Why does my dog have bald patches during shedding season?
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Overview
Bald patches during shedding season are often due to normal heavy moulting, but they can also happen if your dog is over-grooming, scratching, or has an underlying skin issue. The patchiness is the clue to look closer, especially if the skin also looks red, sore, flaky or scabby.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the hair loss is even shedding all over or whether it’s leaving clear bare patches in one or two areas.
2. Look closely for redness, soreness, scabs, flaking, heat, swelling or broken skin.
3. Notice whether your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or biting the area more than usual.
4. Think about whether the bald patches appeared after grooming, bathing, clipping or using a new shampoo.
5. Check for fleas, flea dirt, ticks or signs of other parasites, especially around the rump, belly and neck.
6. Feel whether the coat is greasy, dry, brittle or patchy in texture as well as thinner than usual.
7. Consider whether there have been changes in diet, bedding, walks, home environment or stress.
Common Causes
The most common reason is heavy seasonal moulting, where loose undercoat comes away unevenly and makes some areas look thinner than others.
Another common cause is over-grooming from itchiness, which can be linked to fleas, dry skin, contact irritation, pollen, or a reaction to grooming products.
Skin infections, such as bacterial or yeast-related problems, can also cause patchy hair loss, often with a smell, redness or irritation.
Less commonly, bald patches can be linked to parasites, hormone-related conditions, or other skin disorders that need a vet to assess properly.
What To Do
Keep a simple note of where the bald patches are, whether they are spreading, and whether your dog seems itchy or uncomfortable.
Brush gently and regularly to remove loose coat, but stop if the skin looks sore or your dog objects, because over-brushing can make irritation worse.
Use a dog-friendly shampoo only if the skin is intact and your dog tolerates bathing well, and avoid switching products repeatedly while you are trying to work out the cause.
Check your dog’s bedding, collar and usual resting spots for anything that might be irritating the skin.
If the coat loss is mild and your dog otherwise seems well, monitor for a week or two to see whether it settles as the shedding period passes.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the bald patches are getting bigger, the skin looks inflamed or painful, your dog is very itchy, or you notice scabs, discharge, a bad smell, or signs of discomfort.
It’s also sensible to seek advice if the hair loss keeps coming back, your dog seems unwell, or you suspect fleas, infection or a skin allergy that isn’t settling.
Products That May Help
For dogs with heavy shedding or routine coat care needs, gentle grooming and skin-friendly washing can help support a calmer grooming routine and make it easier to keep an eye on patchy areas.
Related Questions
Is it normal for my dog to shed in patches?
How can I tell if my dog’s bald spot is from scratching?
When should shedding turn into a vet visit?
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.