Is there a bald patch near your dog’s butt? You might be curious if it is natural, or due to another larger health concern.
There are many different reasons as to why a dog loses hair near its tail. Here are some important ones.
Why is There a Bald Patch Near My Dog’s Butt?
The main reasons there is a bald patch near your dog’s butt is because of allergies, hotspots, infections, ringworm, ticks/fleas, baldness, mange, and poor nutrition.
- Bald patch due to allergies
Allergies are one of the primary causes for dogs to develop bald patches and lose hair. The common signs are itchy skin, swelling, hair loss, and bald patches. Many allergies are genetic and passed down through their parents. Dogs can suffer from environmental allergies and food allergies.
Allergies can also be seasonal and only affect your dog during certain times of the year.
- Hot spots
Hot spots or acute moist dermatitis are small areas that appear red, irritated, and inflamed. They often feel hot to the touch. Hot spots are caused by infections, allergies, insect bites, or excessive chewing or licking. Treatment consists of cleansing the hot spot and addressing the underlying condition.
- Infections causing bald patches
Your dog can suffer from bald patches, hair loss, itching, and redness due to bacterial or fungal yeast infections. If you see any inflammation on your dogs skin, you should consult with a vet.
- Ringworm
Ringworms are a type of fungus that causes hair loss and round bald patches of infection. Young puppies are the most susceptible to ringworm infection. There are various anti-fungal treatments for ringworm.
- Ticks and fleas
Fleas and ticks can cause irritation, bald patches, and a wide variety of skin problems for your dogs. A dog’s fur provides the perfect environment for fleas and ticks and they can easily pick up fleas when outdoors.
To learn more, check out my article on How to Get Rid of Ticks and Mites in Dogs?
- Seasonal Flank Baldness
Seasonal Flank Baldness is a type of alopecia caused by your dog’s decreased exposure to sunlight. This usually occurs if you live in a cold environment or if your daily routine prohibits you from going outside.
If possible, you should always make sure you dog gets at least one hour a day in the sunlight. This will help maintain both physical and mental health.
- Demodectic Mange
Your dog’s hair loss may be due to mange caused by tiny parasites called mites. These mites are often buried in the hair follicles of your dog. Demodectic Mange causes bald spots, scabbing, and sores in dogs. Mites can spread very quickly and even lay eggs inside your dog’s skin. Therefore it is very important that you treat them as soon as possible.
- Poor nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies can also result in your dogs’ hair loss and bald patches. Your dog’s food should be balanced to prevent nutritional deficiencies. I strongly recommend checking out this Wild-Caught Silver Carp Dog Food. It contains all the important vitamins and nutrients, and your dog will love the taste.
How do I treat my dog’s bald spot?
While the treatment of a bald patch near your dog’s butt can be determined with the assistance of your vet, there are a few things that you can do at home:
You can take the following steps to prevent bald patches near your dog’s butt:
- When you groom your dog, check for allergies and rashes. Also, identify any signs of infection like redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin.
- Provide good nutrition and a complete balanced diet to your dog. Good diet will boost their immune system.
- Add omega 3 and omega 6 supplements in your dog’s diet to maintain healthy coat conditions.
- Baking soda can help your dog stop itching.
- Avoid feeding processed food that contains toxic chemical preservatives. They can have a bad effect on the dog’s skin and coat.
- Annual vet examinations are a key part of preventive care. These vet checkups give you a solid chance to track your dog’s coat conditions.
- There are many solutions in the market for fleas control in dogs. You need to identify which ones will work better in your case.
- If you notice that your dog has inflammation on its skin, you should feed them an Anti Inflammatory Diet.
if you spot any signs of redness, irritation or infection, it’s imperative that you contact your vet straight away. They may prescribe a treatment to prevent the infection from getting worse.
Wrapping up
If your dog is showing any symptoms of the skin problems discussed, speak to your vet straight away for professional advice. Both mild and severe skin problems in dogs require a thorough examination. This will help your vet to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment plan.
Your dog needs healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and a safe and comfy place to relax and sleep. These furry pals also need protection from extreme temperatures and cared for when they fall ill.
Another thing that is often overlooked is a dog’s bed. It is important to thoroughly clean and wash your dog’s bed at least once a month. This will help remove any harmful parasites.
