Have you discovered a bald patch on your furry friend and are now worried that there could be a serious illness behind it? Common causes of the skin flashing can be a fungal or parasitic infection. However, serious illnesses such as a hormonal disorder can also be present. In any case, you should visit a veterinarian if your furry friend has bald patches. We will show you how to tell the difference between normal hair loss and a serious illness:

Severe itching? Recognize serious illnesses:

Normal hair loss or coat change must be distinguished from a serious illness. Pay attention to whether your furry friend is losing more fur than usual or whether bald patches are even appearing. You should be particularly careful if the bald patch is symmetrical, i.e. on both sides of the body, or if hair is falling out in several places on your furry friend. Red, inflamed or flaky patches can also be an indication of a serious illness. Itching and changes in behavior such as lethargy or loss of appetite are also signs of a serious illness. If you notice these symptoms, possibly even in combination, you should take your furry friend to a veterinarian. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the faster your four-legged friend can get well again.

Places where bald spots can occur

On the ear

Mange can be the cause of bald patches on or in the ear. Mange is a general term for skin diseases caused by mites, although the symptoms can vary greatly. Mites often cause severe itching, which is accompanied by the bald patches. However, mites can settle not only on the stomach, but also on the underside of the chest, the elbows and the ears. Mites can often be recognized by reddened skin with small red dots or nodules.

On the neck or head

The collar can also be the cause of bald patches on the neck. For example, dogs can react allergically to leather and lose hair. A food allergy can also be the cause of itching that leads to hair loss. There is special food for this, such as SENSITIVE LUPINE PROTEIN , which was specially made for sensitive furry friends. However, bald patches on the neck or the bridge of the nose can be symptoms of a hormonal disorder.

On the inside of the legs

Bald patches on the flanks or on the inside of the legs can also have hormonal causes. As with the neck, you should pay attention to whether accompanying symptoms such as weakness or weight gain occur. In any case, you should visit a veterinarian.

Parasite or fungal infection as a cause

Bald spots can also be caused by parasites or fungal infections. We list the most common fungi and parasites:

Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm is a fungus that settles on the skin and spreads quickly. It gets its name from the circular, bald patches it forms in combination with redness and scales.

Fleas are a common cause of bald patches, especially in animals from abroad. Fleas can be identified using a flea comb. Some dogs are allergic to the saliva of fleas, which can lead to severe itching.

Fleas are a common cause of itching, especially in animals from abroad, which can lead to bald patches. They can be identified using a flea comb. Some dogs are allergic to the saliva of the fleas, which can lead to severe itching.

Bald spots without itching

Bald patches without itching can be an indication of a thyroid disorder. Other causes such as skin fungus do not necessarily have to be accompanied by itching.

Our four-legged friends also lose fur when there is an increased release of cortisol. The reason for this is Cushing's syndrome, also known as Cushing's disease. This is a hormonal disease caused by a dysfunction of the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland. This causes the body to produce too much cortisol.

An underactive thyroid can also lead to bald patches. Since the thyroid is responsible for the hormones in our furry friend's body that regulate metabolism, this can have an impact on the coat.