Bald Spots on Dogs​ 2025

Bald spots on dogs, medically known as alopecia, can be distressing for both pets and their owners. These patches of hair loss can vary in size and location, often indicating underlying health issues. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for maintaining your dog's skin and coat health. Here, follow this five-minute read to get your dog free of suffering from baldness.

What Do Bald Spots on Dogs Look Like?

Bald spots can manifest as small, circular patches or larger areas of hair loss. The skin in these areas may appear normal or show signs of redness, flakiness, or inflammation. In some cases, the affected skin might be dry, oily, or exhibit sores and scabs. To address bald spots on dogs that annoying many dog parents, targeted treatment is always crucial. Let's walk together through the world of why a dog is getting bald spots.

Why Does My Dog Have Bald Spots?

Bald spots are often secondary problems caused by excessive scratching or biting. That's why we should explore the reasons leading to abnormal itchiness. However,  issues with no itchiness can also be possible. Common culprits can be allergies, parasites, fungal & bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, stress & anxiety, or dogs' fighting(can cause patches of hair loss). Here are some details to confirm the culprit of your dogs' baldness.

1. Allergies

Allergic reactions to food, environmental factors, or flea bites can lead to intense itching, causing dogs to scratch or bite their skin, resulting in hair loss. 
Signs include: redness, swelling, hot spots, and symmetrical itching patterns, especially on paws, ears, or flanks.

2. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are common culprits. Mange, caused by mites, leads to severe itching and hair loss, especially around the eyes, ears, and legs.
Signs include: visible parasites, noticeable dirt(caused by parasites), excessive scratching, crusty skin, and inflammation.

3. Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Ringworm, a fungal infection, causes circular bald patches with red, scaly edges. Bacterial infections can result from wounds, red spots or excessive scratching, leading to localized hair loss.
Signs include: round lesions, pus, unpleasant odor, or moist, weeping sores.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to symmetrical hair loss without itching.
Signs include: thinning coat, dull fur, lethargy, weight gain, or changes in appetite.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Dogs may over-groom or chew their fur due to psychological distress. This is often linked to environmental changes, boredom, or separation anxiety.
Signs include: hair loss on legs, sides, or tail, but typically without skin inflammation or parasites.

6. Fights Between Dogs (Physical Trauma)

Fights or rough play among dogs can lead to bald spots from biting, scratching, or tearing of fur. These injuries often result in patches of missing hair with distinct characteristics.
Key differentiating signs include:

• Irregular edges of hair loss (as opposed to symmetrical or circular patterns)

• Visible scabs, puncture wounds, or bruising

• Localized swelling or soreness in areas like the neck, shoulders, or limbs

• Hair loss near bite zones or where the skin was tugged

• History of recent altercations or new housemates

While this kind of hair loss is traumatic in nature, it can become compounded if the wounds become infected or if the dog continues to lick the area excessively.

Sudden Bald Patch on Dog

A rapidly developing bald patch suggests an acute issue, such as an insect bite, hot spot, or trauma from a dog fight.

• What it looks like: One or more coin-sized, sharply defined areas of missing fur, possibly with inflamed or moist skin.

• Accompanying signs: Swelling, licking or chewing at the area, and signs of pain when touched.

• Differentiator: Sudden bald spots often occur after a visible event (like a bug bite or altercation), whereas fungal infections develop gradually.

Identifying the Culprit Based on Bald Spot Location

Bald spots don’t just appear at random. Their location can offer critical clues about the underlying cause. Here’s a breakdown of what hair loss in specific areas of your dog’s body might mean:

Dog Balding on Back

Hair loss along a dog’s back is often caused by flea infestations, allergic reactions, endocrine (hormonal) disorders, or behavioral overgrooming due to stress or anxiety. In some cases, contact dermatitis or even trauma from rough play or fights can contribute.

• What it looks like: Thinning hair or completely bald patches along the spine or between the shoulder blades. The affected area may be dry, scaly, red, or covered with scabs, depending on the cause.

• Accompanying signs:

  • Fleas or flea allergy dermatitis (FAD): Severe itching, flea dirt (black specks), inflamed skin, constant biting or scratching the back and tail base.

  • Hormonal disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease): Symmetrical hair thinning, lethargy, weight gain, changes in appetite or behavior. Skin may be dry but not itchy.

  • Stress-related licking or biting: Localized patches without inflammation, often appearing during routine changes or boredom.

  • Fight wounds or trauma: Irregular bald patches, possible puncture wounds, bruising, or scabs. Common if the dog recently engaged in rough play or conflicts with other dogs.

• Differentiator:

  • Flea allergy usually causes intense, targeted scratching and signs of fleas.

  • Hormonal causes are non-itchy, symmetrical, and often include whole-body symptoms.

  • Stress or trauma tends to be irregular, acute, and may have an obvious behavioral or environmental trigger.
    
    Quick Tip: To confirm flea involvement, use a flea comb and look for black specks (flea dirt) that turn reddish when wet.

Dog Balding Around Eyes

Hair loss around the eyes is commonly associated with demodectic mange (Demodex mites), allergies, or fungal infections.

• What it looks like: Thinning or complete loss of fur around the eyes, often symmetrically.

• Accompanying signs: Redness, swelling, crusty skin, or discharge near the eyelids. Dogs may also frequently paw at or rub their faces.

