20 Lhasa Apso Colors That Are Too Cute To Handle! Ringworm does not usually cause itchiness, but secondary bacterial infection may occur, producing crusts that cause the dog to lick and scratch itself excessively. When Should You Worry About Fur Loss Around Your Dogs Eye? Hair loss around a dog's eyes can be concerning, and the issue can be more than just cosmetic. If your dog suffers from tear overflow, the constant moisture on the skin may cause secondary bacterial skin infections and hair loss, as well as orange tear staining down the side of the nose. Parasites on your dogs body can lead to intense itching and discomfort. Most cases in puppies will resolve themselves as their immune systems become stronger, but older dogs with autoimmune disorders or other underlying health issues might suffer from this condition. When a dog develops hair loss around the eyes, a condition that is medically known as periocular alopecia, it'simportant to assess whether the hair loss around the dog's eye is happening because of an underlying eye problem. Symptoms of ringworm -- a contagious infection of haired skin and claws -- includes circular or irregular hair loss, inflammation, and infected crusts. However, its important to remember that even if your dog only has one flea on their body, there will be 20 times more in the environment. Nevertheless, your veterinarian is likely to keep them in mind when investigating why your dog is losing hair around the eyes. You can learn more about our Can dogs losing hair around the eyes be reversed? Bald spots on the outer ear, chest, belly, thighs, or lower neck may appear in greyhounds, whippets, Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and Italian greyhounds, usually after their first year. Why is my dog losing hair around his eyes? Why do dogs sometimes lose too much hair? 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It's normal for your canine companion to shed hair -- sometimes lots of it. Using a range of tests, they will be able to determine the cause of the problem and suggest a course of treatment. If your dog is suffering from this, specifically if they are losing hair from around the eyes, then read on to discover the underlying causes of hair loss and possible treatments for these conditions. [] you notice that your pup is losing hair in increased amounts without any apparent reason, then you might want to tweak their []. Therefore, there are many potential causes of hair loss in this region, and it will require the help of your vet to narrow down the cause. The hair loss will most likely be non-pruritic (no itchiness! Conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacterial infections and can lead to your dogs eye becoming pink and sore, as well as producing a green discharge. In the majority of cases it is caused by bacterial infections. Older or heavy dogs can be prone to pressure sores where their elbows or other bony parts of the body come in regular contact with hard surfaces. A full physical examination, including looking at your dogs mucous membranes, listening to their heart and lungs, palpating their abdomen, and checking for enlarged lymph nodes could also be required. With congenital alopecia, the dog will have been born with the condition (which may or may not be hereditary). Secondary glaucoma is treated with medication or surgery, depending on the cause. Ringworm is treated with topical antifungal medications. Insect bites and stings, medications, plants, chemicals, even shampoos can cause some dogs to develop a rash or hives, which can result in bald spots. Therefore, if you notice any of these other symptoms, its a good idea to seek veterinary advice so that the underlying condition can be addressed, and your furry friend can become more comfortable again. However, this is unlikely to occur around your dogs eyes as it is not a condition that commonly affects dogs. When selecting food for your pet, use As a rule, male Poodles lose hair in their groin area [], Chow Chow Pomeranian Mix: Your Guide To A Cute Hybrid dog, [] known as black skin disease. If not treated, it can result in blindness. For example, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds often have bulging eyes, which are more exposed to the elements than other breeds, making them more irritated and waterier. Dr. Joanna de Klerk is a professional Clinical Veterinarian. Theres something about welcoming a pet of any kind into your home and family, but dogs hold a pretty special place in the hearts of humans worldwide. A case of canine atopy causing hair loss around a dog's eye. Healthy skin has an outer barrier that protects it from infection; when this barrier is compromised, bacteria and yeast can enter into the superficial or deep skin layers and cause infection. Are They Safe For Allergy Sufferers? Only a veterinarian can do the appropriate tests and determine the underlying cause. Discovering why dogs have cold noses can help us better understand our canine companions. But what are the main causes? To add to the problem, dogs will often continue to scratch at the spot, which invites skin infections as bacteria can enter the lesions. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, it can be treated using medication, but it sometimes requires surgery. 