# Hair Loss Around a Dog's Eyes: Causes and When to Worry Hair loss in dogs around eyes is common and usually has a treatable cause. The skin near the eyelids is thin, and hair there can thin out from rubbing, allergies, mites, infection, or constant moisture from tears. Most cases are not emergencies, but some causes need a veterinarian to diagnose and treat. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Periocular hair loss often shows up as thinning or bald patches on the eyelids, the skin just below the eye, or the area between the eye and the nose. - Common causes include allergies, Demodex mites, bacterial or yeast skin infection, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), and irritation from tear staining. - Blepharitis is a frequent finding in dogs with skin disease, and alopecia or thin hair was seen in 97% of affected dogs in one clinical evaluation [1]. - Take clear, well-lit photos of both eyes from several angles before your visit, since the pattern and any change over time help your vet narrow the cause. - Book a vet visit if the skin is red, crusty, swollen, or the dog is squinting, pawing at the face, or losing hair elsewhere on the body. ## What Periocular Hair Loss Looks Like and What Is Normal Periocular means "around the eye." The hair loss can be subtle at first. You might notice the skin looks a little more visible under one or both eyes, or that the eyelid margin looks thinner than it used to. Some dogs naturally have thinner hair around the eyes. Short-coated breeds, older dogs, and dogs with light-colored coats often show more skin in this area without any disease. The skin should still look normal in color, be smooth, and not be red, crusty, or greasy. Signs that something is wrong include: - Bald patches that are growing larger - Redness or darkening of the skin - Crusts, scales, or scabs on or near the eyelid - Swelling of the eyelid - Discharge from the eye - The dog rubbing its face on furniture or pawing at the eye - Hair loss spreading to the muzzle, nose, or other parts of the body If your dog is losing hair in patches beyond the eye area, that points to a more widespread skin problem. You can read more about that pattern in [Why Is My Dog Losing Hair in Patches? Common Causes and Next Steps](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-patches-causes-next-steps). ## Main Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs Around Eyes Many conditions can cause hair loss in dogs around eyes. Some start in the skin, some start in the hair follicle, and some start with the dog rubbing or scratching the area. | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Allergies (environmental or food) | Itchy face, red skin, hair loss around eyes and muzzle, often seasonal or year-round | Routine visit, sooner if very itchy | | Demodex mites | Patchy hair loss, often on the face and around eyes, may or may not itch | Routine visit | | Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) | Red, swollen, crusty eyelids, squinting, thin hair on the lids | See a vet soon | | Bacterial or yeast skin infection | Red, greasy, odorous skin, crusts, sometimes draining | See a vet soon | | Tear staining irritation | Brown staining below the eye, moist skin, thinning hair in that area | Routine visit | | Eyelid tumors | A lump or bump on the eyelid margin, hair loss over the mass | See a vet soon | | Hormonal or nutritional problems | Widespread hair loss, dull coat, weight or energy changes | Routine visit | ### Allergies Allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs lose hair around the eyes. When the face itches, dogs rub it against carpets, furniture, or their own paws. That friction pulls hair out and irritates the skin. Allergies can also cause the skin itself to become inflamed, which interferes with normal hair growth. ### Demodex Mites Demodex mites live in small numbers on normal dog skin. When they overpopulate, they cause demodicosis, a skin disease that often shows up as patchy hair loss on the face and around the eyes. Research into canine demodicosis suggests the immune system plays a large role in whether mites get out of control [2]. Demodex is not usually very itchy unless a secondary infection develops. ### Blepharitis Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. It is a common finding in dogs with skin disease, and it can cause alopecia, redness, and swelling of the eyelids [1]. In one evaluation of 102 dogs with blepharitis, alopecia or thin hair was the most common sign, seen in 97% of cases [1]. Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces) were significantly more likely to present with blepharitis than other breeds [1]. Blepharitis can be caused by allergies, infection, mites, or immune problems. It often occurs alongside periocular dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin around the eye [1]. ### Tear Staining and Moisture Dogs with watery eyes, blocked tear ducts, or shallow eye sockets often have constant moisture below the eye. That moisture can irritate the skin and lead to thinning hair. The brown staining comes from pigments in tears. Over time, the skin can become red, infected, or bald. ### Eyelid Tumors Masses on the eyelid margin can cause hair loss over the bump. Most eyelid tumors in dogs are benign, such as tarsal gland adenomas and melanocytomas, but some are malignant [3]. A biopsy is the most reliable way to tell