Why Is Your Dog Losing Fur Around Their Eyes? Causes and What to Do

Noticing patches of missing fur around your dog’s eyes can be unsettling, and it’s completely natural to wonder what’s going on. Whether the hair loss appeared gradually or seemed to come out of nowhere, it’s a sign that something deserves your attention. The good news is that many causes are treatable, and with the right information, you can take confident steps toward getting your dog feeling their best again.

—

Common Causes

Hair loss around the eyes, known medically as periocular alopecia, can stem from a variety of underlying issues. Some are relatively minor and easy to address, while others require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the most common culprits is the first step toward helping your dog.

One of the most frequent causes is allergies. Just like people, dogs can react to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold, as well as food ingredients or contact irritants like certain shampoos or bedding materials. Allergic reactions often cause intense itching, and when your dog rubs their face against furniture or scratches repeatedly, hair loss around the eyes is a common result. Environmental allergies tend to be seasonal, flaring in spring and fall, while food allergies typically cause year-round symptoms. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet or intradermal allergy testing to pinpoint the exact trigger.

Mange is another significant cause worth knowing about. This skin condition is caused by microscopic mites and comes in two main forms. Demodectic mange, caused by Demodex mites, often appears first around the face and eyes, particularly in young dogs or those with compromised immune systems. It’s diagnosed through a skin scraping examined under a microscope. Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes mites, is intensely itchy and highly contagious to other dogs and even humans. Sarcoptic mange can be trickier to confirm because the mites are harder to find on a scraping, so your vet may treat based on clinical suspicion alone. Both forms are manageable with appropriate antiparasitic medications.

Ringworm is a fungal infection (not an actual worm) that can cause circular patches of hair loss, often with a scaly or red border. It’s especially common in puppies and young dogs whose immune systems are still maturing, and it can spread quickly between pets and people in the household. Diagnosis typically involves a fungal culture or a Wood’s lamp examination. Treatment usually requires antifungal medication, sometimes combined with medicated shampoos, and strict hygiene practices to prevent spread.

Other common causes include:

• Bacterial or yeast skin infections, which can cause inflammation, odor, and hair loss, especially in skin folds around the face. These infections are often secondary to an underlying problem like allergies or moisture buildup, so treating the root cause is just as important as clearing the infection itself.
• Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalances, which can lead to symmetrical hair loss in adult dogs without much itching. Hormonal causes are typically diagnosed through blood panels and are more common in middle-aged to older dogs. Breeds like Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers have a known predisposition to thyroid dysfunction.
• Trauma or self-inflicted irritation, including excessive rubbing due to eye discharge, pain, or a foreign body near the eye. Chronic tearing or discharge — common in dogs with facial anatomy that crowds the eye area — can also macerate the surrounding skin and lead to secondary hair loss.
• Breed-specific traits, as some breeds like Dachshunds are prone to a condition called pattern baldness that naturally affects areas around the eyes and ears. This type of alopecia is cosmetic rather than medical and doesn’t cause discomfort or require treatment.

It’s also worth noting that age plays a role in which causes are most likely. Demodectic mange and ringworm are far more common in puppies and young dogs, while hormonal causes and immune-mediated conditions tend to emerge in adult and senior dogs. Keeping your dog’s age in mind helps narrow the possibilities before you even reach the vet’s office.

—

Symptoms to Watch For

Hair loss alone doesn’t always tell the full story. Paying close attention to accompanying symptoms will give your veterinarian valuable clues and help you communicate your dog’s condition clearly during an appointment.

Keep an eye out for the following:

• Redness, swelling, or inflammation around the affected area
• Excessive scratching, rubbing, or pawing at the face
• Scaly, crusty, or flaky skin around the eyes
• Discharge from the eyes, which may be watery, thick, or discolored
• A foul odor coming from the skin, which can indicate infection
• Lesions, sores, or open wounds from repeated scratching
• Symmetrical hair loss on both sides of the face, which can point to hormonal issues
• Changes in your dog’s behavior, such as restlessness, lethargy, or reduced appetite

The presence of multiple symptoms — especially itching combined with skin changes — often suggests an allergic or parasitic cause and warrants a prompt veterinary visit.

