Have you discovered a bald patch on your furry friend and are now worried that it could be caused by a serious illness? Fungal or parasitic infestations are common causes of bald patches on the skin. However, there may also be serious illnesses such as a hormonal disorder. In any case, you should therefore visit a vet if you notice bald patches on your furry friend. We'll show you how to tell the difference between normal hair loss and a serious illness:

Severe itching? Recognizing serious illnesses:

Normal hair loss or shedding must be distinguished from a serious illness. Pay attention to whether your furry friend is losing more fur than usual or even has bald patches. You should pay particular attention if the bald patches are symmetrical, i.e. the hair falls out on both sides of the body or in several places on your furry friend's body. Reddened, inflamed or scaly areas 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 the vet. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the faster your four-legged friend can recover.

Places where bald patches can 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 clinical pictures can vary greatly. Mites often cause severe itching, which accompanies the bald patches. However, mites can not only settle on the belly, but also on the underside of the chest, the elbow and even the ears. Mites can often be recognized by reddened skin with red, small 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 have an allergic reaction to leather with hair loss. 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 has been specially produced for sensitive pets. However, bald patches on the neck or on 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, it is important to check for accompanying symptoms such as weakness or weight gain. In any case, a veterinary practice should be consulted.

Parasite or fungal infestation as a cause

Bald patches can also be caused by a parasite or fungal infestation. We list the most common fungi and parasites:

Although the name may suggest otherwise, ringworm is a fungus that colonizes the skin and spreads quickly. The name comes from the circular bald patches it forms in combination with redness and scales.

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

Bald patches without itching

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

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

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