Demodex mites like to live in the hair follicles, and they are generally not considered contagious to other pets. Dr. Joanna de Klerk is a professional Clinical Veterinarian. Many puppies act hyper at night causing dog owners to wonder what must be going on in those little doggy minds. The typical areas affected include under the armpits, belly, groin, flanks, ears, and paws, but the whole body can be afflicted, including the face and around the eyes. Another cause of eye pain, which can cause your dog to rub his eyes, is glaucoma. Fortunately, the good news is that, generally with cases of hair loss, yes, the hair will grow back once the underlying condition is recognized and treated accordingly, explains Dr. James O. Noxon of Iowa State University in the book: "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine.". There are a few steps you can take to avoid hair loss in your dog and to minimize the risk of serious illness: Always make fresh, clean water available This keeps them hydrated, which promotes soft skin and a healthy coat. A lot of our doggie friends suffer from allergies of many types! Despite the name, it is not a worm! It usually starts around the eyes before making its way to the mouth and then onto the rest of the body. Similar to conjunctivitis, dry eye can also cause a mucus discharge from the eye, which in turn causes irritation and secondary skin infection. This infection is known as either demodectic mange, Demodex mange, or demodicosis. Establish food allergies and intolerance Use trial and error to gradually eliminate foods that cause problems. There are numerous different reasons why your dog may lose hair around his eyes. This condition is caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye that damages the retina and optic nerve due to the extra pressure. There are some "hairless" dogs like Chinese crested and Mexican hairless, but there are some dogs are more prone to baldness than others. Parasites, Bacterial, And Fungal Infection, starts around the eyes before making its way to the mouth, 30 Alaskan Malamute Mixes: When The Fluff Prevails. Alopecia, the medical name for hair loss, falls into two broad categories: congenital and acquired. On the other hand, Dairy is more complicated as any symptoms you notice could be down to lactose intolerance rather than an allergic reaction. Only a veterinarian can do the appropriate tests and determine the underlying cause. He or she may run some tests to diagnose some eye problems such as eye staining or eye pressure tests and can then suggest the most appropriate treatment based on findings. 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. Treatment involves managing the itchiness and minimizing allergen exposure. Pupvine is more than the average dog-related website. 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. In other breeds not affected by hereditary alopecia, most bald spots will clear up with the right course of treatment. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are prone to hereditary alopecia. This is one reason dog owners may tie up their dogs hair on the top of their head, or regularly get their dogs groomed. It is best to talk to your veterinarian rather than treat at home, as they will be able to determine the most suitable treatment for your canine companion. Treating your dog's allergies may include topical or internal medication, allergy shots, a change in diet, and avoiding the allergen. Fogle, B. Caring for Your Dog, Dorling Kindersley, Ltd., 2002. Fleas and ticks particularly like residing around the ears resulting in constant scratching of that area. While it isnt itchy, it does cause the skin to become flaky and scaly, with hair loss around the eyes. The appearance of hair loss around a dog's eyes is not only unsightly from a cosmetic perspective, but it can also be indicative of some underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. This might be primarily caused by a disease affecting that area, or secondary to rubbing their eyes on furniture or carpet to relieve their discomfort. Fleas are small, brown, jumping insects that inhabit a dogs skin and feed on its blood. The usual causes include detached retina, tumors, infections, or it can be inherited in the genes. There are many other causes of hair loss, including fungal skin infection, such as ringworm, extreme stress, weather changes, and endocrine diseases, such as Cushings disease and hypothyroidism. Ringworm is treated with topical antifungal medications. As far as possible, try to avoid situations that cause your dog to be stressed. Skin infections occur once the skin is already inflamed or damaged, often secondary to underlying skin allergies. Your dog does not necessarily need a flea infestation to experience itching from fleas. Well, youll probably still worry because thats all part of having a fur-baby, isnt it? ThePets is an informational website that features articles written by qualified Therefore the list of eye problems causing discomfort can be quite extensive, and may include: Seeing a veterinarian or a specialist in eye problems such as a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist may help. The hair loss will most likely be non-pruritic (no itchiness! The most serious of these is probably glaucoma, as it can result in loss of