Grooming and coat
Why is my dog losing hair in patches?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Patchy hair loss, as opposed to even thinning, usually has a specific cause such as a skin infection, mites, an allergy, or excessive licking at one spot, and it is not something to diagnose or treat at home. A vet visit is the right next step whenever hair loss appears in defined patches rather than evenly across the coat.
Why patchy loss is different from normal shedding
Normal shedding, even during a heavy seasonal blow, tends to thin the coat evenly rather than creating bald or noticeably thinner patches in specific spots. Patches suggest something localized is affecting hair growth in that particular area, whether that is irritation, infection, or a behavior like repeated licking, rather than the whole body coat cycling normally.
What a vet visit typically involves
A vet will usually look closely at the skin in the affected area, check for signs of parasites, and may take a small sample to examine under a microscope or send for testing, since several different causes can look similar to an owner but need very different treatments to resolve properly.
What to do in the meantime
Avoiding any home treatments, creams, or remedies before a vet has seen the area helps keep the skin's condition clear for an accurate assessment, and taking a photo of the patch as soon as you notice it gives the vet a useful reference for how quickly it may be changing.
Key takeaways
- Patchy hair loss differs from normal, even shedding and usually has a specific underlying cause.
- A vet exam, sometimes including a skin sample, is needed to identify the cause accurately.
- Avoid home treatments before a vet visit so the skin's condition stays clear for assessment.