Why Is My Dog Losing Hair On Her Back?

• Home
• Dog Symptoms
• Losing Hair on Her Back in Dogs

Losing Hair on Her Back in DogsWritten By Grace ParkPublished: 07/15/2017Updated: 07/07/2021Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.What is Losing Hair on Her Back?Hair loss in dogs is a common complaint, especially on the back. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible than others such as Greyhounds, Terriers, Whippets, Chihuahuas, and Boxers. Females are also more often affected by hair loss. Some of the most common causes of hair loss on the back are:

• Skin disorder
• Psychological problem
• Infections
• Parasites or mites
• Allergy
• Trauma
• Medical disorder
• Certain drugs

Hair loss does not always indicate a problem. In fact, almost all dogs shed, especially during the summer months. However, if your dog has unexplained hair loss with other symptoms such as redness, itching, lesions, fever, or pain, it is a good idea to see your veterinary care provider.

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

Why Losing Hair on Her Back Occurs in DogsSkin Disorder There are many skin disorders that can cause your dog to lose hair on her back. Some of the most common include dry skin and dermatitis. Psychological Issues If your dog is suffering from depression or anxiety, she may be excessively grooming or licking, which creates hair loss. Stress can also cause hair loss. Infections Certain infections that may cause your dog to lose hair on her back include bacterial, fungal, and yeast. If the hair loss is accompanied by hot spots or pus, she probably has an infection. Parasites or Mites There are many types of parasites and mites that can cause hair loss on the back. Examples are mange (from mites), fleas, ringworm, chiggers, and mosquitos. Allergy Another cause of hair loss is an allergic reaction to food, medication, shampoo, or just about anything. This usually includes itching and possibly redness as well.   Trauma Some forms of trauma such as a laceration or abrasion from an accident can create a patch of hair loss on the back. Also, when dogs are injured they sometimes lick the area, which can cause hair loss. Certain Drugs Some of the most common drugs that cause hair loss on the back of dogs include chemotherapy, vaccination reactions, and prednisone.   Medical Disorder There are some medical disorders that can cause hair loss on your dog’s back such as:

• Alopecia is a skin disorder which can be caused by many things such as stress, genetics, hair clipping, and sometimes it can be an autoimmune problem
• Diabetes can cause baldness in some dogs; if your dog has also been urinating and drinking more than usual, you should get her checked for diabetes
• Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss (affects mostly Terriers, Boxers, Retrievers, Spaniels, Setters, Doberman Pinschers, Greyhounds, Dachshunds, and Schnauzers)
• Hormone imbalances can cause hair loss in some dogs
• Skin cancer is a rare cause of baldness, but you should get her checked out if she is also losing weight or has nodules or changes in skin color

What to do if your Dog is Losing Hair on Her BackIf your dog is losing hair on her back but has no other symptoms, it is probably nothing to worry about if it is mild. However, if she is losing a lot of hair or has other symptoms like itching, licking, biting, redness, lesions, nodules, or changes in skin color, you should call your veterinary care provider. Most of the time, you will need to bring your dog to the office for a physical examination to determine the exact cause of the hair loss. Dermatitis or dry skin can be treated with medication, ointment, or shampoo. Psychological issues can be handled with therapy or medication. Infections, parasites, or mites can be cured with medication. If your veterinarian determines your dog has alopecia, there are some medications that can be given, depending on the cause. Other medical disorders will need to be treated with medication or other types of therapy.Prevention of Losing Hair on Her BackBy brushing your dog regularly and taking her to see the veterinarian at least once per year, you should be able to prevent any serious hair loss. However, sometimes there is a sudden loss of hair caused by an illness or injury that you cannot prevent. If it is a psychological issue, that is often overlooked until the hair loss becomes more pronounced. To prevent parasites and mites, the veterinarian can provide you with medication such as flea and tick topical liquids, shampoo, or pills.Cost of Losing Hair on Her BackThe cost of treating your dog for hair loss on her back ranges from about $350 for most skin disorders, infections, parasites, and mites. This includes an office visit, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and treatment. Allergies can cost up to $1,500 due to the difficulty in determining the cause of the allergy. Medical disorders range from $350 for alopecia to over $10,000 for cancer.

