What Causes Hair Loss in My 3-Year-Old English Bulldog?

English Bulldogs, for all of their charming qualities, are notorious for their problematic skin issues. Some can be congenital, inherited disorders, while others may be a simple food allergy. Either way, owners of this quirky breed should know what to look out for when a skin condition arises.

  1. Eczema

    • Eczema is a common ailment in English Bulldogs. It often starts off as dry skin, and then becomes inflamed as the dog begins to lick and scratch at the affected area. In severe cases, there may even be open sores at the site of inflammation. This is from the dog continually licking the area in an attempt to heal it. While many factors can contribute to this disorder, it is most commonly seen during the hot summer months. Bathe your bulldog in a good oatmeal based shampoo to moisturize and soothe skin. Follow with a rich conditioner to soften the hair and skin.

    Hot Spots

    • Hot spots are circular reddish brown sores that can appear anywhere on your bulldog's body, but are most commonly seen on the feet, forelegs, and tail. English Bulldogs are more prone to hot spots than most dogs because of hereditary skin issues. Your bulldog might lick, bite, and scratch at the area in an effort to sooth it, spreading it instead. It is this behavior that leads to hair loss associated with hot spots. Hot spots can be treated with triple antibiotic ointment, but it may be necessary to purchase an Elizabethan collar for your dog to prevent him from licking the ointment off.

    Allergies

    • Most commonly, bulldogs will either have an allergic reaction to fleas or the type of food they are eating. Other allergens are either airborne or something that your dog has come into contact with, such as a new shampoo. Take your bulldog to your local vet for a checkup to narrow down the possibilities.

    Demodectic Mange

    • There are two types of mange mites that could be causing your dog to be loosing hair. Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite. Most often, hair loss will begin around the eyes and ears at the onset of this disease. Take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis.

    Sarcoptic Mange

    • Sarcoptic mange is the classic type of mange, which can be is contagious to both animals and humans. It is caused by the 'scabies' mite, which burrows under the skin. It lays three to four eggs, which will eventually turn into adult mites. Sarcoptic mange can be identified on your bulldog by red, scaly spots on the abdomen, elbows, and ear flaps. While the whole body will be involved once the disease progresses, these are the areas most commonly affected at the onset. Sarcoptic mange can only be treated in a veterinarian's office, where your bulldog will most likely be treated with a lyme dip.