Causes of Facial Hair Loss in Puppies

Puppy Mange

Hair loss is usually around the eyes or on the muzzle for dogs under two years old. This is caused by deodeminc mange, cause by the demodex mite. Purebred puppies are more vulnerable to mange, although the reasons why are not clear. The puppy needs to be taken to the vet for a skin scraping test just to be sure that's the problem. Mange is treatable with creams, medications and medicated dips, although it can take weeks or months to clear up.

Diabetes Mellitus

Puppies aren't born with diabetes, but they can certainly develop it if given a high-fat diet they can't digest properly. Puppies less than a year old can develop diabetes. Not only will the puppy have facial hair loss and hair loss in other areas of the body, but he will be incredibly thirsty. As a result, he'll urinate a lot more frequently. Diabetic puppies may also lose weight. Diabetes is treatable, although it takes a special kind of owner to live with a diabetic dog.

Food Allergies

Dogs can be born with food allergies or develop them as they get older. Some puppies will exhibit symptoms of food allergies as soon as they are weaned. Not only is their loss of hair anywhere on the face--usually around the eyes, mouth and ear--but can also have bald patches on the belly and on the limbs. Often, the puppy will also scratch at these bald places, sometimes even ripping them open. This needs prompt veterinary care.

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

This usually happens in dogs under two years old, with hair loss and crusting about the face. This is caused by zinc deficiency and usually responds to zinc supplements for dogs, but please go to your vet for a diagnosis before giving supplements. For an unknown reason, breeds most affected by this are Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, Samoyeds, Eskimo dogs, Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, and Alaskan huskies.

Black Hair Follicle Dysplasia

This is an incurable and mostly mysterious condition that affects only the areas of the puppy that have black hair, including the face. It's thought to be a genetic ailment. This happens mostly to Doberman pinschers, Gordon setters, Papillions, and beareded collies, but it has been known to occur in some other breeds and mixed breeds. This first appears in the first month of a puppy's life and stays throughout the rest of the life. Apparently, it is not painful, just unsightly.