Hair Loss Around the Feet in Dogs

Unless the dog is from one of the hairless breeds, such as the Chinese crested or the Peruvian Inca orchid, dogs should have some hair on the paws. The hair on the paws is often the shortest on the body because the constant friction against the ground can hamper hair growth. Sudden or unexplained hair loss anywhere on a dog's body, including the feet, should warrant a trip to the vet.

  1. Significance

    • It is normal for dogs to shed old hair about every day, even hair from their paws. Hair may also fall out in clumps or with large flakes of skin still attached to the base of the follicle. The dog also may be constantly licking, rubbing or scratching the paws. These actions will hamper hair growth.

    Illness

    • Allergies and infections on the paws can cause hair loss. One of the most common causes for hair loss in puppies, in senior dogs or dogs with immune disorders is the fungal infection ringworm. Hair loss often starts on the paws, face and tail before spreading to other parts of the body. If the paws have come into contact with something the dog is allergic to, such as a type of plant, then sores, itchiness and hair loss may develop as an allergic reaction.

    Other Causes

    • Other causes for hair loss on the paws include living in unhygienic conditions so that the dog is forced to stand in puddles of urine. The hair loss is due to urine scald. Dogs in hoarding situations or in puppy farms may suffer from this. Some dogs develop a bad habit of licking their paws, perhaps as a way of coping with anxiety and need retraining. Some genetic conditions such as color mutant alopecia occur where hairs of a certain color in certain breeds fall out, including hair growing on the paws.

    Diagnosis

    • In order to get proper treatment to reverse the hair loss or at least eliminate the sores, the dog needs to be taken to a vet for a proper diagnosis. The dog will need skin scrapings, a physical examination, allergy tests if appropriate and, if the dog has any hair left on the paws, needs to give a hair sample, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

    Treatment

    • Treatment varies wildly, according to the cause of the hairlessness. There is no cure for conditions like color mutant alopecia, but lotions can be placed on the bald patches to keep the skin from splitting open. Ringworm is treatable, although it is contagious, so anyone handling a dog with ringworm needs to wash before handling another animal. Each allergen that may cause hair loss needs individual treatment, as well as reduced exposure to the allergen. Dogs taken from hoarding situations or puppy mills tend to regrow their hair after weeks or months of proper hygiene, diet and exercise.