—

Symptom Severity at a Glance

Symptom	Risk Level	Action Required
Small area of hair loss, no itching or redness	Mild	Monitor at home for 48–72 hours; schedule a routine vet visit
Mild itching or rubbing, skin looks intact	Mild	Note any environmental changes; call vet if no improvement in a few days
Scaly or flaky skin with moderate scratching	Moderate	Schedule a vet appointment within a few days
Eye discharge that is thick, yellow, or green	Moderate	Call your vet within 24 hours
Broken skin, oozing sores, or crusting around the eye	Serious	See your vet as soon as possible
Significant swelling around the eye or face	Serious	Seek veterinary care the same day
Eye appears red, cloudy, or dog is pawing at it constantly	Serious	Seek emergency care immediately

—

Breeds Most at Risk

While any dog can develop periocular hair loss, certain breeds are more predisposed due to their genetics, skin structure, or facial anatomy.

Dachshunds are one of the most well-documented breeds when it comes to pattern alopecia, a hereditary condition that commonly affects the periocular region, the ears, and the ventral neck. This form of hair loss is non-inflammatory and doesn’t cause discomfort, but it can be mistaken for a more serious condition, making veterinary confirmation important.

Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to a range of skin issues rooted in their breed-specific skin fold anatomy and a genetic predisposition to a condition called mucinosis, which affects skin texture and barrier function. Their deeply folded facial skin creates warm, moist environments where bacteria and yeast thrive, making periocular hair loss from secondary infections more common in this breed.

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs share similar challenges. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy means their eyes are more prominent and their facial folds run close to the eye area. Chronic moisture and friction in those folds can cause skin irritation, yeast overgrowth, and hair loss around the eyes that requires consistent management.

If you have one of these breeds, it’s worth establishing a relationship with a vet who is familiar with their specific skin tendencies — ideally before a problem develops.

—

What You Can Do at Home

While a veterinary diagnosis is essential for most causes of periocular hair loss, there are several supportive steps you can take at home in the meantime to keep your dog comfortable and prevent the situation from worsening.

First, resist the urge to apply any over-the-counter creams or treatments near your dog’s eyes without veterinary guidance. The eye area is extremely sensitive, and many human products or even pet products not specifically formulated for this region can cause serious irritation or injury.

Gently clean the area around your dog’s eyes using a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipes to remove any crust or discharge. This keeps the skin clean and reduces the risk of secondary infection. Always wipe outward from the inner corner of the eye.

If allergies are suspected, take note of any recent changes in your dog’s environment, food, grooming products, or routine. Switching to a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoo and washing your dog’s bedding frequently can reduce exposure to common allergens.

Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if your dog is actively scratching at their face. Continued trauma to the skin can worsen hair loss, introduce bacteria, and delay healing. It may not be your dog’s favorite accessory, but it makes a real difference.

Finally, keep a simple log of when the hair loss started, what the skin looks like, and any behavioral changes. This kind of detail is genuinely helpful when you speak with your vet.

—

When to See a Vet

Some degree of monitoring at home is reasonable for mild cases, but there are clear signs that your dog needs professional care sooner rather than later. Don’t delay scheduling an appointment if you notice any of the following:

• The hair loss is spreading quickly or expanding beyond the eye area
• Your dog’s skin is broken, bleeding, oozing, or has visible sores
• There is significant swelling around the eyes or face
• Your dog’s eyes themselves appear red, cloudy, or are producing abnormal discharge
• Your dog is in visible discomfort, crying, or unable to rest
• The hair loss is accompanied by lethargy, weight changes, or excessive thirst or urination

Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and may recommend skin scrapings, fungal cultures, blood work, or allergy testing depending on what they find. Early diagnosis almost always leads to faster, less complicated treatment, so it’s always worth erring on the side of caution when your dog’s comfort and health are involved.

—

How Pet Insurance Can Help

Diagnosing and treating skin conditions in dogs can involve multiple vet visits, lab tests, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments — and the costs can add up faster than most pet owners expect. Having a solid pet insurance plan in place means you can focus on getting your dog the care they need without the added stress of unexpected bills.

Protective Care: Get a free pet insurance quote and protect your dog today

For times when you need immediate guidance from a licensed veterinarian without leaving home, telehealth services can be a lifesaver.

For more clinical details on canine health, you can refer to the professional guidelines from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Immediate Support: Top-Rated Pet First Aid Kit — Check Price & Availability on Amazon

—

Watching your dog lose fur around their eyes is stressful, but remember that most causes are very manageable once properly identified and treated. With attentive care at home, a good relationship with your veterinarian, and the right resources in your corner, your dog has every chance of making a full recovery. You’re already doing the right thing by seeking out information, and that kind of dedicated attention is exactly what your dog needs from you.