Dogs Can Go Bald in Middle Age Too

1 Overview

Note: this is about baldness alone, not hair loss from skin disease.

Why the baldness?

Skin disease causes shedding, but hair returns once it’s cured.

Then there’s the unfair kind – bare patches that just hang there, with no telling when hair returns.

It’s congenital or acquired. Congenital balding is inherited with no real fix – even the British royals aren’t spared.

Acquired loss at least can be addressed.

Causes of Baldness

Since congenital is hard to treat, we’ll cover acquired causes.

Allergies: the most common – to pollen, environmental scents, food, etc.

Flea-bite allergy tops the list: scratching from itch causes bald spots, especially in sensitive dogs.

Cushing’s disease: common in seniors – bald patches plus more drinking, urinating, eating, panting, and a swollen belly.

Alopecia areata: a rare autoimmune issue on neck and head; ask a vet.

Follicular dysplasia: in certain breeds with defective follicles; even top food won’t help.

Post-vaccine: common and most recoverable – the injection site inflames and sheds; care brings hair back.

After clipping: hard to believe, but some shed post-grooming – likely fear or shampoo allergy per groomers’ groups.

Pattern baldness: no clear reason, in breeds like Dachshunds, with darkened skin – a hereditary form.

Human-caused: tight or poor collars/harnesses bald the contact area.

Mites, food allergy, hormones, tumors, even medication can cause loss.

So can it be avoided?

Sadly, most can’t be avoided. Do what you can: regular deworming, clean home, good hygiene.