My Dog is Itching and Losing Hair, But No Fleas: What Could It Be?

If you’ve ruled out fleas but your dog is still itching and losing hair, it’s time to look deeper. This frustrating combination of symptoms can leave pet owners puzzled—and concerned. While fleas are a common cause of scratching and hair loss, they’re far from the only explanation. Dogs can experience skin irritation from a wide range of underlying conditions, many of which require a veterinarian’s insight to diagnose. Below, we’ll explore the possible reasons your dog is uncomfortable, what these signs might mean, and why timely veterinary care is essential. Keep reading to uncover what may be going on with your dog—and how All Pets Vet Hospital in Branchburg, NJ can help.

 

 

Common Reasons Dogs Itch and Lose Hair (Without Fleas)

When flea infestations are ruled out, there are several other causes to consider. These include allergies, infections, mites, hormonal imbalances, and behavioral factors. Identifying the root cause often takes time, testing, and veterinary support—but knowing the possibilities is the first step.

Environmental and Seasonal Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to pollen, mold spores, dust mites, or grasses—just like people. These allergies often worsen seasonally and cause persistent itching, particularly around the paws, ears, underarms, and belly. You may notice red, inflamed skin, frequent licking, or even hot spots. Hair loss typically happens in areas your dog scratches the most.

Food Allergies or Sensitivities

If your dog’s diet includes a protein or ingredient they’re sensitive to, skin problems can result. Food allergies often lead to itching around the face, ears, belly, and feet. Chronic ear infections and gastrointestinal issues might also accompany the itchiness. These cases usually require a veterinarian-guided elimination diet to pinpoint the cause.

Contact Dermatitis

Some dogs react to direct contact with substances like lawn chemicals, shampoos, detergents, or even certain fabrics. If the itching and hair loss are concentrated where your dog lies down or touches the ground—like the belly, legs, or muzzle—this could be the reason.

Skin Infections and Irritants

Skin infections can cause both irritation and noticeable fur loss, even in dogs without fleas. These can result from bacteria, yeast, or fungi—and they may develop secondary to excessive scratching or other skin damage.

Bacterial or Fungal Infections

When bacteria or yeast overgrow on the skin, they create painful, itchy patches. Infections like pyoderma or yeast dermatitis often appear as red, scaly, or oily areas with a foul smell. These infections can cause hair to fall out in clumps and may spread if left untreated.

Ringworm

Despite the name, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. It’s highly contagious and can cause circular areas of hair loss, redness, and scaling. Because it can spread to humans and other pets, it’s important to seek veterinary attention quickly if ringworm is suspected.

Parasites Besides Fleas

Even if you haven’t seen fleas, your dog could be dealing with other parasites that cause similar symptoms.

Mites (Mange)

Mange is caused by different types of mites, such as Sarcoptes scabiei (which causes sarcoptic mange) and Demodex canis (which causes demodectic mange). These tiny pests burrow into your dog’s skin, causing extreme itching, redness, crusting, and bald patches. Mange can spread easily in some cases and is diagnosed through a skin scraping by your veterinarian.

Lice

Lice are rare but can cause itching and coat damage. Unlike fleas, lice are species-specific, so they won’t infest your home, but they can still be very uncomfortable for your dog and lead to noticeable hair loss and skin trauma.

Hormonal and Internal Health Causes

Sometimes, itching and hair loss stem from internal conditions that aren’t immediately obvious.

Hypothyroidism

This common endocrine disorder can lead to dry, thinning fur, patchy bald spots, and skin infections. A dog with hypothyroidism may also gain weight, be lethargic, or develop darkened skin. Bloodwork is necessary to diagnose this condition.

Cushing’s Disease

Dogs with Cushing’s disease produce too much cortisol, which weakens the skin and thins the coat. You might notice symmetrical hair loss along the flanks, a pot-bellied appearance, or increased drinking and urination. Like hypothyroidism, it requires diagnostic testing and a treatment plan.

Behavioral Causes of Hair Loss

Stress, anxiety, and boredom can manifest as excessive licking, biting, or scratching—even in the absence of a physical cause.

Lick Granulomas and Self-Trauma

Dogs sometimes develop repetitive behaviors like licking or chewing a specific area, which leads to hair loss and skin damage. These spots, called lick granulomas, are often difficult to treat because they’re both a symptom and a self-sustaining habit. Addressing the root cause—whether it’s anxiety, boredom, or pain—is essential to stop the cycle.

Canine Compulsive Disorders

Just like people, dogs can develop compulsive disorders that lead to constant grooming or scratching. These behaviors might not have an obvious trigger but can be deeply ingrained. Your veterinarian may recommend behavioral modifications, environmental enrichment, or medications to help manage the behavior.

When to Schedule an Appointment

If your dog is itching and losing hair—but no fleas are present—it’s time for a professional evaluation. Skin issues rarely resolve on their own, and they often worsen with time. Your veterinarian can perform a detailed exam, recommend diagnostic tests, and help develop a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s needs. The sooner you take action, the sooner your dog can find relief. Call All Pets Vet Hospital in Branchburg, NJ at 908-707-1555 to schedule an appointment and help your dog feel better, faster.

Support Your Dog’s Comfort and Skin Health

Dogs with itchy skin and hair loss need more than relief—they need answers. Even if you don’t see fleas, your dog may be dealing with a condition that requires professional attention. Whether it’s allergies, parasites, infection, or another medical concern, our team at All Pets Vet Hospital can help identify the cause and recommend next steps. If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my dog itching and losing hair?” but has no fleas—help is just a phone call away.