Hair loss in specific areas of a dog or cat is known as localised alopecia. This may be caused by parasites, allergies, skin infections, fungal infections, excessive licking, hormonal imbalances or problems affecting hair growth.
The location of the bald patches, the condition of the skin and the presence or absence of itching can help to pinpoint the cause, but do not allow the diagnosis to be confirmed at home. If the bald patch gets bigger, sores, scabs or redness appear, or the problem recurs, it is advisable to seek a veterinary dermatology clinic in Benissa.
Not all forms of alopecia are the same. Some occur because the hair stops growing or falls out from the follicle; others are caused by the animal scratching, licking or biting the area until the hair breaks. Identifying this pattern is important for choosing the appropriate tests and treatment.
Common causes of bald patches in dogs and cats
Localised hair loss can have various causes. Among the most common causes are:
- Fleas, mites and other external parasites.
- Environmental or food allergies.
- Bacterial or yeast infections.
- Dermatophytosis or ringworm.
- Excessive licking, scratching or nibbling.
- Wounds, grazes, scars or irritation.
- Hormonal or metabolic problems.
- Abnormalities of the hair follicle.
- Local reactions to injections, medicines or topical products.
- Autoimmune diseases or, less commonly, tumours.
In some animals, more than one factor is involved. For example, an allergy can cause itching and scratching, damage the skin barrier and subsequently lead to a bacterial or yeast infection.
Does hair loss come with itching?
Itching is one of the first signs a vet will look out for. If your pet is scratching, licking, rubbing or biting itself, hair loss may be linked to parasites, allergies, infections, ear infections or skin irritations.
In cats, excessive licking can go unnoticed because many groom themselves when they are alone. In such cases, the fur may appear very short or shaved, particularly on the abdomen, thighs, flanks or legs.
If your dog or cat is scratching a lot, it is important to investigate the cause before administering corticosteroids, antihistamines or topical treatments. Temporarily relieving the itching does not always resolve the underlying condition.
Can my pet have parasites even if I can’t see any fleas?
Yes. Not finding any fleas when checking the coat does not mean they can be ruled out entirely. Animals may remove them whilst grooming, and if they are allergic to flea saliva, even a few bites can cause severe itching and hair loss.
Mites are also not usually visible to the naked eye. Some types of scabies cause bald patches, redness, scabs and intense itching, whilst others can lead to hairless patches with little inflammation.
The vet may recommend grooming, skin scrapings, a hair analysis or a diagnostic test. It is also a good idea to check that your pet is following a suitable plan for External parasite treatment for dogs and cats, using products suited to their species, weight and lifestyle.
What does ringworm look like in dogs and cats?
Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that can cause round, hairless patches, flaking, broken hairs, scabs or inflammation. However, it does not always take the typical circular form and can be mistaken for other skin conditions.
Some dogs and cats can pass these fungi on to other animals and to people. The risk may be higher in puppies, kittens, animals from shelters, and households where immunocompromised people live.
Diagnosis may require a hair analysis, a culture, specific tests or microscopic examination. If several pets or people in the household develop skin lesions, inform your vet and also consult the relevant healthcare professional.
Alopecia caused by allergies and skin infections
Allergies can cause hair loss due to constant scratching or licking. In dogs, lesions are commonly seen on the legs, face, ears, armpits, groin or abdomen. In cats, bald patches may appear on the belly, flanks, legs or the base of the tail.
Bacterial infections and yeast overgrowth can cause redness, an unpleasant odour, greasiness, flaking, scabs, spots and hair loss. These are often secondary to an allergy, parasites or a disruption of the skin barrier.
One particularly useful test is the veterinary skin cytology. It allows a sample to be examined under a microscope to look for bacteria, yeasts and inflammatory cells, and to tailor treatment more precisely.
Can you lose your hair due to stress or excessive licking?
Stress can contribute to excessive licking, particularly in cats, but it should not be considered the main cause without first ruling out pain, parasites, allergies, infections and other skin conditions.
A cat that licks a specific area may be trying to relieve itching or pain. For example, licking the abdomen or flanks may be linked to skin problems, but also to urinary, digestive or musculoskeletal issues.
Where no sufficient dermatological cause can be identified, a more comprehensive assessment may be required by means of a comprehensive veterinary examination to investigate pain, internal illness or environmental factors.
Do hormonal disorders cause hair loss?
Yes. Certain hormonal and metabolic disorders can affect the hair growth cycle. In such cases, alopecia is usually not very painful, does not always cause itching, and may appear symmetrically on the trunk, flanks or tail.
Other symptoms may include changes in weight, increased thirst and urination, tiredness, changes in appetite, thin skin, recurrent infections or difficulty in hair regrowth after a haircut.
If the pattern or symptoms suggest an internal condition, the veterinary internal medicine can assess whether hormone tests or other tests are necessary. The veterinary blood tests They help to assess a person’s general health and to investigate specific metabolic or endocrine causes.
Warning signs if your pet is losing its coat
Ask your vet to examine your pet if you notice any of the following signs:
- The bald patch gets bigger or new patches appear.
- There is intense itching, accompanied by constant licking or nibbling.
- The skin is red, swollen, moist or sore.
- Scabs, sores, spots, pus or bleeding may appear.
- There is an unpleasant odour or discharge.
- The lesion is circular in shape or there are broken hairs.
- Other animals or people in the household have injuries.
- Hair loss is symmetrical or affects both sides of the body.
- The hair doesn’t grow back.
- There is also weight loss, listlessness, changes in appetite or increased thirst.
- Alopecia recurs after treatment.
You should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible if the injury affects a puppy, a kitten, a senior animal or a pet with pre-existing conditions.
How is localised hair loss diagnosed?
The vet will check when the alopecia began, whether it causes itching, how it has progressed, what anti-parasitic treatments the animal is using, what it is being fed, and whether there are any other symptoms. They will also observe the distribution of the lesions and examine the skin and coat.
Depending on the circumstances, the following may be recommended:
- Combing the fur to check for fleas or their remains.
- Skin scrapings to investigate mites.
- Skin cytology.
- Microscopic examination of the hair.
- Culture or tests to detect dermatophytes.
- Bacterial culture in selected infections.
- An elimination diet if a food allergy is suspected.
- Blood tests and hormone tests.
- A skin biopsy when initial tests are inconclusive.
Not all patients require all of these tests. They are selected based on the appearance of the lesions, the presence of itching, the patient’s age, medical history and response to previous treatments.
What not to do if you have a patch of hair loss
- Do not apply creams, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or essential oils.
- Do not administer corticosteroids, antibiotics or antifungals without a diagnosis.
- Do not use anti-parasite products intended for dogs on cats.
- Do not shave the area before your appointment unless instructed to do so by your vet.
- Do not keep changing your diet without a diagnostic plan.
- Don’t assume it’s down to stress without ruling out any medical causes.
Applying products before taking samples may alter the lesions and make it difficult to identify parasites, bacteria, yeasts or fungi.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Book an appointment if your dog or cat has a new patch of hair loss, if the alopecia is spreading, if there is itching, sores, scabs, a foul odour, or if the hair is not growing back. It is also advisable to seek advice if the lesions reappear or are accompanied by changes in your pet’s general condition.
At Benivet Benissa, we can assess whether hair loss is linked to parasites, allergies, infections, fungal infections, excessive licking, hormonal imbalances or other conditions. Depending on the case, the investigation may include skin scrapings, cytology, tests for dermatophytes, blood tests or a biopsy.
If your dog or cat is losing hair in specific areas and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can Contact Benivet Benissa to book a dermatology consultation.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