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

Losing Hair on Her Back Questions and Advice from Veterinary ProfessionalsCavapooThree Years

16 found this helpful

16 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:HairlossMy dog recently had 2 bald spot on her back side. Both spots are near the tail right where her hind legs are. There is no redness or anything of that sort. Just habe toonbald spotsSept. 28, 2020Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM16 RecommendationsThank you for your question. I most commonly see spots like that with flea allergies in dogs. If she is not on a good quality flea product, that would be where I would start. If she is on a prescription product and that is still happening, then having her seen by your veterinarian would be a good idea, as they can examine her and see what might be going on. I hope that all goes well!Oct. 4, 2020Was this question and answer helpful?

YES

NO

Austrian shepherdTwo Years

3 found this helpful

3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:Bald Spots On Back By TailWhy is my dog have bald patches on back?Sept. 26, 2020Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM3 RecommendationsThank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Some causes for what you are describing might be parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, or allergies. Since I cannot see her, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.Oct. 15, 2020Was this question and answer helpful?

YES

NO

See moreSee moreMost popular symptom guidesSwelling in the StomachIn Pain When PoopingDeveloping HivesStumbling at NightHaving Trouble BreathingLickingDehydratedAlways TiredWalking With His Head TiltedGoing BlindIncontinentBiting His SkinSwelling in the StomachIn Pain When PoopingDeveloping HivesStumbling at NightHaving Trouble BreathingLickingDehydratedAlways TiredWalking With His Head TiltedGoing BlindIncontinentBiting His SkinSwelling in the StomachIn Pain When PoopingDeveloping HivesStumbling at NightHaving Trouble BreathingLickingDehydratedAlways TiredWalking With His Head TiltedGoing BlindIncontinentBiting His Skin

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

Need pet insurance?Wag!

About Wag!

About Wag!Trust & SafetyDo Not Share My InfoCommunity GuidelinesWag! PartnersBlogCareersBecome a Dog Walker

Top Wag! cities

San FranciscoLos AngelesChicagoNew YorkAtlantaWashington D.C.DallasMiamiPhiladelphiaHelp Center

Resources

Dog HealthDog TrainingDog GroomingDog BreedsDog NamesDog ActivitiesDog SensesDog Behavior

Lifestyles

Dog BeachesDog CampgroundDog ParksDog Trails

Security

Responsible Disclosure

Account

Delete your accountApp StoreGoogle Play StorePrivacy policyCA PrivacyTerms & conditionsAccessibilityTransparencyYour Privacy Choices

© 2026 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wag!Help Center

Download the Wag! app

App StoreGoogle Play Store

About Wag!

About Wag!Trust & SafetyDo Not Share My InfoCommunity GuidelinesWag! PartnersBlogCareersBecome a Dog Walker

Resources

Dog HealthDog TrainingDog GroomingDog BreedsDog NamesDog ActivitiesDog SensesDog Behavior

Top Wag! cities

San FranciscoLos AngelesChicagoNew YorkAtlantaWashington D.C.DallasMiamiPhiladelphia

Lifestyles

Dog BeachesDog CampgroundDog ParksDog Trails

Security

Responsible Disclosure

Account

Delete your accountPrivacy policyCA PrivacyTerms & conditionsAccessibilityTransparencyYour Privacy Choices

© 2026 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wag!Help Center

Download the Wag! app

App StoreGoogle Play Store

About Wag!

About Wag!Trust & SafetyDo Not Share My InfoCommunity GuidelinesWag! PartnersBlogCareersBecome a Dog Walker

Top Wag! cities

San FranciscoLos AngelesChicagoNew YorkAtlantaWashington D.C.DallasMiamiPhiladelphia

Resources

Dog HealthDog TrainingDog GroomingDog BreedsDog NamesDog ActivitiesDog SensesDog Behavior

Lifestyles

Dog BeachesDog CampgroundDog ParksDog Trails

Security

Responsible Disclosure

Account

Delete your accountPrivacy policyCA PrivacyTerms & conditionsAccessibilityTransparencyYour Privacy Choices

© 2026 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.