Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog's hair falling out in a patch, but skin is okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 10 months old | 23 lbs

My dogs hair is peeling off in a 1 inch size patch. The skin underneath is still there, so it is not an open wound. What could it be? I thought mange maybe?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 26th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, mange is possible. Other possibilities include allergies, ringworm, immune-mediated conditions, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. In the meantime, if she appears to be scratching or licking at it, you can use an e-collar to try to prevent further injury. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 6th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Andy! There can be a multitude of causes for hair loss in dogs. Parasites of the skin, such as fleas or mites, are one of the most common, particularly in young dogs. Infections of the skin with bacteria, yeast, or fungus, can also lead to hair loss. Allergies to food ingredients or environmental allergens, and endocrine disease can also lead to hair loss. I would recommend an exam at a veterinarian. They can look at the skin to see if there are signs of infection or parasites, which will help determine what the proper treatment will be. Best of luck to you!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 29th, 2017
This hair loss could be caused by a number of conditions, such as ringworm, mange, allergies, and endocrine conditions (hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease). Unfortunately, without a diagnosis of your dog's condition, it's hard to know if there is anything you can do at home. A vet will be able to perform an exam and any necessary testing, such as a skin cytology, skin scraping, Wood's lamp evaluation, and even blood testing if indicated. Irritated skin can become infected by licking and scratching.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 30th, 2017
Hair loss is usually due to excessive itching, from allergies or fleas. If this is the case, I would recommend a visit with the vet to get London started on an allergy medication and a good flea control. If you have not noticed any itching then the hair loss could be from an endocrine problem (the body system dealing with hormones). The two main diseases that can cause hair loss are hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. If you or your vet are concerned this may be the issue some blood work can be performed to rule these diseases out. I hope this helps. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Dog has a skin patch, not licking. Mange, ringworm, or allergies?

It's possible this could be mange or ringworm, but it could also be from an injury or allergies. Without seeing Boa in person, I can't say for certain. I would take her into the vet in the next few days. The vet can diagnose what is causing it, and can prescribe treatment if needed. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's causing my dog's skin irritation, redness, and hair loss?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see an area of hair loss, redness, thickening of the kin, and what appears to be a scratch. This can be caused by bacterial or fungal skin infections such as ringworm, skin mites, or autoimmune diseases. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet as ringworm can be transmitted to people. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Stray dog scratching, losing hair. Is it mange? What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do not recommend that you start any therapy without confirming this diagnosis with a veterinarian first. While mange is possible, other diseases such as allergies for example need to also be considered and these are treated differently. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a patch of missing fur near his mouth. What's the cause?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the picture. The most common cause is probably demodex, a non contagious mite. In young animals they can over grow and cause localized patches of hair loss. Other causes are: ring worm, abrasion or skin infection. If it gets worse or doesn't improve I recommend taking Echo to the vet. Demodex is diagnosed by a skin scrape. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has fur loss on one ear. Could it be mange or allergies?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree with you that this could be something like mange. Generally this is easily diagnosed with a physical examination and basic cytology. I recommend that you have Bertha evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can start therapy for her if this is confirmed. They can also give her something to improve her comfort and relief some of that itchiness. The only way to relief her symptoms is by treating her infection. Good luck and have a good night! I hope she gets better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog have a bleeding circular bald spot with a scab?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photo, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this to rule out the various possible causes. This could be a bacterial infection, fungal infection such as ringworm, etc. The veterinarian will be able to perform some additional testing and have a better look at it so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog's hair falling out in one spot and skin flaky?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sammy and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. In the picture, I swear I see some dry, flakey skin. I'm wondering if he has a skin infection causing the hair loss and flakey skin. Without seeing him in person, I can't make a definitive diagnosis. I would have him seen by a vet to have this diagnosed and treated. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share