When your dog is losing hair near their tail, it can be alarming, especially if the area looks red, irritated, or covered with flakes or scabs. Hair loss in this region is extremely common.
We outline the common causes of hair loss near a dog’s tail, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Losing Hair Near Tail — Why It Happens
Dogs lose hair near the tail when the skin becomes irritated or inflamed from allergies, fleas, infections, hormonal issues, or over-licking the tail base. For many dogs, this area is a hotspot for itching, and even minor irritation can lead to intense chewing or scratching that quickly creates bald spots.
Some causes create red, scabby patches, while others produce smooth, symmetrical hair thinning without itching.
Dog Losing Hair Near Tail: Common Causes
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies commonly affect the tail region because allergens settle on the coat and skin. Dogs rub, lick, or scratch the tail base to relieve the itch, and over time, the friction breaks the hair shafts and damages follicles.
You may also notice:
• Itching on legs, belly, or paws.
• Seasonal flare-ups.
• Flaky or dry skin around the tail base.
Grass, pollen, mold, and dust mites are typical triggers, and symptoms often worsen after outdoor activities or during certain seasons.
Read more: Dog Losing Hair in Patches and Scabs (What it means)
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common reason dogs lose hair near the tail. Even one flea bite can trigger weeks of intense itching in dogs allergic to flea saliva.
Because fleas often gather near the tail base and lower back, dogs react by biting, licking, and scratching this area aggressively.
Classic signs include:
• Hair thinning or bald patches at the tail base.
• Red bumps or scabs on the lower back.
• Constant nibbling or chewing near the tail.
Owners often say, “But I never see fleas.” That’s normal — allergic dogs chew them off quickly. If the tail base is the “hotspot,” fleas should always be high on the list of causes.
Food Allergies
Food allergies cause persistent skin inflammation that affects the tail base in many dogs. Because the itching is constant rather than seasonal, the tail region becomes one of the first places to show hair loss.
Common triggers include:
• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Eggs
Dogs may lick or chew around the tail daily, producing bald spots, redness, and recurrent infections. Food allergies often appear alongside chronic ear infections, itchy paws, or digestive upset.
Anal Gland Problems
Anal gland discomfort is an overlooked but very common cause of tail hair loss. When the anal glands become full, irritated, or infected, dogs often lick or chew the base of their tail to try to relieve the pressure.
You may also see:
• Scooting on the floor.
• Foul odor near the rear.
• Swelling or inflammation under the tail.
• Sudden intense licking after bowel movements.
This licking damages the hair, leading to thinning and bald patches around the tail base.
Skin Infections (Yeast or Bacterial Overgrowth)
Yeast or bacterial infections often develop when the skin is moist, irritated, or inflamed — conditions common around the tail. These infections may begin as mild redness and quickly progress to hair loss, greasy patches, scabs, or a yeasty odor.
Hair loss from infections may appear as:
• Irregular bald patches.
• Darkened or thickened skin.
• Moist, oily, or crusty spots.
Because infections spread easily, dogs may show similar patches along the back or inner thighs.
Hormonal Disorders
Unlike allergies or fleas, hormonal disorders cause non-itchy, gradual hair loss. When hormones become imbalanced, hair grows back slowly — or not at all — especially along the back, tail, thighs, and chest.
Two major conditions include:
Hypothyroidism
• leads to thinning on tail and back
• skin is dry, cold, or flaky
• dogs may act tired, gain weight, or develop recurrent infections
Cushing’s Disease
• causes thinning hair on back, tail, and belly
• skin becomes fragile or darkened
• dogs may drink more, pant heavily, or appear pot-bellied
If the hair loss near your dog’s tail isn’t itchy or inflamed, hormonal disease becomes more likely.
Over-Grooming from Pain, Anxiety, or Compulsive Behavior
Dogs sometimes lick the tail repeatedly due to:
• Joint or hip pain.
• Anxiety or stress.
• Boredom.
• Nerve inflammation or tingling.
• Compulsive grooming tendencies.
Constant licking breaks the hair and can create ulcers known as “lick granulomas.” These often appear on the tail base or thighs and are slow to heal unless the root cause is identified.
Related: Dog losing hair on hind legs (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Losing Hair Near Their Tail
Start by parting the fur gently and checking for fleas, redness, scabs, or signs of irritation. The tail base is a high-traffic area for itching, so look closely. Even a single flea discovery strongly supports flea allergy dermatitis.
If fleas are suspected, ensure your dog is on consistent, veterinarian-approved flea prevention — not over-the-counter products, which often fail. Treat the environment if needed and monitor for improvement.
If allergies seem likely, consider bathing your dog with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and wiping their coat after outdoor walks to remove pollen. Reducing exposure to synthetic fragrances, harsh detergents, or rough fabrics can help soothe the skin.
Avoid scolding or preventing licking through punishment; this increases anxiety. Instead, provide enrichment, distraction toys, or calming activities to redirect the licking gently. If the skin looks infected, moist, or painful, veterinary care is needed to prevent worsening.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary evaluation if:
• The hair loss is worsening or spreading.
• The skin is red, irritated, scabby, or bleeding.
• Your dog is extremely itchy or uncomfortable.
• Fleas are suspected but you cannot get the itch under control.
• You notice scooting, foul smells, or signs of anal gland issues.
• Your dog may have a skin infection or yeast overgrowth.
• Non-itchy hair loss suggests a hormonal disorder.
Because tail-base skin issues progress quickly, early treatment leads to faster healing and prevents long-term discomfort.
Read more: Dog Losing Hair and Itching (Underlying causes explained)
Key Takeaway
Hair loss near a dog’s tail is most often caused by fleas, allergies, infections, anal gland problems, or hormonal disorders.
Observing how quickly the hair loss appeared, whether your dog is itchy, and what the skin looks like can help narrow down the cause.
With proper care — and veterinary support when needed — most cases improve with consistent, targeted treatment.