At Dermvet, we know how worrying it can be to see your dog losing hair. Whether it happens gradually over weeks or appears suddenly in patches, hair loss is often more than a cosmetic concern. It can signal discomfort, infection or an underlying health condition that needs proper attention.
As vets that specialise in pet skin conditions, our aim is to provide effective, personalised dog hair loss treatment that restores not only your dog’s coat but also their comfort and confidence.
Understanding Why Dogs Lose Hair
Hair loss in dogs; also known as alopecia; can stem from many different causes. Some dogs experience a mild seasonal shed, which is completely normal, but when you notice thinning patches, bald spots, redness, irritation or sore-looking skin, it is usually a sign that something deeper is going on.
Parasites are one of the most common triggers. Fleas, mites and ticks can cause intense irritation, leading to persistent scratching and licking. As your dog tries to relieve the itch, the hair breaks or falls out. Mange, caused by certain types of mites, can result in particularly dramatic hair loss.
Allergies are another frequent culprit. Dogs can react to pollen, dust, household cleaning products, grooming products or even certain foods. When dogs experience allergies, they often develop inflamed, itchy skin. Over time, this irritation can weaken hair follicles and cause noticeable hair thinning.
Skin infections; bacterial or fungal; are also common causes. A minor scratch or irritated area can quickly develop into an infection, especially if your dog licks or chews the spot repeatedly. Once the skin becomes infected, hair loss often follows.
Hormonal or endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can lead to symmetrical hair loss or thinning. These internal imbalances affect the skin and coat in ways that are not always obvious to owners at first. Dogs with hormonally driven hair loss may not show much itching, making these conditions harder to notice early on.
Stress or behavioural habits may also play a role. Some dogs over-groom when anxious, bored or unsettled, leading to patches of hair loss. Even if the behaviour begins mentally, it can progress into skin irritation that requires medical treatment. Because there are so many potential causes, it is wise to seek professional help as soon as you notice anything unusual. Hair loss can escalate quickly if an underlying condition worsens.
Our Specialist Approach to Dog Hair Loss Treatment
At Dermvet, we focus on providing targeted, specialist care for dogs with skin and coat issues. When you visit us with concerns about your pet’s hair loss, we begin with a thorough diagnostic approach. This may include examining the skin closely, taking samples, conducting cytology, running laboratory tests or performing fungal cultures or allergy assessments. Understanding the exact cause of the hair loss is the key to successful treatment.
Once we have identified the cause, we create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your dog’s recovery. Afterall, no two cases of hair loss are the same. Some dogs may need medicated shampoos to soothe the skin and remove infection-causing organisms. Others may require topical creams, oral medications or dietary adjustments. If allergies are involved, we may recommend changes to your dog’s environment or food, as well as possible long-term allergy management options.
Our approach is always holistic. Instead of simply addressing the symptoms, we aim to treat the root cause and prevent the issue from recurring. Many cases benefit from a combination of therapies. For example, medicated washes to treat infection, dietary adjustments for improved skin health and ongoing parasite prevention to reduce flare-ups.
Throughout your dog’s treatment, we are committed to offering clear guidance and support. We will explain your dog’s condition, the treatment plan and the steps you can take at home to support their healing journey. In many cases, owner involvement is an essential part of long-term success. Regular grooming, appropriate bathing routines, good diet, flea control and environmental management can all make a significant differenc.
What Results You Can Expect
When treated promptly and appropriately, many causes of dog hair loss can be reversed. If parasites are the issue, clearing the infestation and providing proper skin support usually results in steady hair regrowth. Infections often respond well to medicated products and, once resolved, allow the hair to return to its natural fullness.
Hormonal issues require more ongoing management but once stabilised, many dogs show marked improvements in coat health. Dogs with allergies often benefit from consistent, long-term strategies that help reduce flare-ups and maintain healthier skin.
In some cases, particularly genetic or inherited conditions, complete hair regrowth may not be possible. However, even in these cases, treatment can still improve comfort and prevent further deterioration. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for your dog’s wellbeing.
How You Can Support Your Dog at Home
If you have noticed hair loss, there are several helpful steps you can take before or while seeking professional help. Monitoring your dog closely is a great starting point. Make note of when you first saw the hair loss, whether it is spreading, if your dog is scratching or if any environmental changes recently took place. This information can be hugely valuable during diagnosis.
Pay attention to your dog’s overall behaviour and comfort. Excessive licking, chewing or rubbing are signs that something is irritating the skin. Look for redness, flaking, scabs, unusual odours or black specks on the skin; all of which could indicate deeper issues.
At Dermvet, we believe that dog hair loss treatment should focus on long-term health, not just appearance. Even mild hair loss can be your dog’s way of signalling discomfort, so early investigation is always worthwhile. By combining specialist diagnostics, tailored treatment plans and supportive owner guidance, we aim to restore your dog’s comfort and help their coat return to its natural, healthy state.
If your dog has begun losing hair or showing signs of skin irritation, we are here to help. Our specialist team is committed to finding answers, treating the problem effectively and supporting your dog’s wellbeing every step of the way.