sight. If you are concerned about your dogs hair loss, be sure to seek veterinary advice. Taking your dog to the vet is your best option for proper diagnosis and treatment. Since the eyes are particularly close, trauma can result in hair loss on the face and ears, as well as near the eyes. Dogs affected by allergiesare typically itchy, and on top of rubbing the skin around their eyes, they may have itchy faces and may be licking their paws, explains veterinarian Dr. Denise Colgrove. They wont want to play or exercise, resulting in rapid weight gain as the metabolism slows down. The trouble all lies in the proteins. Dog Losing Hair Around the Eyes: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment (Vet Advice). Sometimes this is year-round, and sometimes seasonal hair loss, and in many cases, it is perfectly normal. Skin infections cause significant itchiness in dogs, as well as red, raw, bad-smelling skin with hair loss. When Should You Worry About Fur Loss Around Your Dogs Eye? Many dogs have flea allergies, which results in an allergic reaction in the skin from just one flea bite. 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. 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. When pollen or spores from mold come into contact with this, it can cause a bad reaction. There isnt a definite course of treatment in these cases unless it is related to one of these secondary causes listed above. 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. Affected dogs typically develop swelling, discomfort, redness, squinting and discharge. Healthy Dog Gums: What Color should a Dogs Gums be? Dog Smells Like Fish: Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? These can result in itchy, watery eyes, which your dog may try to relieve by rubbing their face on objects. Are They Safe For Allergy Sufferers? Over time, the constant pressure tends to thicken the skin, the hair falls out, and calluses form. Therefore, its essential to work alongside your vet to determine what is causing your dogs allergies and treat or avoid the underlying problem. Flea bites are behind most dog allergies, however. Flea infestation its one of those things that dog owners dread! 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. 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. This article will discuss the causes of hair loss around the eyes in dogs and the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss. 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. Food allergies include wheat, fish, chicken, soy, lamb, rabbit, pork, egg, and dairy. It usually causes symptoms such as a clouding of the eye; however, the first sign is usually a discomfort. Like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to foods, environmental triggers such as pollen, or to parasites like fleas or mites. "Demodex mites are normal inhabitants of the hair follicles and are not usually problematic, but their population can overgrow in young puppies and sick or elderly dogs," explains Dr. Jennifer Masucci. Clean up any feces or urine in the yard or around places they tend to play or rest. Its a life philosophy that teaches us dogs are more valuable than we could ever think of. Just like humans, dogs also have a mucus membrane. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The hair may or may not grow back with time. Do Goldendoodles Shed? Some of the symptoms are similar, though a dairy intolerance will affect digestion, whereas an allergy will cause hair loss and skin irritation. This type of friction is what may cause the dog to lose hairs around the eye, explains veterinarian Dr. Fiona. Can dogs losing hair around the eyes be reversed? By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Sitting May Raise Risk of Heart Failure Nearly 50%, Broccoli Reigns Supreme as Americas Favorite Veggie, Vaccinations for Youngest Kids Gets Final CDC Approval, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, The Future of Food: What You Need to Know, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Bald Spots in Dogs: Common Causes and Treatments, When to See a Vet About Bald Spots in Dogs, Compulsive Licking, Biting, and Scratching in Dogs, Dog Ear Mites Symptoms, Causes, Complications, Treatment and Prevention of Ear Mites in Dogs, Skin Problems: Allergies, Conditions and Diseases, and Dry Skin, Any skin lesions in other pets or people in the household. Most dogs will show signs of improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, but the skin and coat may take months to fully recover. Hair loss in dogs may also be caused by hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's disease, a condition caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Ringworm is also a fungal infection that can cause hair loss. With congenital alopecia, the dog will have been born with the condition (which may or may not be hereditary). After all, dogs are omnivores, arent they? In addition to the itching caused by a flea bite, to make matters worse, some dogs are also allergic to flea saliva, which causes especially severe itchiness. Ringworm fungus, pests like mange mites, and bacteria can all lead to infections that may ultimately cause bald spots on your dog. Skin inflammation can create bald spots due to the follicles of the hair becoming damaged. Blepharitis is a medical condition known for causing inflammation of the eyelids. And because the hair follicles are already damaged, the hair is pulled out easily. When dogs can are allergic to environmental particles such as dust, mold, and pollen, it is called "canine atopy." 