Some dog breeds, such as the Chinese Crested, naturally have bald or hairless patches of fur. Other breeds, such as American Pit Bull Terrier, may have spots that are only covered by a very thin line of hair. There may also be normal, thick patches, as well as sparsely haired patches.
Will my dog’s bald spots grow back?
In some dogs, this condition occurs as an isolated incident, only once, and the hair regrows. In many cases, dogs with seasonal flank alopecia will be affected every year. In some dogs, the condition progresses over time. Rarely, the hair may fall out and never fully regrow.
How to fix a bald spot on a dog?
- Reducing how often you shampoo and groom your dog.
- Using hydrating sprays or rinses.
- Spaying or neutering your dog.
- Using antibacterial shampoos and conditioners.
- Making diet changes.
Will coconut oil help my dog’s hair grow back?
Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil to your dog’s skin can moisturize and promote hair growth. You can also add a small amount to their food for internal benefits.
What can cause bald patches on a dog?
Hair loss and bald spots in dogs can result from mange, allergies, or self-inflicted trauma due to scratching. Symptoms include itching, redness, and patchy fur loss. Since thyroid issues are ruled out, consider a skin infection or parasite relapse.