What Causes Baldness in Dogs?

Hair loss in dogs is often the first warning sign to pet owners that their four-legged friend might have health problems. Baldness in dogs might indicate the presence of parasites or a serious endocrine imbalance. Baldness can be accompanied by itchy, scratchy skin, but it frequently occurs without any obvious skin irritation. A veterinarian is required to diagnose and treat baldness in dogs, according to the University of Tennessee.

  1. Parasites

    • External parasites, such as fleas and mange mites, can cause severe skin irritation and damage to the hair follicles, according to Purdue University. Baldness from parasites occurs anywhere on the dog's body and can be generalized or isolated to small patches. Mange mites are microscopic and require a veterinarian's diagnosis. However, fleas are visible to the naked eye as well as their droppings, which appear as black specks.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism is the under-functioning of the thyroid gland. It causes generalized hair loss over the dog's trunk and might also result in thickened skin and darker pigmentation. Although hypothyroidism does not cause itchy skin, it might predispose dogs to skin infections, which cause skin irritation. Hypothyroidism commonly affects Irish setters, Doberman pinschers and golden retrievers. Because hypothyroidism is a serious endocrine disorder, it must be treated by a veterinarian or qualified health practitioner, says Washington State University.

    Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease is the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Generalized hair loss is one of the common signs of Cushing's disease and might be accompanied by increased thirst and appetite and a pot-bellied appearance. Cushing's disease is diagnosed by a veterinarian and requires a vet's treatment. It is a common condition in dogs and occurs more frequently in dogs that are older than five years, according to Washington State University.

    Hair Cycle Arrest

    • The cause of hair cycle arrest is unknown, according to the University of Tennessee. This condition, also known as Alopecia X, is predominantly seen in miniature or toy poodles and Nordic breeds. It causes symmetrical hair loss over the thighs and the trunk, and hyperpigmentation might appear on the bare skin. Hair cycle arrest appears in dogs of either sex from ages 1 to 10.

    Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy, an anticancer treatment, can cause baldness in dogs. Although hair loss from chemotherapy is less common in dogs than in humans, it occurs more often in schnauzers, Pulis, Lhasa Apsos, poodles, Old English sheepdogs and Maltese breeds. Chemotherapy causes hair loss only in the early stages of treatment, and hair will grow back, according to the University of Illinois.