Hair Loss in an Old Dog

Dogs experience hair loss for a variety of reasons. Allergy, flea bites and dermatitis are three common causes that affect dogs of any age. Older dogs also can be prone to hair loss caused by hormonal problems.

  1. Causes

    • Some hair loss is self-inflicted as a result of scratching or biting due to irritation. Environmental skin irritants, such as pesticides, can cause this behavior. Flea bites also can cause hair loss if the bite is accessible to the dog to scratch. Hormonal diseases, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, also cause hair loss and are more common in dogs over six years.

    Spotting the Signs

    • Hair loss sometimes can be difficult to spot, especially if the hair loss occurs on the dog's belly or if the dog has a long coat. Perform a weekly health check that includes examining the coat for bald patches, and signs of irritation and inflammation.

    Treatment

    • Your vet will first identify the cause of the hair loss before prescribing a course of treatment. Anti-flea treatment will normally rid the fleas and the irritation will then stop, allowing the hair to grow back. For other issues, such as Cushing's disease or hormonal problems in the older dog, the vet will treat the condition rather than the hair loss.