Why do dogs have bald bellies?
If you have a dog, at some point, you’ve probably asked yourself why most of them don’t have much hair on their bellies. So whenever Fido flips over for a belly scratch, it’s likely you can see his skin through the fur, if there’s any fur there at all!
It’s true that some hairier breeds, such as Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs, might have more hair on their stomachs than other dogs. Still, it’s thinner than the fur that covers the rest of their bodies.
So what is the deal with bald bellies?
Many animals have lighter, or zero, fur on their bellies. Dogs are not an exception to this rule. Animals ranging from chipmunks to alligators all have a lighter color on their stomach, whether fur or scales.
Lighter skin and fur patterns are part of evolution. However, the circle of life can be vicious, and animals must have a way to blend in to survive. A pale belly helps animals blend in with their surroundings instead of maintaining the same bold color pattern from head to hoof or paw.
Though the domestic dogs that we share our homes with today don’t have much of a need for light or bald bellies, they evolved from wild animals that do. It doesn’t matter what part of the world from which an animal hails. The sun is always in the same place, overhead.
Animals with pale bellies and dark backs balance out the amount of light reflecting off of them, making it easier to hide from predators. This concept is true for wolves and the wild dogs of years past.
Evolution aside, if your dog has patchy fur or inflamed skin on his stomach, this could be an indication of a medical or skin condition. Many dogs have skin sensitivities, and it’s not uncommon for hot spots and hair loss to show up on their tummies.
This situation will be noticeable in all dogs, even those that don’t have much hair on their stomachs to lose. If there is a change in the appearance of your dog’s belly, don’t hesitate to take it to the vet for a checkup. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Don’t worry about your dog having a hair-free tummy. It’s normal for many animals, and dogs are notorious for lack of belly hair!
Bald Spots in Dogs: Common Causes and Treatments
There are lots of reasons dogs may lose hair (also called alopecia), from infection to irritation caused by parasites. A few of the more common reasons include:
Allergies
Allergies are a frequent trigger for hair loss in dogs. Like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to foods, environmental triggers such as pollen, or to parasites like fleas or mites.
Flea bites are behind most dog allergies, however. Along with hair loss from licking and biting the irritated areas, signs of flea allergies include itching and redness. For a particularly allergic dog, it may take as little as one flea bite to start an allergic reaction that lingers for days.
While any dog can have allergies, some are more prone to them than others. Treating your dogs allergies may include topical or internal medication, allergy shots, a change in diet, and avoiding the allergen.
Hair loss in dogs may also be caused by hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushings disease, a condition caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Medication and sometimes surgery is available to treat Cushingâs disease, also known as Cushings syndrome.Â
Cushings disease is more common in dogs 6 years or older. Other signs of Cushings disease include eating, drinking, and urinating more, panting, as well as having a pot-bellied appearance. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs.
Genetics
There are some “hairless” dogs like Chinese crested and Mexican hairless, but there are some dogs are more prone to baldness than others. Bald spots on the outer ear, chest, belly, thighs, or lower neck may appear in greyhounds, whippets, Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and Italian greyhounds, usually after their first year.
Most owners learn to live with this, as treatment options are limited. Always make sure your vet has ruled out other causes of hair loss.
Infection or Infestation (Ringworm, Mites, Bacteria)
Ringworm fungus, pests like mange mites, and bacteria can all lead to infections that may ultimately cause bald spots on your dog.
Along with hair loss around the ears, eyes, mouth, and elsewhere, signs your dog may have mites include oily skin, thickened skin, itching, and inflammation. Symptoms of ringworm — a contagious infection of haired skin and claws — includes circular or irregular hair loss, inflammation, and infected crusts.
Although small ringworm lesions may clear up spontaneously, it is contageous and should be treated. Ringworm is treated with topical antifungal medications. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. Treating mites may require topical or oral medications, and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
Pressure Sores
Older or heavy dogs can be prone to pressure sores where their elbows or other bony parts of the body come in regular contact with hard surfaces. Over time, the constant pressure tends to thicken the skin, the hair falls out, and calluses form.
If calluses crack, bleed, or get infected, treatment may include moisturizers, antibiotics, or use of bracing. You can prevent pressure sores and calluses by providing your pooch with cushioned bedding.
Insect bites and stings, medications, plants, chemicals, even shampoos can cause some dogs to develop a rash or hives, which can result in bald spots.
Allergic rashes usually appear within minutes to hours of exposure, and other symptoms can include listlessness, fever, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Always talk to your vet immediately if your dog develops hives as emergency treatment may be needed.
Congenital Diseases
A handful of breeds are susceptible to genetic conditions that cause hair loss. A few of the most commonly afflicted breeds include:
Additionally, some dogs are simply born with a predisposition for hair loss.