Have you noticed a bald patch on your furry friend and are now worried that a serious illness might be behind it? Common causes of this skin flare-up can be a fungal or parasitic infection. However, serious conditions such as a hormonal imbalance can also be present. In any case, if your pet has bald patches, you should consult a veterinarian. We'll show you how to tell the difference between normal hair loss and a serious condition:

Severe itching? Recognize serious conditions:

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 even developing bald patches. You should be particularly alert 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 scaly 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, or 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 recover.

Places where bald spots may occur

On the ear

Mange can be the cause of bald patches on or in the ear. Mange is an umbrella term for skin diseases caused by mites, although the symptoms can vary greatly. Mites often trigger severe itching, which accompanies the bald patches. However, mites can settle not only on the abdomen, but also on the underside of the chest, the elbows, and the ears. Mites are often identified 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. Food allergy can be the cause of itching, which leads to hair loss. There is special food for this, such as SENSITIVE LUPIN PROTEIN, which was specially developed 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 inside of the legs can also have hormonal causes. As with the neck, it's important to check for accompanying symptoms such as faintness or weight gain. In any case, a veterinary consultation should be consulted.

Parasite or fungal infection as a cause

Bald patches can also be caused by parasites or fungi. We've listed the most common fungi and parasites:

Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm is a fungus that colonizes the skin and spreads rapidly. Its name comes from the circular, bald patches it forms, combined with redness and scales.

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

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

Bald spots without itching

Bald patches without itching can be an indication of a thyroid disorder. However, other causes, such as skin fungus, may not necessarily be accompanied by itching.

Our four-legged friends also lose fur when cortisol levels are elevated. This is caused by Cushing's syndrome, also known as Cushing's disease. This is a hormonal disorder triggered 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 affect the coat.