What causes hair loss around a dog’s eyes?
Expert Answer
Hair loss around a dog’s eyes has many causes, including allergy, poor diet, blocked nasolacrimal ducts, and skin disease. If the face is infected by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, it may cause hair loss. Second, food or environmental allergy can also cause it.
In addition, too much salt or oil in the diet may irritate the eyes and cause hair loss. Also, blocked tear ducts or ingrown eyelashes can cause eye-area hair loss. If abnormal hair loss appears, take the dog to a vet promptly for diagnosis and proper treatment.
My dog lost fur around his eyes from blocked tear ducts and constant dampness, and the vet cleared the ducts and it grew back. Causes range from allergy and diet to infection or ingrown lashes, so don't just wipe and hope. Too much salt or oil in food can irritate too. If the area's red or spreading, get it checked, because underlying eye or skin disease needs treatment, not just cosmetic fixes.