100 Mixed Dog Breeds You Didnt Know Existed (With Pictures), 25 American Dog Breeds You Didnt Know About. You should ask your veterinarian for advice on treating your dogs hair loss around the eyes. While an eye infection is another reason your dog rubs their eyes, resulting in irritated skin and baldness, the discharge may also lead to a skin infection that can damage the follicles and cause hair loss. Why is my Dog throwing up: Causes and Preventing (Veterinary Advice). This makes it tricky to diagnose, as there is no single test for the condition, and the symptoms mirror those of other illnesses. Treatment for hair loss around the eyes on dogs is based on the underlying cause. Its important for pet owners to wash their hands before and after touching an infected eye, as some bacteria can also cause pink eye in people too. This article will discuss the causes of hair loss around the eyes in dogs and the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a condition where the inner part of your dogs eyelids, known as the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. Suppose your dog is older and has developed demodicosis. With insect, mite, or flea bites, there is the added problem of the bite itself, as the dogs body immediately reacts by producing histamine, which causes the area around the bite to swell. Here are a few of the tests they may use: Skin scraping In this test (which can be time-consuming but isnt usually painful), a blunt blade is used to scrape the skin in the affected area. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs. Ringworm is also a fungal infection that can cause hair loss. This is one reason dog owners may tie up their dogs hair on the top of their head, or regularly get their dogs groomed. Wikipedia, Self inflicted because of facial itchiness byCarol Foil. Glaucoma is a build-up of pressure within the eye, which usually has an underlying cause that your vet should investigate. When dogs can are allergic to environmental particles such as dust, mold, and pollen, it is called "canine atopy." Despite the name, it is not a worm! Professional author, she has been writing in scientific journals, and also several book series. Any cause of eye pain can lead to your dog rubbing his eyes against the furniture. In contrast, if it is acquired, they will have developed the condition due to the hair follicles being damaged or destroyed. Feed them good quality dog food and keep treats to a minimum Nutrition is vital in keeping the hair follicles healthy. A happy dog is less likely to resort to obsessive behavior, chewing, or scratching at their fur! Well, youll probably still worry because thats all part of having a fur-baby, isnt it? They are by far the most popular pet globally, and we treasure them. As far as possible, try to avoid situations that cause your dog to be stressed. Fleas won't typically stick exclusively around a dog's eye area, but when they do, it can cause dogs to itch and scratch the area causing hair loss. Always make sure your vet has ruled out other causes of hair loss. Joanna loves to enjoy time with her young daughter and family in her free time. On the other hand, Dairy is more complicated as any symptoms you notice could be down to lactose intolerance rather than an allergic reaction. Food allergies may require a food elimination diet, environmental allergies may require allergy shots or oral medications, skin infections may require a topical veterinary medication, a fungal infection may require oral antifungal medications, eye injuries may need eye drops, and your pets coat may require a medicated shampoo if its affected in other areas too. Fleas can be seen with the naked eye; using a flea comb can help to find live fleas or flea dirt (flea poop) in a dogs fur. Blepharitis is a medical condition known for causing inflammation of the eyelids. If you are concerned about your dogs hair loss, be sure to seek veterinary advice. See your vet if you're not sure what's causing your dog's bald spots or if those bald spots are also accompanied by: Utah Veterinary Clinics: "Hair Loss in Pets. Just like humans, dogs also have a mucus membrane. My dog loses hair around the eyes could it be a mineral deficiency? Also called hyperadrenocorticism, this is a condition where the dogs body produces too much cortisol, the main stress hormone responsible for the fight or flight reflex (which shuts down non-essential body functions). The hair and scale that drops off is separated and examined for signs of fragmented flea feces, lice, or cheyletiella (mange mites). All rights reserved. Allergies are often not directly responsible for hair loss, but they can cause skin problems, such as dermatitis. Early detection is essential to save your dogs eyesight! But what eye conditions are seen when dogs develop hair loss around the eyes? He is likely to start by asking you when you first noticed the hair loss, and if youve noticed any other symptoms, such as constant scratching, discharge, or signs of eye pain, such as squinting or blinking. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are prone to hereditary alopecia. Because the area around the eyes is delicate and any products used here can end up in the eye, it's important that dog owners do not try to treat the hair loss at home using products that may be irritating to the eye and even potentially cause damage. Dog Smells Like Fish: Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? There are many potential treatments for bald areas around the eye as there are many different causes. This is where we step in! If your dog has hair loss around his eyes, it is therefore important to play it safe and see your vet so to treat the underlying cause accordingly. My dog is Getting Old: Signs of Aging in Dogs (Vet Advice), Dog Neutering: Pros and Cons of Neutering a Male Dog, My Dogs nose is Dry and Cracked: Causes and Things to Help, Do Neutered Dogs Live Longer?