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Spring Hair Loss on the Noses of Two Dogs

by A reader

Reader Question
I have 3 dogs. They are a Irish Setter/Lab mix, a Sheltie mix, and a Husky...all 5 years old. The Lab has hair loss on his nose and had the same thing last year during the spring. It doesn't seem to itch or bother him. It doesn't have any red marks or sores, but just looks like the area has been shaved. I also noticed today that he has a patch about 6-12 inches in diameter on his chest/stomach. The Sheltie also has the area of hair loss on her nose but no where else (and had this last year at the same time). I haven't seen any of this on the Husky. they all stay in the house and 2 are in a cage and one is in a small room with a gate (the Lab). They have had no change in diet and just eat dog food and occasional dog biscuits. They do not get the exercise consistently that they should but are usually walked 2x a day. They also have not had baths often and are not brushed often enough. I just bathed the Lab today. They are all very active and energetic. They are friendly and patient with our toddler and infant. Thank you for any ideas you may have!


Answer from Our Team

Hair loss on the nose in more than one dog at the same time of year points to something seasonal or shared, such as rubbing on a cage, bowls or bedding, insect bites, a contact reaction, or sunburn. A reaction to plastic bowls is also possible. Some dogs also get an immune condition (such as discoid lupus) that affects the nose, often worse in sunny months, though it usually causes crusts and loss of the dark color.

Look at what they rub their noses on, like the cage wires, the gate, bowls or a new cleaner. Try stainless steel bowls, and give them more time out of the cage. The chest patch on the Lab could be a separate rubbing or skin issue.

See your vet if you notice crusts, sores, loss of the black nose color, or itching. A quick skin scraping can rule out mites.

See hair loss in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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