If your dog is scratching excessively and losing hair, it’s a troubling sign that something is irritating their skin or affecting their health.
Scratching is normal in moderation, but when it becomes constant and leads to bald spots, redness, or sores, it often signals an underlying issue that requires attention.
We outline the common causes of excessive scratching and hair loss in dogs, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessive Scratching and Hair Loss — Why It Happens
Dogs may excessively scratch and lose hair due to allergies, parasites, infections, hormonal imbalances, or skin conditions. Fleas and mites are among the most frequent culprits, but food sensitivities, environmental triggers, or even thyroid disease can also lead to itching and hair loss.
Infections caused by bacteria or yeast can make the situation worse, leaving dogs uncomfortable and at risk of more serious complications.
When scratching escalates to the point of bald patches or sores, it’s a clear sign something more than everyday itching is happening.
Dog Excessive Scratching and Hair Loss: Common Causes
Fleas and Parasites
Fleas are one of the most common reasons for intense scratching and hair loss in dogs. Even a few flea bites can cause a severe allergic reaction, known as flea allergy dermatitis.
Dogs with this condition often scratch so much that they develop bald patches, scabs, or hot spots.
Mites and ticks can also burrow into or latch onto the skin, causing irritation, inflammation, and hair loss. Mange, caused by mites, is especially itchy and leads to patchy baldness if untreated.
These parasites are not only uncomfortable but can also transmit other diseases, making treatment and prevention essential.
Read more: Dog Excessive Scratching No Fleas (What else could it be?)
Allergies (Food and Environmental)
Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, pollen, dust mites, or even cleaning products in the home.
Allergic reactions often show up as intense itchiness, redness, and skin irritation, particularly around the paws, belly, and ears.
Hair loss can occur as a result of persistent licking and scratching in affected areas. Food allergies may be linked to common proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy, while environmental allergies can flare up seasonally or year-round.
Allergies can be chronic and frustrating, but with veterinary guidance and sometimes diet changes, symptoms can be managed.
Bacterial and Yeast Infections
When scratching damages the skin, bacteria and yeast can take advantage of the broken barrier and cause infections. These infections make the itching worse, creating a cycle of irritation and scratching that leads to further hair loss.
Yeast infections often produce a musty odor and greasy or thickened skin. Bacterial infections may cause oozing sores, scabs, and crusty patches.
Both types of infection require treatment, as they can spread and become painful if ignored.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) or Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol) can cause skin problems and hair loss in dogs.
Unlike flea or allergy-related itching, these imbalances may not always cause visible redness or rashes but can lead to thinning coats, dull fur, and bald patches.
These conditions often come with additional symptoms, such as weight changes, lethargy, or increased thirst and urination. Because hormones affect many body systems, hair loss linked to them should never be overlooked.
Dry Skin and Poor Nutrition
Sometimes the cause of excessive scratching and hair loss is as simple as dry skin or a poor diet. Low humidity, frequent bathing with harsh shampoos, or lack of essential fatty acids can leave your dog’s skin flaky and itchy.
Over time, scratching dry skin can cause fur breakage and bald spots. Dogs on low-quality food without enough nutrients may also have brittle coats that shed more easily, amplifying the problem.
Stress and Behavioral Issues
Just like humans, dogs may over-groom or scratch excessively due to stress or boredom. Separation anxiety, changes in the home, or lack of mental stimulation can lead to obsessive scratching and licking.
This type of behavior often starts as a response to emotional stress but can quickly result in physical problems like bald patches and irritated skin. Identifying whether the cause is behavioral versus medical is important, as the treatments differ.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Scratching and Losing Hair
If your dog is scratching and losing hair, the first step is to check their skin and coat for fleas, ticks, or signs of irritation. Regular grooming and flea prevention are crucial in ruling out common causes.
Switching to a high-quality diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support skin and coat health, especially if nutrition is a factor. Bathing with a gentle, vet-approved shampoo may soothe irritation, but avoid overbathing, as this can make dryness worse.
If allergies are suspected, working with a vet to try an elimination diet or allergy testing can help narrow down triggers. Providing enrichment and stress relief, such as toys, puzzles, or calming routines, may also reduce behavioral scratching.
While at-home care can help, ongoing or severe symptoms always require professional input.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s scratching leads to raw skin, bleeding, or spreading bald patches, it’s time to see a vet. Persistent scratching that interferes with sleep or daily activity is also a clear red flag.
Sudden hair loss combined with weight changes, increased thirst, or lethargy could point to hormonal or systemic illness that needs medical evaluation. Dogs with foul odors, scabs, or thickened skin likely have secondary infections that require treatment.
If your dog is distressed, restless, or in visible pain, do not wait—professional veterinary care is the best way to get answers and relief.
Read more: Dog Excessively Scratching (Why it happens and what to do)
Key Takeaway
Excessive scratching and hair loss in dogs is not something to ignore. While fleas are a frequent cause, allergies, infections, hormonal issues, and even stress can all be responsible.
Early action at home, such as flea prevention, gentle skincare, and improved diet, can help in mild cases. But if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other health changes, seeking veterinary care is essential.
By paying attention to the signs and getting timely help, you can restore your dog’s comfort, protect their skin and coat, and ensure they stay healthy and happy.