What should I check if my dog has bald patches and is itchy? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog has bald patches and is itchy, there are several possible causes. Mange is one possibility, but fleas, allergies, skin infection, ringworm, or simple irritation can look similar at home. The main things to check are the skin itself, where the patches are appearing, and whether your dog is scratching or losing hair in a pattern that gives clues.
Things To Check
1. Check where the bald patches are. Face, ears, elbows, belly, rump, paws and around the tail can each point towards different causes.
2. Look closely at the skin for redness, scabs, flaking, crusts, broken skin, moisture, swelling or a bad smell.
3. See whether the itching is constant or comes and goes, and whether it’s worse after exercise, sleep, grooming or being outdoors.
4. Check for fleas, flea dirt, or signs of other biting insects, especially around the rump, base of the tail and belly.
5. Notice whether the coat loss is patchy, symmetrical, or caused by over-licking, chewing or scratching.
6. Think about anything new in the last few weeks, such as a change in food, shampoo, bedding, cleaning products or grooming routine.
7. If you have other pets, check whether any of them are itchy too, as some skin problems can affect more than one animal.
Common Causes
Fleas and other parasites are one of the most common reasons for itching and hair loss, even if you don’t spot many fleas straight away. Allergies are also common and can cause repeated scratching, licking and thin patches of hair, especially on the paws, belly, face or ears.
Mange can cause intense itchiness and patchy hair loss, sometimes with crusty skin, redness or a dull coat. Skin infections can develop after scratching or as a separate problem, and these may make the skin sore, greasy or smelly.
Less commonly, hair loss and itching can be linked to ringworm, irritation from grooming products, contact with something in the environment, or underlying health issues that affect the skin and coat.
What To Do
Take a few clear photos of the affected areas so you can compare them over time. Keep an eye on whether the patches are spreading, whether the itch is getting worse, and whether your dog is licking or chewing the same areas repeatedly.
Keep your dog’s bedding clean and avoid any new shampoos, sprays or home remedies unless your vet has suggested them. If your dog is scratching heavily, try to reduce further irritation by keeping nails trimmed and stopping access to sore areas where possible.
If the skin is only mildly irritated, regular gentle grooming can help you monitor the coat and spot changes early. If the itching continues, the patches are spreading, or the skin looks sore, it’s sensible to arrange a vet check so the cause can be identified properly.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s skin is itchy or the coat is patchy, gentle routine grooming and washing can help you keep the skin clean and make changes easier to spot. The right pet care items can support a calm, regular skin and coat routine at home.
Related Questions
Could my dog’s bald patches be caused by fleas rather than mange?
What does mange usually look like on a dog?
When should I ask a vet about itchy skin and hair loss?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.