Hair Loss Around Dogs Eye – 11 Best Reason For Dog Hair Loss

Hair loss around dogs eye is not something that you should neglect. Possible causes include various types of eye and skin problems. Here, we will discuss various aspects of hair loss around dogs eye.

Why Is My Dog Losing Hair Around His Eyes?

Let’s start with the possible reasons for hair loss around dogs eyes. Skin problems like ringworm infections can spread from dogs to humans. You should be extra careful about handling your pet if there is a hair loss problem.

Foreign Body 

Foreign bodies like dust particles or sand grains can enter the dog’s eyes. This results in swelling and inflammation. The hapless dog will be frequently pawing his eyes to get relief.

This in turn leads to redness and hair loss around dogs eye. Look for other signs of a foreign body entering the eyes. The dog would be squinting often and rub his eyes on the carpet.

All that rubbing can worsen the situation. Check out if there is hair loss around dogs eyes.

Dog Allergies

Many dogs suffer from allergic reactions. It can cause hair loss around dogs eyes and nose. The mucous membrane in the eyes, nose, and mouth is highly sensitive to allergens. Food allergy can happen if your pet cannot adjust to his diet.

Allergic reactions can cause itching. The dog would try to relieve it by putting his paws to the eyes. This leads to hair loss around dogs eyes.

Formation of hives and skin rashes can automatically cause hair loss around dogs eye. You should look for other signs to confirm that it’s an allergy.

These include watery eyes and a runny nose. Sneezing is also a common symptom. In severe allergies, your pet will suffer from diarrhea and vomiting.

Demodex Mange 

Do you know that your dog’s skin hosts small colonies of mites? It is called demodex canis. It is normal for all healthy dogs to have it. The problem starts when there is an overpopulation of these tiny parasites. 

What can cause hair loss around dogs eyes? Demodex Mange is the name given to the overgrowth of mites. Any dog with a weakened immune system is susceptible to develop this condition.

Senior pets are particularly vulnerable to hair loss around dogs eyes. Puppies who inherit a weak immune system from their mothers are also at risk.

What Does Mange Look Like On A Dog? 

Flaking and scaling of skin is the typical symptom of demodex mange. In extreme cases, the skin may develop hard crusts. 

It can start as hair loss around dogs eyes. Then, it spreads to the mouth area, forelimbs, and paws.

It can spread over the whole body in generalized cases. Redness and itchiness of skin are also visible. While demodex mange does not thrive on non-canine hosts, sarcoptic mange does. 

The other name for sarcoptic mange is scabies. Timely treatment is essential for both types. Do not delay when you see signs of hair loss around dogs eyes.

Pink Eye Conjunctivitis

It is a severe infection that affects the eye tissue. The eye lining is also particularly prone to it. It results in puffy eyes and a heavy discharge of pus from the eyes. The inflammation typically shows up as hair loss around dogs eyes.

It causes severe itchiness inside the eyes. Naturally, the dog would try to get relief by scratching the eyes with his paws. This results in build up and hair loss around dogs eyes.

The causes of conjunctivitis vary from viral to bacterial infection. It is highly contagious. Severe allergic reactions can also cause pink eye conjunctivitis.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma happens when there is a fluid (aqueous humor) buildup inside the eyes. First, one eye is affected. Later, it may spread to the other eye as well. It increases eye pressure to critical levels. 

Glaucoma causes pain and discomfort. Purebred dogs exhibit a high frequency of glaucoma. The rate is the highest among all species, second only to humans. 

It is usual for pets with glaucoma to scoot their face on the ground. They would also scratch the eyes with their paws. This leads to hair loss around dogs eyes.

Ringworm 

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm is not a worm. It is an extremely infectious fungal attack that spreads by direct contact. Dogs typically use their faces to greet others. This is the reason the first signs of the infection become visible on the face.

What causes hair loss around dogs eyes? Symptoms of an infection include hair loss in ring-shaped patches. It also causes redness and flaking of skin.

It is zoonotic; so, you should be taking care to wash your hands after you pet your dog. Also, vacuum clean your rooms well because the germ lives on the follicles of shed hair.

Aging

Senior dogs are more prone to losing hair. Developing bald spots can be a natural fallout of aging. This happens due to the exhaustion of germinal cells in hair follicles. Sometimes, hair loss around dogs eye happens due to hormonal changes in old dogs.

Besides, old dogs have weakened immune systems. This means that they are more prone to infections that might cause hair loss. 

Dog Breed Specific Issue  

Some dog breeds shed more than others do. Dogs such as Siberian Huskies and Saint Bernards are heavy shedders. Excessive shedding can lead to the formation of bald spots around their eyes. 

Certain breeds such as Pugs and Dobermans are more predisposed to skin conditions. Great Danes and American Staffordshire Terriers also develop this skin condition often. 

