What is a home remedy for alopecia in dogs? 5 home remedies for your dog!

The most useful home remedy for alopecia in dogs is adding an omega-3 (fish oil) supplement to support skin and coat health, and soothing dry skin with a little coconut or olive oil. But home remedies only help with mild, dry-skin problems: hair loss is usually a symptom of something else, such as fleas, mites, allergies, ringworm or a hormone problem, so it’s important to have your vet find the cause first.

Alopecia (hair loss) is a common problem in dogs. In this post, we’ll look at five popular home remedies, what they can and can’t do, and the causes and symptoms that mean your dog needs a vet visit.

What is alopecia in dogs?

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. It can refer to partial or complete hair loss, and it can be temporary or permanent.

Every dog’s skin has tiny structures called hair follicles. The dog’s hair coat is made up of two types of hairs: primary hairs and secondary hairs.

The primary hairs, or guard hairs, are the longer, stiffer outer hairs. The secondary hairs form the softer undercoat; they are shorter, finer and usually far more numerous. Together, they insulate the dog and help protect the skin from the sun.

Hair loss happens either because the follicles stop growing hair, for example due to a hormone problem, or because the hair is damaged or pulled out, for example by scratching, licking or an infection in the follicles.

What are the 5 most popular home remedies for alopecia in dogs?

Before trying any of these, keep in mind that none of them will fix hair loss caused by parasites, ringworm, allergies or hormone problems. Use them alongside, not instead of, a vet check, and stop if your dog’s skin becomes more red or irritated.

1Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for a variety of conditions, including alopecia. The vinegar is thought to help with mild yeast or bacteria on the skin, although there’s little scientific evidence that it treats hair loss.

To use apple cider vinegar as a remedy for alopecia, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle (or dilute it further for sensitive skin), and test it on a small patch first. Apply the mixture to the affected areas of your dog’s skin and coat, being careful to avoid the eyes.

Apple cider vinegar should not be used if your dog has open wounds, raw or scratched skin, as it is acidic and will sting and further irritate the area.

2Lemon juice

Lemon juice is often suggested for the same reason as apple cider vinegar: its acidity is thought to discourage bacteria or fungus on the skin. However, it’s the remedy we’d be most cautious with. Lemon juice is more irritating than diluted vinegar, many dogs dislike the citrus smell, and there’s no good evidence that it helps hair grow back.

If you do want to try it, dilute it heavily with water, test it on a small patch first, and keep it away from the eyes. Don’t let your dog lick off large amounts.

As with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice should never be used on open wounds, raw or broken skin. If your dog’s skin is already irritated, skip this one.

3Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a popular home remedy for many health conditions in humans, and it can also be used to help dogs with alopecia. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that can moisturize dry, flaky skin, although it won’t regrow hair lost to an underlying disease.

To use coconut oil for dry skin, massage a thin layer into the affected area of your dog’s skin once a day. Your dog will probably lick some off, which is fine in small amounts, but coconut oil is high in fat and calories, so go easy if you also add it to food, and avoid it for dogs with a history of pancreatitis.

4Olive Oil

Olive oil is another popular home remedy for alopecia. Like coconut oil, olive oil contains fatty acids that can help to moisturize dry skin. We also cover using olive oil for matted dog hair.

To use olive oil for dry skin, massage a small amount into the affected area of your dog’s skin once a day. Like coconut oil, you can also add a little to your dog’s food, but keep portions small to avoid an upset stomach and extra calories.

5Omega-3 supplements

Omega-3 supplements are the remedy with the best evidence behind them. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA from fish oil, can improve skin and coat health and help reduce skin inflammation, which is why vets often recommend them for dogs with allergies.

To use omega-3 supplements, choose one made for dogs and give the dose recommended for your dog’s weight, or ask your vet for a dose. Start low, as too much at once can cause loose stools, and check with your vet first if your dog takes other medications or has a bleeding disorder. It usually takes a month or more to see a difference in the coat.

Which home remedy is optimal for your dog?

If your dog seems to be scratching a lot, the cause is often fleas, mites or an allergy, which need proper treatment from your vet; a home remedy on its own won’t solve it. Diluted apple cider vinegar may soothe mild yeasty skin, but only on unbroken skin.

When your dog has dry skin, coconut oil or olive oil may help to moisturize it.

Omega-3 supplements help in general with skin and coat health and are a sensible addition for most dogs with skin problems, alongside whatever treatment your vet recommends.

In most cases, you’ll need to continue using the home remedy for at least a few weeks before you see any improvement in your dog’s condition.

If you don’t see any improvement after a few weeks, or if your dog’s condition worsens, make sure to take them to the vet for further evaluation. Don’t wait that long if the hair loss is spreading, the skin is red, scabby, smelly or oozing, your dog is very itchy, or they also seem unwell, for example drinking more, gaining weight or lacking energy.

What are the causes of alopecia in dogs?

There are several causes of alopecia in dogs, including parasites, allergies, infections, hormone imbalances and genetics.

Parasites such as fleas and mites (mange) are among the most common causes of hair loss, and some types of mange are contagious.

Allergies to fleas, food or things in the environment make dogs itchy, and the scratching and licking lead to hair loss.

Infections, such as bacterial skin infections and ringworm (a fungal infection that can also spread to people), cause patchy hair loss.

Hormone imbalances, most often an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or Cushing’s disease, typically cause thinning hair on both sides of the body without much itching.

Genetic predisposition means that some breeds are more likely to develop certain types of alopecia, such as seasonal flank alopecia or pattern baldness. In some cases, hair loss can also be linked to stress, pressure points like elbow calluses, or, rarely, cancer. We cover clearing fleas from your home in can my dog sleep in my bed after flea treatment.

The good news is that many of these causes can be treated, and the hair often grows back once the underlying problem is under control. Your vet may do skin scrapings, a fungal culture, or blood tests to find out what’s going on.

What are the symptoms of alopecia in dogs?

The most common symptom of alopecia in dogs is hair loss. This can happen all over the body, or it may be limited to certain areas. In some cases, the hair loss may be patchy, while in others it may be more evenly distributed.

Other symptoms of alopecia may include dry skin, itchiness, redness, and inflammation. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your vet for further evaluation. Flaky white residue on the coat is a related topic we explain in white powder when I pet my dog.

Final word

Alopecia can be difficult to deal with, but home remedies like omega-3 supplements and a little coconut or olive oil can support healthy skin and coat. They work best once your vet has ruled out or treated the underlying cause.

In most cases, you’ll need to continue using the home remedy for at least a few weeks before you see any improvement in your dog’s condition.

If you don’t see any improvement after a few weeks, or if your dog’s condition worsens, make sure to take them to the vet for further evaluation.