🐩
🐕🐈 Dogs & Cats
Hair Loss in Pets
Hair loss (alopecia) in pets can be localized (patches) or generalized (thinning all over). The pattern, location, and accompanying symptoms help determine the cause. Common causes include allergies, hormonal imbalances (hypothyroidism, Cushing's), parasites (mange), and infections (ringworm).
Use the Interactive Triage Tool
Answer a few quick questions to assess urgency for your pet's specific situation.
🚨 Seek Emergency Care Immediately If:
- ! Rapidly spreading hair loss with skin lesions
- ! Hair loss with visible parasites (mites)
- ! Hair loss in a circular pattern (possible ringworm — contagious)
- ! Hair loss with skin that appears thickened, darkened, or infected
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
When to See Your Vet
- !Any significant or progressive hair loss
- !Circular bald patches (possible ringworm)
- !Symmetrical hair loss (hormonal)
- !Hair loss with skin redness, scaling, or infection
- !Hair loss with other symptoms (lethargy, weight gain, increased thirst)
Home Monitoring & Care
- ✓Note the pattern and location of hair loss
- ✓Check for fleas with a flea comb
- ✓Monitor for itching — is the hair falling out or being scratched out?
- ✓Take photos to track progression for your vet
- ✓Ensure flea prevention is current
Common Causes
Allergies (food, environmental, flea)HypothyroidismCushing's diseaseDemodectic mangeRingworm (dermatophytosis)Bacterial skin infectionStress/anxiety (psychogenic alopecia — especially cats)Seasonal flank alopeciaAlopecia X (Pomeranians, Nordic breeds)
Related Products
Related Tools & Guides
Disclaimer:This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for your pet's specific health concerns.