the difference [3]. Any new lump on the eyelid should be checked. ### Hormonal and Nutritional Causes Hair loss can also come from problems inside the body. Nutritional deficiencies, especially protein deficiency, and hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism can slow or stop hair growth [4]. This type of hair loss tends to be noninflammatory unless a secondary skin infection develops [4]. It often affects the body more broadly, not just the eyes. If your dog is losing hair on the nose as well, that can point to a different set of causes. See [Dog Hair Loss on Nose: Causes and When to Worry](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-on-nose-causes-and-when-to-worry). ## Red Flags That Make It an Emergency Most periocular hair loss can wait for a routine appointment. Some signs mean you should seek care right away. Go to an emergency vet or call your vet immediately if you see: - The eye itself looks cloudy, blue, or bulging - The dog is holding the eye closed and will not open it - There is thick yellow or green discharge - The eyelid is so swollen the eye cannot close - The dog is crying, whining, or pawing at the eye constantly - There is bleeding from the eyelid or eye - The dog suddenly cannot see or is bumping into things - The eye looks different from the other eye in size or shape These signs can indicate a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, or another serious eye condition. They need same-day care. ## Safe Things You Can Do at Home While Waiting You cannot diagnose the cause at home, but you can gather useful information and avoid making things worse. **Take good photos.** Use natural light. Take pictures of both eyes from the front, from each side, and in published veterinary research. Include a close-up of the bald area and any crusts or redness. Take new photos every few days so you can show your vet whether the area is growing, shrinking, or staying the same. **Note the pattern.** Is the hair loss on one eye or both? Is it on the upper lid, lower lid, or the skin below the eye? Is it spreading? Write down when you first noticed it. **Check for itching.** Watch how often your dog scratches, rubs its face, or paws at the eye. Itching is a clue that points toward allergies or infection. **Look at the rest of the body.** Part the hair on the muzzle, paws, ears, belly, and flanks. Hair loss in other areas changes the list of likely causes. **Keep the area clean and dry.** Gently wipe away discharge with a clean, damp cloth. Use a separate corner of the cloth for each eye to avoid spreading infection. Pat dry. **Do not apply human medications.** Do not put hydrocortisone, antibiotic ointment, or any other human product near your dog's eye unless your vet tells you to. Some products can harm the eye or make the problem worse. **Do not use medicated shampoos near the eyes** unless your vet specifically approves them for that area. **Prevent rubbing.** If your dog is rubbing its face, a soft cone (Elizabethan collar) can protect the area until your appointment. This is especially helpful if the skin is raw or bleeding. If your dog has sudden, widespread hair loss instead of a small area around the eye, that is a different pattern. See [Dog Sudden Hair Loss: Causes and When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-sudden-hair-loss). ## What the Veterinarian Will Check and Test Your vet will start with a full history and a physical exam. They will ask when you first noticed the hair loss, whether it itches, whether it has spread, and whether your dog has other skin or eye problems. The eye exam includes checking the eyelids, the conjunctiva (the pink tissue around the eye), the cornea, and the tear production. Your vet may use a special stain to check for corneal ulcers and a tear test to measure tear production. For the skin, your vet may perform: - **Skin scrapings.** They scrape a small amount of skin and look at it under a microscope to check for Demodex mites. - **Tape impressions or cytology.** They press tape or a swab on the skin to look for bacteria and yeast. - **Fungal culture.** If ringworm is suspected, they may send a sample to a lab. - **Blood tests.** These can check for hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism or other underlying conditions. - **Biopsy.** For eyelid masses or unusual skin changes, a biopsy and histologic examination is the most effective way to get a confirmed diagnosis [3]. Blepharitis is seen in two age groups: dogs younger than 1.5 years and middle-aged to older dogs [3]. Most cases respond well to specific therapy once an accurate diagnosis is made [3]. Your vet will also consider whether the problem is blepharitis alone or blepharitis with periocular dermatitis. In one study, 71 of 102 dogs with blepharitis also had periocular dermatitis [1]. That distinction matters because it changes the treatment plan. If your dog has a history of skin problems or has been losing hair for a while, your vet may recommend a referral to a veterinary dermatologist or ophthalmologist. ## Prevention and Monitoring You cannot prevent every cause of periocular hair loss, but you can reduce the risk and catch problems early. **Keep up with flea, tick, and mite prevention.** Your vet can recommend the right product for your dog. Some preventives also help control Demodex. **Manage allergies.