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Why do my German Shepherd puppies have bald spots on tails and paws?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 18 days old | 5 lbs

I have three German Shepherd puppies who have bald spots on their tail and paws. The fourth German Shepherd has no bald spots whatsoever.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2017

Hair loss can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. In dogs like your puppy in the picture with severe hair loss, one common cause can be infection by mites that can live in the hair follicles and lead to hair loss, and secondary bacterial and fungal infections that can develop. I recommend making an appointment to have the affected puppies seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the hair loss as soon as you can. The vet will likely want to look at a sample from the area (taken by a procedure known as a skin scraping) and examined under the microscope to determine what kind(s) of infection may be present and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 22nd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to ringworm. This could also be just a focal skin bacterial infection, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Sasha evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans so just in case this is what is going with Sasha, wear gloves when handling this lesion. Good luck and best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 4th, 2017
It is really hard to tell what is going on with just a photo. The most common things that would cause a puppy to have a bald spot would be trauma (injury), ringworm or mange. Your vet will help you determine what it is. They will probably have to perform a skin scraping to check for mange mites so be prepared for that.

I wouldn't be too worried. I hope it's something easy! Best wishes!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on August 14th, 2020
I would keep him separate from your dog until he can be seen by your vet. The spots on his skin could be a bacterial infection and may not be transmissible to your other dog, but it's best to be safe. It doesn't look too serious and the place on his chest looks more like the hair was worn off by lying on a hard surface but it's best to have your vet diagnose his skin condition so he can get the correct treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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