What you need to know about endocrine alopecia in dogs

Many health conditions, including endocrine diseases, can cause alopecia in dogs. Hair growth may stop completely, leaving patches of hair loss, or hair may thin and become brittle. If your dog is experiencing changes in hair growth, read on to learn:

• What causes hair loss in dogs?
• How does a vet diagnose an endocrine alopecia in dogs?
• What are the options for endocrine hair loss treatment?
• How do I know if my dog’s alopecia is hormonal?

Thyroid hormone imbalances, dysfunction of the adrenal glands, and problems with the pituitary gland are all examples of endocrine disorders in dogs that can cause abnormal hair loss. In order to treat hair loss, the underlying endocrine condition must be diagnosed and treated.

Alopecia, the partial or complete loss of hair, is a common symptom of various health issues in dogs. Different types of alopecia are caused by different medical conditions, such as:

• Flea and environmental allergies
• Fungal or bacterial skin infections
• Endocrine disorders
• Trauma to the skin
• Autoimmune diseases
• Genetic conditions that affect hair follicles

Alopecia is classified as an endocrine alopecia when it occurs due to a disturbance or malfunction of hormones in the endocrine system. When hormone levels aren’t properly regulated, changes in hair growth can occur. Hormonal hair loss can range in size from a small patch to a large body area. An endocrine alopecia is often symmetrical on both sides of the body, usually on the lower back or belly, and is not itchy or uncomfortable for dogs. Some endocrine disorders that may cause hair loss are:

• Cushing’s disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Skin disorders caused by sex hormone imbalances

Hair that is lost due to a hormonal imbalance of any kind may or may not regrow after the underlying condition is treated.

Abnormal hair loss can be seen during a physical exam, but the underlying cause is not as apparent and needs to be diagnosed. Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform, explains, “Since so many conditions cause hair loss in dogs, diagnostic tests are initially used to rule out the more common causes such as allergies, skin infections, and parasites.” Some methods used to diagnose an endocrine alopecia are:

• Examining the skin and fur for external parasites
• Skin scrapes and cytology
• Fungal or bacterial cultures
• Skin biopsies

Other symptoms may be present that help vets diagnose an endocrine disorder, such as changes in weight or excessive urination. Once the more common causes of alopecia are ruled out, the next step is to consider that an endocrine disease is the reason behind the hair loss. Most endocrine disorders can be identified through a series of blood and urine tests.

Thyroid and adrenal gland diseases are the most common endocrine disorders associated with alopecia in dogs. Each endocrine disease requires different treatment. Once the underlying endocrine disorder is identified, a veterinarian can create a treatment plan. Depending on the condition, your vet may recommend treatments such as::

• Oral medications
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Surgery
• Reducing steroid use

Oral medications are used to treat hypothyroidism and the most common form of Cushing’s disease. In the case of hypothyroidism, the oral medication provides hormone replacement therapy. These medications are usually needed for the rest of the dog’s life to manage their hormonal imbalance. Treating the less common form of Cushing’s disease requires surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland. Endocrine disorders caused by long-term steroid use may resolve after the dog has been safely weaned off the medication. Hair growth may or may not return to normal once the underlying condition has been treated.

Can I treat my dog’s hormonal alopecia at home?

Oral medications are typically given at home but must be prescribed by a vet. Suddenly stopping steroid use can be dangerous, so reduce steroid-containing medications only as directed by a vet. If needed, surgical intervention must be done in an animal hospital or clinic. Other at-home or natural treatments to promote hair growth do not work and do not address the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Alopecia in dogs is a common symptom with many causes. The first step is to rule out common causes of hair loss, such as allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, and external parasites. Once the most common causes of abnormal hair loss are ruled out, vets can use diagnostics such as blood work and urine tests to identify any underlying endocrine disorders.

It can be difficult for dog owners to know what is causing their pet’s hair loss without a vet’s help. If your dog is experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, you can talk to an online vet on the Vetster platform for advice.

How do you treat hormonal alopecia in dogs?

Hormonal alopecia can be caused by underproduction of thyroid hormones, issues with the adrenal glands, or a tumor on the pituitary gland. Hormonal imbalance must be diagnosed and properly treated in order to treat the resulting hair loss.

Can a dog be cured of alopecia?

Alopecia in dogs can be caused by a wide variety of health and skin conditions. If these conditions are treated, the alopecia often resolves. However, hair may never regrow normally in some cases, even after the underlying condition is addressed.

What can I give my dog for alopecia?

Patchy hair loss or thinning of hair in dogs is a common symptom of many health conditions. Autoimmune disorders, endocrine disorders, allergies, and bacterial infections can all cause alopecia in dogs but require vastly different treatments. The best way to know what to give your dog for alopecia is to see a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment. Over-the-counter and natural remedies don’t target the underlying cause and have no evidence to prove they work.