• Differentiator: If caused by mites, a skin scraping will confirm the diagnosis. Allergic cases often involve other body parts like paws or ears.

Dog Balding Behind Ears

The area behind the ears is a hotspot for flea infestations, ear infections, and excessive scratching due to mites or yeast overgrowth.

• What it looks like: Patchy fur loss directly behind or beneath the ears.

• Accompanying signs: Scabbing, strong odor, constant ear scratching, or head shaking.

• Differentiator: If scratching is intense and persistent, suspect external parasites or an ear infection. Fleas typically leave droppings you can spot with a flea comb.

Dog Balding on Stomach

The belly is often exposed to contact allergens (e.g., carpets, grass), hormonal imbalances, or bacterial infections.

• What it looks like: Widespread or patchy hair loss on the lower abdomen, sometimes extending to the inner thighs.

• Accompanying signs: Redness, flaking skin, bumps or pustules, and frequent licking.

• Differentiator: Hormonal causes result in non-itchy, symmetrical thinning, whereas allergic dermatitis is typically itchy and inflamed.

Bald Spot on Dog’s Tail

The base and top of the tail are commonly affected by flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), hormonal disorders, or psychological over-grooming.

• What it looks like: Fur thinning or baldness near the tail base, often paired with reddened, irritated skin.

• Accompanying signs: Excessive biting or licking at the tail, flea dirt, or signs of anxiety (restlessness, compulsive grooming).

• Differentiator: Flea-related baldness will show small scabs and flea dirt; hormonal loss is symmetrical and not itchy.

Bald Spot on Dog’s Leg

Legs often develop bald patches due to chronic licking, arthritis-related pain, or pressure sores, especially in large or elderly dogs.

• What it looks like: Hair loss on front or hind legs, especially over joints or bony areas.

• Accompanying signs: Thickened skin, pigmentation changes, or callus-like formation.

• Differentiator: Pressure sores are often on elbows; arthritis-induced licking typically occurs over joints. Look for mobility issues.

Bald Spot on Dog’s Head

Bald patches on the head may be caused by trauma, fungal or bacterial infections, or parasites like mites.

• What it looks like: Irregular patches of hair loss near the top of the head or forehead.

• Accompanying signs: Itching, inflammation, crusts, or wounds from scratching or fighting.

• Differentiator: Trauma-related patches (e.g., dog fights) are often accompanied by visible wounds or scabs, unlike fungal infections which have a ringed appearance.

Dog Bald Spot Treatment

When Home Treatment is Appropriate

For minor cases caused by allergies or dry skin, home remedies can be effective. Ensure your dog has a balanced diet, regular grooming, and a clean environment.

How to Apply Home Treatment

• Topical Sprays: Use antifungal or antibacterial sprays to treat infections.

  Puainta® Quantum Silver Anti-itch Skin Spray

  This antifungal spray provides immediate relief from itching and helps heal damp "Hot Spots." It deodorizes and aids in relieving fungal and bacterial skin infections, making it suitable for dogs and cats experiencing hair loss due to skin issues.
  
  
  

• Shampoos: Medicated shampoos can soothe irritated skin and combat infections.

  Puainta® Banov Shampoo for Skin Disease

  Formulated with natural ingredients like chamomile, rosemary, and coconut oil, this shampoo addresses allergies and itching, promoting healthy skin and coat. It's effective against dandruff, large-area ringworm, and other skin problems.
  
  
  

• Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements can promote skin health.

  Puainta® Fish Oil For Dog, Krill Salmon Oil, Omega 3 Supplement

  Fish oil promotes healthy skin and shiny coat for pets, helps relieve itching and irritation in dogs

  

When Veterinary Help is Required

Seek professional help if:

• Bald spots are spreading rapidly.

• There are signs of infection (pus, foul odor).

• Your dog is in pain or discomfort.

• Home treatments show no improvement after a week.

Need for Hospital Treatment

Severe cases, such as those involving deep infections, extensive hair loss, or underlying systemic diseases, may require hospitalization for intensive care and monitoring.

Daily Care to Prevent Bald Spots on Dogs

• Regular Grooming: Brush your dog's coat to remove dirt and prevent matting.

• Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog receives essential nutrients for skin and coat health.

• Parasite Control: Use preventive measures against fleas, ticks, and mites.

• Stress Management: Maintain a stable environment and routine to reduce anxiety-induced grooming.

• Regular Vet Check-ups: Early detection of health issues can prevent hair loss.

FAQ

Will bald spots on dogs grow back?

Yes, if the underlying cause is treated promptly, hair usually regrows. However, chronic conditions may lead to permanent hair loss in some areas.

Do dogs get bald spots from stress?

Yes, stress can cause dogs to over-groom or chew their fur, leading to bald spots. Identifying and mitigating stressors is essential.

How long do stress bald spots last?

With proper care and stress management, hair can regrow within a few weeks. Persistent stress may prolong recovery.

What parasites cause hair loss in dogs?

Fleas, ticks, and mites (like those causing mange) are common parasites leading to hair loss. Regular preventive treatments are crucial.

What does stress balding look like?

Stress-induced hair loss often appears as symmetrical bald patches, especially on the legs, sides, or tail, without signs of infection or inflammation.

Maintaining your dog's skin and coat health requires vigilance, proper care, and timely intervention. By understanding the causes and treatments of bald spots, you can ensure your furry friend remains happy and healthy.