Alopecia in Cats & Dogs | Knutsford Vets

Noticing hair loss on your cat or dog can be distressing, but it’s important to know that alopecia is a fairly common problem in cats and dogs, and is very treatable. However, there is often more than one cause of the condition, which can make diagnosis frustrating for owners. In this factsheet we go over everything you need to know about alopecia in cats and dogs, and hope to make the diagnostic process a little easier.

What is Alopecia in Cats & Dogs?

Alopecia is a fairly common condition in cats and dogs that results in large patches of partial or complete hair loss. This is different from regular shedding and moulting. In dogs, the condition can reflect problems in the skin, endocrine system, lymphatic system, and immune system.

In cats, there are two types of alopecia; congenital alopecia (commonly occurs in new-borns and kittens, and is typically related to breed and genetics), and acquired alopecia (caused by an underlying secondary condition).

There are a number of potential causes of the condition, such as parasites, allergies, infections, and hormonal problems, and there is usually more than one contributing factor, but the good news is that alopecia is often treatable once your vet has determined any underlying causes.

What Causes Alopecia in Cats & Dogs

There are a number of factors and other conditions that can cause or contribute to alopecia developing in cats and dogs, and in most cases, more than one factor will be responsible.

What Causes Alopecia in Dogs?

Common causes of alopecia in dogs can include:

Fleas, mites, and lice
Skin allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Hormone conditions (such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease)
Contact alopecia (when something rubs against and removes hair from a specific area)
Seasonal alopecia (some breeds regularly develop alopecia in the autumn that lasts for 6-12 months)
Wounds and scars
Skin infections (Bacterial and Yeast)
Over-grooming
Genetics (Alopecia in dogs can be inherited)
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

What Causes Alopecia in Cats?

Common causes of alopecia in cats include:

Itchy skin (with potential underlying causes of fleas, atopy, and allergies)
Stress
Pain
Skin infections
Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex (causing painful red patches of hairless skin)
Hormone conditions
Wounds and scars
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
Genetics and breeding

Symptoms of Alopecia in Cats & Dogs

Often, the symptoms of alopecia in cats and dogs depend on underlying causes. Below we have outlined some common symptoms of alopecia in cats and dogs, however it is important to remember that the condition will present differently from case to case.

Symptoms of Alopecia in Dogs

Common symptoms which can occur alongside alopecia in dogs include:

Mild to severe scratching
Red, inflamed skin
Thickened skin
Skin that is oozing, bleeding, malodorous, or pigmented
Papules, pustules, plaque, or hives

Symptoms of Alopecia in Cats?

Common symptoms which can occur alongside alopecia in cats include:

Being obviously itchy, licking, gnawing, and biting their skin
An increase in hairballs
Other skin abnormalities (such as redness, bumps, sores, or crusts)
Changes in appetite
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Changes in energy levels
Increased thirst and urination
Enlarged abdomen (this may look like a pot-belly)
Conjunctivitis (in cats with allergies as a cause)
Inflammation (in cats with allergies as a cause)

It’s important to recognise that cats can be very good at hiding the symptoms of their health conditions. For example, just because you don’t notice them itching excessively, doesn’t mean that they aren’t doing it in private. As such, it’s important to monitor for a range of signs and symptoms.

How We Diagnose Alopecia in Cats & Dogs

Vets must take appropriate steps to identify the cause(s) of alopecia in cats and dogs, and will first take a detailed medical history to check for any obvious factors. Your vet will then perform a physical examination, followed by other diagnostic tests such as:

Wood’s lamp (to detect Ringworm)
Fungal culture
Cytology (including skin scrapings and biopsies)
Blood, faecal, and urine tests
Allergy testing
Food trials
Imaging

You can learn more about diagnostic tests for pets in our recent blog.

Treatment Options for Alopecia in Cats and Dogs

The treatment for alopecia in cats and dogs depends entirely on the cause(s) of the condition. Once your vet had identified any underlying causes, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended:

Treatments for Alopecia in Dogs:

Food trials
Medications (such as antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory medication, or antipruritic medication)
Topical therapies (such as medicated shampoos, sprays, and ointments)
Recommendations for alterations to their home environment

Treatments for Alopecia in Cats:

Use of an Elizabethan collar may be recommended where cats excessively lick or bite the skin
Parasitic treatments
Topical therapies (such as mousse, or ointment)
Systemic antibiotics or antifungals
Other medications (such as prednisolone, cyclosporine, and/or antihistamines)
Behaviour-modifying medication and environmental enrichment
Elimination diet trial

Veterinary Dermatology at Knutsford Vets

At Knutsford Vets, we offer a range of dermatology services for cats and dogs to help diagnose and treat skin conditions such as alopecia. If you notice the signs of alopecia in your pet, get in touch with us as soon as possible to arrange a consultation; some of the symptoms of alopecia can makes your pets miserable, therefore it’s important that we get the the bottom of the cause of the condition and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Experience honest, tailored care. Refer a pet today.

Refer A Pet