First time puppy parent - unsure of hairless spot on the side of her face

I don't know what's going on and I'm starting to worry a bit. I’m a first-time puppy parent and noticed that my little Bella has this strange patch on the side of her face where the fur is just, well, gone. It wasn't there yesterday morning, and now it's about the size of a quarter. She's a lively six-month-old golden retriever, always dashing around the yard, so it’s hard to tell if it's bothering her. It doesn’t seem red or irritated, but she does get a little more paw-happy with it when she’s cleaning herself. Has anyone else seen this with their pups? Could this be a normal puppy thing, or should I be freaking out?

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Answer

I completely understand why you're worried about the hairless spot on your puppy's face. Puppies are full of surprises, and noticing changes like this can be unsettling.



Hair loss in puppies can result from a variety of causes. Common reasons include skin infections, such as a mild bacterial or fungal issue, or even a bit of trauma from playful roughhousing with other pets or chewing on their crate or toys. Another possibility is a condition called "puppy mange," caused by mites, which is fairly common but usually easy to manage with the right care.



At home, keep the area clean and dry. You can gently cleanse it with warm water and a hypoallergenic pet wipe. Watch for signs that the spot might be infected, like redness, swelling, a bad smell, or if your puppy seems uncomfortable when you touch it. If the spot isn't improving or if you notice other symptoms like scratching, lethargy, or changes in appetite, it’s best to have it looked at.



I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. We can take a closer look and provide more tailored advice to get your puppy’s skin back to normal.

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Disclaimer: The customer and expert messages presented herein may have been altered with artificial intelligence or modified to enhance readability and safeguard the privacy of individuals. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. Talk to a vet now.

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