** If your dog has known allergies, follow your vet's plan for diet, medication, or allergy shots. Keeping allergies under control reduces face rubbing and skin inflammation. **Keep the eye area clean and dry.** For dogs with tear staining, gentle daily wiping can reduce moisture and irritation. Ask your vet about safe cleaning products. **Check your dog's face weekly.** Run your hands over the eyelids and the skin around the eyes. Look for new bumps, redness, or bald spots. Early detection makes treatment easier. **Take photos over time.** If you notice a small bald spot, photograph it and check it every few days. If it grows or the skin changes, call your vet. **Watch for recurrence.** Many skin conditions, including allergies and Demodex, can come back. If you see the same signs returning, contact your vet before it gets worse. **Keep routine vet visits.** Annual exams help your vet track changes in your dog's skin and eyes over time. If your dog recently had puppies and is losing hair, that can be a separate issue. See [Dog Hair Loss After Puppies: Causes and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-after-puppies). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is causing your dog's hair loss. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can do that. Individual cases need a veterinarian's assessment. Contact your vet the same day if you see: - Squinting, pawing at the eye, or holding the eye closed - Redness, swelling, or crusting on the eyelid - Discharge from the eye - A new lump or bump on the eyelid - Hair loss that is spreading quickly Go to an emergency clinic now if: - The eye looks cloudy, blue, or bulging - The dog cannot open the eye - There is bleeding from the eye or eyelid - The dog seems to have lost vision - The eye looks very different from the other eye Book a routine visit if: - The hair loss is mild and the skin looks normal - There is no itching, pain, or discharge - The bald area is not growing - Your dog is otherwise acting normal If you are unsure, call your vet's office. They can help you decide whether to come in now or wait. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is hair loss around a dog's eyes always a sign of a serious problem? No. Many cases are caused by mild allergies, tear staining, or a temporary skin issue. Some causes, such as eyelid tumors or certain infections, need treatment. A vet exam is the only way to know which one you are dealing with. ### Can I use human eye drops or ointments on my dog? No. Human eye products can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs or that worsen certain eye conditions. Do not put anything in or near your dog's eye unless your veterinarian prescribes it for your dog. ### Will the hair grow back? In most cases, hair grows back once the underlying cause is treated. Hair regrowth can take weeks to months, depending on the cause and how long the follicle was affected. Some conditions, such as scarring or certain tumors, can cause permanent hair loss in that spot. ### Does diet cause hair loss around the eyes? A poor diet or a protein deficiency can contribute to hair loss, but it is not the most common cause of periocular hair loss [4]. If your dog is on a complete and balanced diet, food is unlikely to be the main problem. Your vet can help you sort out whether diet plays a role. ### Should I wait to see if it gets better on its own? If the skin looks normal and your dog is not itchy or uncomfortable, you can monitor for a few days and take photos. If the area grows, changes color, becomes crusty, or your dog starts pawing at the eye, call your vet. Do not wait if the eye itself looks abnormal. ## Related Articles - [Dog Hair Loss on Nose: Causes and When to Worry](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-on-nose-causes-and-when-to-worry) - [Why Is My Dog Losing Hair in Patches? Common Causes and Next Steps](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-patches-causes-next-steps) - [Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/why-is-my-dog-losing-hair) - [Dog Hair Loss After Puppies: Causes and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-after-puppies) - [Dog Sudden Hair Loss: Causes and When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-sudden-hair-loss) - [Dog Eye Discharge: When Should You Worry?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-eye-discharge-when-to-worry) - [Dog Hair Loss: Causes, Home Care, and Diet Fixes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/dog-hair-loss-home-remedies) - [Why Is My Dog's Eye Watering? Causes and When to Worry](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-eye-watering) - [Dog Eye Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Worry](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-eye-infection-treatment) ## References 1. [Blepharitis in dogs: a clinical evaluation in 102 dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30828906/). Veterinary dermatology, 2019. 2. [Unveiling the Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways in Canine Demodicosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38607285/). Parasite immunology, 2024. 3. [Blepharitis and Neoplasms of the Canine Eyelid Margin and Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36813395/). The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 2023. 4. [Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/hair-loss-alopecia-in-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)