Pugs are highly susceptible to develop allergies. German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers also display a high affinity to allergic reactions.  

If the bald spots around the eyes are clearly visible, contact the vet. The doctor will prescribe medications to treat hair loss around dogs eyes. Does dinovite help for hair loss around dogs eyes? Your vet will be the best person to answer this question.

Fleas

Fleas are typically visible as black spots on the dog’s coat. When you groom your pet with a flea comb, these black spots tend to fall off. A flea infection can affect different areas of the dog’s body. It can also cause hair loss around dogs eyes.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disease that can cause hair loss around dogs eyes. The hair loss will not be limited to the eye region only. It will typically affect the whole body.

Cushing’s disease happens due to an overproduction of the cortisol hormone. It is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic other conditions. You should be aware of all the other signs of Cushing’s. 

These include increased thirst and appetite, and a pot-bellied appearance. The dog would be panting heavily even without physical stress. If you notice these symptoms, notify the vet. The doctor will perform a series of tests to determine if the dog has Cushing’s.

Atopic Dermatitis 

This is a serious skin condition that affects the entire body. Its symptoms include flaky skin, redness, and itching. It can spread to the armpits and groin. If you notice hair loss around dogs eye and red testicals, it might be the cause.

What Does Folliculitis Look Like On Dogs?

Folliculitis refers to a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. Folliculitis may start as slight hair loss around dogs eye. It can happen as a result of different disorders. Here’s a handy chart of the various issues that can cause folliculitis.  

Despite the multitude of reasons, the external symptoms of folliculitis are the same. It almost inevitably results in bald spots in affected areas.

It can also cause hair loss around dogs eyes. In serious cases, it can result in epidermal collarettes. These are circular areas of hair loss with crusty skin at the edges.

Other symptoms include the formation of pustules and papules. Inflammation, swelling, and itching are also common. You might notice hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin. The vet will check if there is a pain in the affected area.

Does Hair In A Dog’s Eye Bother Them?

Another related problem is that of hair getting into the dog’s eyes. Some breeds are so much covered in fur that it can enter their eyes. This can cause persistent discomfort in the eyes.

This discomfort leads to the dog putting his paws to the eyes. Constant pawing would lead to hair loss around dogs eyes even if there is no infection or pain.

Some dogs tend to neglect hair getting in their eyes. They would typically keep their eyes half-closed all the time. Our gentle friends don’t want us to know about their discomfort. Even then, you should take notice.

Do you notice your dog teary-eyed all the time? It might be because of hair getting into it constantly.

When they scratch around the eyes, it further aggravates the issue. The scratching can cause hair loss around dogs eyes, which may fall into the eyes. Besides, the scooting and pawing might lead to corneal damage.

How Do You Get Hair Out Of A Dog’s Eye?

You should know how to get the hair out of the eyes. It is vital to know this when you are dealing with hair loss around dogs eyes. To start with, never put your fingers directly in the eyes of your pet. Neither should you use tweezers for the purpose.

Let’s discuss hair loss around dogs eyes home remedies. Wash your dog’s eyes with saline water repeatedly. It should get the stray hair out. Alternately, you should take a piece of damp cloth and wipe your dog’s eyes laterally. That usually does the trick.

Should I Cut The Hair Around My Dog’s Eyes?

You should not try this at home. Arrange regular appointments with the groomer. There, they will use a blunt-nosed scissor to cut the hair carefully.

Even with hair loss around dogs eyes, the vet may suggest cutting the hair. This prevents the hair from getting dislodged by pawing.

How Can I Treat Dog Hair Loss Around Eyes?  

Treatment for hair loss around dogs eyes must start with an accurate diagnosis. It includes blood work for ruling out systemic disorders. These tests are vital in how to treat hair loss around dogs eyes.

The doctor will obtain a small skin sample if there is flaking or scaling. Additionally, pee tests may be necessary.

Diagnosis can be tricky. This is because hair loss around dogs eyes is a common symptom. Topical treatment involves the application of medicated shampoos. Different kinds of shampoos are available to treat fleas and mites.

The doctor might also prescribe oral pills for the pet. These help with treating the core reason for the disease. Treatment of Cushing’s disease can involve surgery. 

If the problem is due to a food allergy, the doctor will suggest an elimination diet plan. On your part, you should remove foods with glutens, fillers, and preservatives. These tend to cause allergic responses. 

A home-cooked diet can be a good alternative. Many pet-owners are preferring a raw meat diet for their pets, especially if it is a large dog.

Takeaway-Hair Loss Around Dogs Eyes 

Different factors can cause hair loss around dogs eyes. It usually resolves following a good treatment plan.

However, you should not expect miraculous results overnight. Have patience and continue the treatment for hair loss around dogs eye.

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️