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. There are lots of reasons dogs may lose hair (also called alopecia), from infection to irritation caused by parasites. Sometimes the scrape has to go deep enough to cause slight bleeding of the capillaries, which helps catch any burrowing mites. My dog loses hair around the eyes could it be a mineral deficiency? How To Diagnose Your Dog Losing Hair Around Eyes? Using a range of tests, they will be able to determine the cause of the problem and suggest a course of treatment. Early detection is essential to save your dogs eyesight! Cushing's disease is more common in dogs 6 years or older. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, it can be treated using medication, but it sometimes requires surgery. Your vet can prescribe vet-approved products that are safe to use around your dog's eyes. Ringworm does not usually cause itchiness, but secondary bacterial infection may occur, producing crusts that cause the dog to lick and scratch itself excessively. Therefore, it is another cause of discomfort and may result in rubbing and hair loss secondarily too. Parasites on your dogs body can lead to intense itching and discomfort. There is veterinary medicine available to treat glaucoma as well as underlying issues but left untreated; it could eventually lead to your dog requiring removal of their eye. The outer layer of the eye, known as the cornea, has one of the densest networks of nerves in the body, which results in it being extremely sensitive. This means that fur loss can usually be reversed if the underlying disease is addressed. Keep the environment clean! My Dog Has a Sore Bum: What Can I Put on It? [2] Therefore, any sort of trauma to the eye can lead to the extreme pain, causing squinting and excessive blinking. If not treated, it can result in blindness. Is The Hype Worth It? Bell Peppers And Your Dogs Health. Along with hair loss from licking and biting the irritated areas, signs of flea allergies include itching and redness. editorial process. These mites, known as Demodex canis, are present on every healthy dog and dont usually cause any harm. 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. Hair loss around a dog's eyes can be concerning, and the issue can be more than just cosmetic. The trick is to get a quick diagnosis and start any treatment immediately! When certain proteins enter the dogs digestive system, especially for the first time, their immune system can overreact and produce antigens to fight them as they are seen as a threat. Learn about our editorial process and veterinary review board. Graduated with a Master of Science in Tropical Animal Medicine in 2018. The symptoms, mostly found in dogs over six years old, include increased urination and excessive thirst, an increase in appetite, panting, bloating, lack of energy, and obesity. Any cause of eye pain can lead to your dog rubbing his eyes against the furniture. Theyre a real nuisance and can be picked up so easily on those treks through the great outdoors, but they can be managed with the right treatment of sprays and powders. Dapple Dachshund: What Kind Of Dog Is It? Generally, the hair around the dog's eyes will grow back once the underlying condition is recognized and treated. The best way to prevent fleas is to keep your dog on year-round flea prevention. Sadly, in cases of inherited (primary) glaucoma, there is no cure. However, the trouble arises when the colonies become too large and out of control, causing a powerful immune reaction. [] brushing will significantly reduce the amount of hair you need to deal with, but that is as far as it goes. Although small ringworm lesions may clear up spontaneously, it is contageous and should be treated. While the list of environmental causes probably isnt a surprise, the food allergies could come as a shock to some people. Can Dogs Eat Durian? When we notice that our precious fur-babies are feeling unwell, perhaps shunning their food or lying around with no energy, its only natural to worry about them. It may be a primary condition affecting the skin, or it may be secondary to self-trauma from trying to relieve discomfort associated with the eye. 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. Regardless of the cause, pet owners should take their dog to the vet immediately if you suspect your dog has an eye injury, as in severe cases, the eye could rupture if left untreated. 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. If there are no noticeable problems with the eye, then another likely possibility for a dog suffering from hair loss around the eyes is that the dog is suffering from some type of underlying skin problem. Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK and a member of the South African Veterinary Association. Our furry best friends need more than they deserve for all the love theyre giving unconditionally. Environmental triggers could be fleas (and other parasites), pollen, mold, and dust mites. They are by far the most popular pet globally, and we treasure them. You should ask your veterinarian for advice on treating your dogs hair loss around the eyes. All rights reserved. Not only is the behavior odd, but it can also be messy considering that you'll be cleaning up after your dog. veterinarians and professional writers. Can Dogs Eat Peppers? Approximately 90% of localized demodicosis cases resolve spontaneously; however, 10% may become generalized and require more intensive veterinary treatment. Demodectic mange is almost exclusively a condition of young dogs under one year old. But what are the main causes? Tips on Measuring Your Dog Height. Fur loss can be reversed if the follicles are not damaged, which usually only occurs if there is scarring. Along with hair loss around the ears,eyes, mouth, and elsewhere, signs your dog may have mites include oily skin, thickened skin, itching, and inflammation. Balding because of hair loss is known as alopecia, and not only can it be unsightly, but it can also be a cause for concern for dog lovers. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. One pattern which warrants veterinary attention is dog hair loss around the eyes, also known as periocular alopecia. Any bald spots should be investigated to determine the cause, which will allow you to get the correct treatment. This inflammation may cause swelling, presence of pus and crusts and excess itching, which may ultimately lead to hair loss around the dog's eyes. Why do dogs sometimes lose too much hair? Fatty or sugary foods can cause serious health issues in the long term. Your dogs eyes may be sore and red, and they will scrape at them or rub them on rough surfaces, which could be one reason why they have lost hair around the eyes. Symptoms include tears, redness of the eyes, rubbing and scratching, and hair loss around the eye area. 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. Its also important to note that allergic reactions require urgent veterinary attention, and so if you think your dog has been stung by a bee or similar and is swollen around the eyes, immediately take him to your local vet. If left uncontrolled, allergies can cause significant discomfort and lead to secondary skin infections, such as yeast infections. Typically, the hair loss is accompanied byred and inflamed skin surrounding the eye. Allergies can be due to something in the environment, fleas or a possible food. [1]. Read More Veterinarian Tips on Dogs Health. The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook, Workman Publishing. It's normal for your canine companion to shed hair -- sometimes lots of it. Thyroid problems can also affect a dogs skin and coat. Dogs affected by ringworm typically show skin irritation resembling an allergic reaction, and a circular loss of hair, where infection occurs. This condition can be difficult to diagnose, but once it has been confirmed, treatment can begin. Its fairly easy to identify because of this and can be treated with an antifungal ointment. The first sign is often black spots on your dogs coat, which are specks flea dirt (mostly excreted blood). When the body produces too much over a long period of time, it can lead to an increase in health problems, including skin conditions that lead to hair loss. Also, dog breeds with long hair around their faces may find the hair recurrently touches their eyes. One possible skin issue is the presence of a parasite, such as demodex canis which is common in young dogs with a weakened immune system and can cause hair loss and scaling around the dog's eyes, but typically without much itching involved. Discovering why dogs have cold noses can help us better understand our canine companions. Infection or Infestation (Ringworm, Mites, Bacteria). The condition is managed using medication. Blue Poodle: What's So Special About These Pooches? Back in time, we used to think that a dog's wet nose was a sign of health, while a dry one was a sign of a sickly dog, but nowadays, we know better. About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact 2022 PupVine. It may not come as a surprise to you that dogs losing hair is often a regular occurrence. From early puppyhood to the complex adult stages, heres where youll find all the info you need to raise your Fido or Fiona the best way possible. Medication and sometimes surgery is available to treat Cushings disease, also known as Cushing's syndrome. Affected hair can easily be pulled from the skin. Other signs of fleas include skin redness and hair loss, especially on a dogs back toward the base of the tail. It is one of the most common primary conditions which causes fur loss around the eyes. It would be a good idea to have a skin scraping done so to determine whether the hair loss around the dog's eyes is caused by mange and so the correct medication can be used. A few of the more common reasons include: Allergies are a frequent trigger for hair loss in dogs. A dog peeing when walking is something that can leave dog owners baffled, wondering what is going on with the affected dog. 100 Mixed Dog Breeds You Didnt Know Existed (With Pictures), 25 American Dog Breeds You Didnt Know About. They will be sensitive to cold, always seeking out warm spots. To add to the problem, dogs will often continue to scratch at the spot, which invites skin infections as bacteria can enter the lesions. Cushings disease is usually caused by a benign tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland, but overuse of steroids to treat allergies or immune system disorders can contribute to the development of this condition as well. All rights reserved. The rash often appears in a circular pattern, which is how the infection got its name. If your dog is scratching the area excessively, your may dog may need to be fit with an Elizabethan collar so to not further aggravate the skin by rubbing it. Nevertheless, your veterinarian is likely to keep them in mind when investigating why your dog is losing hair around the eyes. If you didnt, dont panic! Gerstenfeld, S. ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs, Chronicle Books, 1999. However, on occasions, folliculitis can be caused by fungal infections, parasitic infestations and hormonal imbalances, explains veterinarian Dr. Ivana. In contrast, if it is acquired, they will have developed the condition due to the hair follicles being damaged or destroyed. 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. Periocular alopecia in dogs usually occurs following trauma or inflammation to the hair follicles or skin around your dogs eye. Always make sure your vet has ruled out other causes of hair loss. Are These Dogs Really Hypoallergenic? Secondary glaucoma is treated with medication or surgery, depending on the cause. Yeast infections are often associated with a dark brown discharge on the skin surface, while there may be pus on the skin surface with bacterial infections, further explains Dr. Masucci. 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. Fleas may be a persistent problem since they can last up to 4 months in the home. Are certain breeds more prone to hair loss? Countless dog owners have taken to the internet to ask, why is my dog losing hair?, worried that this might be a sign of a serious condition. Vet Clinics Locator. However, these conditions can cause your dogs coat to suffer from bald spots anywhere on the body and not necessarily just the hair around the eyes. 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. Common symptoms which are associated with hair loss in that region are eye pain, skin irritation, excessive tears or eye discharge, tear staining and observing your dog rubbing or scratching the area. There are many potential treatments for bald areas around the eye as there are many different causes. This cuts down the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Eye problems can often be accompanied by discharge, redness and pain. 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. Allergic rashes usually appear within minutes to hours of exposure, and other symptoms can include listlessness, fever, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Discover several reasons. 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. A case of canine atopy causing hair loss around a dog's eye. For example, to stop flea-bite allergies, kill the fleas as soon as possible! It can be in a focal area, extensive, random, or symmetrical. An environmental allergy can also lead to hayfever-like symptoms. Most allergies can be treated with antihistamines, such as Benadryl. Demodicosis is a condition caused by Demodex mites and is also known as demodectic mange. Secondary bacterial infections are common but can be treated with antibiotics, while the condition itself can be controlled with insecticide ointment. Always talk to your vet immediately if your dog develops hives as emergency treatment may be needed. Dogs Seasonal Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. The hair and scale that drops off is separated and examined for signs of fragmented flea feces, lice, or cheyletiella (mange mites). Kahn, C. The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health, Home Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., 2007. Eye trauma can result from a foreign body becoming stuck in the eye or an eye injury from a laceration from a stick or claw. Following are several potential causes of hair loss around a dog's eye due to skin issues. It is a genetic disease that causes the skin to turn black and for all the hair to fall out. While this condition is not a medical emergency, it makes dogs uncomfortable and complications may set. For a particularly allergic dog, it may take as little as one flea bite to start an allergic reaction that lingers for days. One common problem in dogs is bald spots, where patches of hair begin to drop out. Hair loss in dogs can happen for many reasons, but when it only affects the area around a dog's eyes, the list of conditions can be narrowed down considerably. Partly covered by the section above, but worth breaking down further, infection due to parasites or fungus are common causes of bald spots and alopecia in dogs. Due to this friction, the hair may start to fall out. Glaucoma is a build-up of pressure within the eye, which usually has an underlying cause that your vet should investigate. Brevitz, B. 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. However, this is unlikely to occur around your dogs eyes as it is not a condition that commonly affects dogs. [] first sign of health issues is hair loss.

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how to treat hair loss around dogs eyes