Why Does My English Bulldog Have Bald Spots? 8 Causes [& Easy Solutions]

Bald spots and hair loss are issues that can concern any dog owner, and since they can occur for many different reasons, the safest option is to consult their vet about them.  

However, we can still help you understand what your dog may be dealing with as we walk you through the possible reasons why your English Bulldog has bald spots.

So, why does my English Bulldog have bald spots? Your English Bulldog can have bald spots for many reasons, such as allergies, seasonal alopecia, poor health, parasites, black hair follicular dysplasia, rashes, Hypothyroidism, or lack of hygiene. If you notice bald spots in your English Bulldog, you should take it to the vet for treatment.

There is more to that answer; keep reading to learn more about why English Bulldogs have bald spots and how to treat them with home remedies.

Why Does My English Bulldog Have Bald Spots?

There are 8 possible reasons that can lead to hair loss and bald spots in your English Bulldog; even though most are not concerning, it’s better to know when to take action. So, let’s break down all the reasons in more detail:

1. Allergies
2. Seasonal Alopecia 
3. Poor Health 
4. Parasites  
5. Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia 
6. Rash 
7. Hypothyroidism 
8. Poor Hygiene 

Allergies 

Allergies are one of the most common reasons for balding in English Bulldogs.

They can occur due to genetics, so if one of the parent breeds has allergies, your puppy will most likely inherit it. That is why it’s crucial to research the puppy’s family history before adopting or buying them.

However, if both parent breeds don’t have any allergies and your puppy did have allergies, you need to be aware of everything they’re allergic to.

Symptoms Of Allergies In English Bulldogs

• Itchiness 
• Excessive licking  
• Runny eyes and nose
• Wheezing 
• Hives 
• Inflamed skin 
• Sneezing 
• Swelling of the face 
• Red skin 
• Vomiting 
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic ear infections

Allergies Treatment in English Bulldogs

If you know what your English Bulldog is allergic to, you can try to keep them as far from it as possible, whether it’s a particular food in their diet or an ingredient in their shampoo.

However, if you don’t know what is causing the allergic reaction, you should take them to the vet to figure it out.

Seasonal Alopecia 

Seasonal alopecia is a condition that can cause bald spots in English Bulldogs, and it occurs due to a lack of vitamin D. If your dog isn’t exposed to enough sunlight, it may stop hair growth and lead to excessive hair loss.

It’s influenced by prolactin hormone production and melatonin; the less your dog is exposed to the sun, the slower their hair growth will get. However, seasonal alopecia isn’t a threat and can be treated easily. 

Symptoms Of Alopecia in English Bulldogs

• Hair loss
• Itchy skin 
• Brittle coat 
• Bald spots 
• Crusting around the bald spots
• Dandruff 
• Patches of dark skin
• Scaly skin 
• Shedding more than usual
• Red Patches 

Seasonal Alopecia Treatment in English Bulldogs

You can treat your English Bulldog from seasonal alopecia by just taking them for a walk every morning. You can also add vitamins to the dog’s diet.

Poor Health

Poor health can lead to lots of health issues and can be the reason why your Bulldog has bald spots. They may be sick, and their body isn’t strong enough to fight whatever they are going through.

It could also be that their diet isn’t providing them with all the nutrients they need, so typically, it affects their coat, causing hair loss and bald spots.

A poor diet won’t only affect their coat, it will leave them weak and less energetic, and some health issues will start to appear. 

Symptoms Of Poor Health in English Bulldogs

• Sudden weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Squinting their eyes
• Hair loss
• Vomiting 
• Decreased or increased urination 
• Low energy level
• Wheezing 
• Lameness
• Pale gums
• Itchy skin
• Changes in their personality 
• Diarrhea 
• Change in their drinking habits
• Coughing 
• Red eyes
• Stiffness
• Trouble breathing
• Runny eyes

Poor Health Treatment in English Bulldogs

If you notice a few of these symptoms in your dog, you should take them to the vet because your pup won’t reach out to you to tell you what’s bothering them. 

You need to keep an eye on their behavior and notice if there are any changes, then make an appointment with their vet.

However, if the problem is their diet, you should switch it or consult their vet, and they will give you a diet made especially for your Bulldog based on their weight, age, and energy level. 

Parasites 

Parasites and skin mites can cause significant hair loss in dogs, and there is a specific one that targets their coat and skin, causes damage, hair loss, and bald spots, and is called mange.

English Bulldogs are prone to two types of mange, demodectic and sarcoptic mange, and both of them can cause the same symptoms.

However, there is no need to worry because parasites and mites are treatable. Even the most severe cases can be treated; it will just take a little more time. 

Symptoms of parasites in English Bulldogs

• Dull coat 
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Decreased activity 
• Distended belly 
• Scooting 
• Blood in their stool
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia 
• Intestinal blockage 
• Dehydration 

Parasites Treatment in English Bulldogs

If you believe your English Bulldog is suffering from parasites or mange, you must immediately take them to the vet.

It needs to be treated professionally because the vet will diagnose what kind of parasite they are dealing with, then they will start the treatment because most parasites can’t be treated at home.

Sometimes, the vet will bathe your Bulldog with medically-enhanced shampoos specifically made to treat parasites.

Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia 

Black hair follicular dysplasia is rare, but since your Bulldog can still develop it, we have to discuss it.

The only way your English Bulldog can have the black hair follicular dysplasia is by inheritance, so if one of the Bulldog’s parents has it, there is a chance that your pup has bald spots because they inherited the BHFD.

Symptoms of the Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia

• Dull coat appearance in the dark areas
• Shorter hair.
• Scaly skin
• Reddened skin
• Noticeable signs of pain
• Flaky skin
• Dry skin
• Susceptible to skin infections
• Abnormal hair growth
• Red raised areas of their skin.
• Crust around the bald spots
• The odor from their skin
• Darkening of the skin and coat
• Excessive itching

Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia Treatment in English Bulldogs

BHFD may not need any treatment, but since it weakens their skin and makes them prone to infections, it would be best to take them to the vet.

Their vet will most likely treat their skin using suitable shampoos and conditioners, it will not treat the Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia, but it will reduce the chances of your dog’s skin getting infected.

Rashes 

Your English Bulldog can develop a rash suddenly, causing them to be itchy, and the excessive scratching and biting can make them lose hair and have bald spots.

They can also develop hives and rashes from insect bites, medication, shampoos, chemicals, toxic plants, heat, stress, friction, genetic abnormality, sunlight, or anxiety. Check out this guide on why bulldogs have rashes for more information.

Symptoms Of Rashes in English Bulldogs.

• Inflamed skin
• Dander
• Redness of the skin
• Head shaking
• Itchiness 
• Oily skin
• Scabs
• Excessive hair loss
• Bald spots
• Rubbing against the furniture or the floor
• Dull fur
• Flaky skin
• Hot spots
• Facial swelling
• Darkening of the skin

Rashes Treatment in English Bulldogs

If you think your English Bulldog has a rash, you should take them to the vet because you need to know what caused the inflammation.

The vet will give them whatever medication they need to treat the underlying medical condition, they will also give your dog something to relieve the itchiness, so their skin can finally heal.

However, there are some home remedies that you can try to help your dog with the rash:

• Skin supplements that are specially formulated for dogs.
• Cleaning their ears regularly with ear cleaning solution
• Antihistamines
• Wiping off their belly and paws after every walk
• Regular grooming
• Soothing shampoos 
• Flea Prevention 
• A Humidifier can help in dry climates.
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Gentle Antiseptic solutions.

Hypothyroidism 

Another possible cause that could lead to hair loss and bald spots is Hypothyroidism, and even though it’s not that common, it can still happen.

Hypothyroidism is caused by the low production of essential thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in English Bulldogs

• Obesity 
• Unexplained weight gain
• Exercise intolerance
• Hair loss
• Change in their appetite
• Mental dullness 
• Cold Intolerance 
• Thickening of the skin
• Changes in their skin and coat
• Reproductive Disturbances in intact dogs.

Hypothyroidism Treatment in English Bulldogs.

You should take your English Bulldog to the vet if you believe they suffer from Hypothyroidism.

The veterinarian will prescribe thyroxine depending on your Bulldog’s weight and thyroid levels, and they may keep adjusting their dosage over time. 

Once their vet settles for a dosage amount, your English Bulldog will have to take the medication for the rest of their life, and they will need to have their thyroid levels retested every once in a while.

Poor Hygiene 

One of the possible reasons why your English Bulldog is losing hair may be their hygiene. If you don’t groom them regularly, they may start to shed excessively and start losing more hair than usual.

Your English Bulldog should be brushed at least three times a week, and you can bathe them once a week, but your English Bulldog shouldn’t stay six weeks without bathing. Make sure to use a proper shampoo; it would be best if you used oatmeal or aloe-based shampoo.

Signs That Your English Bulldog Needs Grooming

• Dull coat
• Bad odor coming from their body
• Excessive shedding
• Scooting on the carpet
• Nails are too long
• Matted coat

Treatment 

You can take your English Bulldog to a professional groomer or try to groom them regularly at home. You should also brush them multiple times a week and bathe them no more often than every six weeks.

Trim their nails every three weeks or whenever you hear their nail clicking down on the floor, wipe their ears with cotton dampened in pH-balanced ear cleaner, and brush their teeth every day to prevent gum diseases, tartar build-up, bacteria, and bad breath.

How Can I Help My English Bulldog with Hair Loss?

In order to stop your English Bulldog’s hair loss, you’ll need to determine what is causing it so that you can start the treatment.

It would be best to take them to the vet to find out the underlying cause and treat it appropriately. If it’s something serious, it’s better to catch and treat it early than wait and be more challenging.

How Do You Treat A Bald Spot On An English Bulldog?

Treating a bald spot depends on what’s causing it, but there are multiple options that the vet may try, such as:

• Fish oil Supplements 
• Monthly Flea Preventative 
• Antibiotics 
• Steroids 
• Surgery 
• Hypoallergenic Diets 
• Antifungals 
• Immunosuppressive Drugs
• Behavioral Medications
• Thyroid Medication 
• An Elizabethan Collar
• Hormone Therapy
• Medicated Shampoos
• Immunosuppressive 
• Vitamin A and Vitamin E

However, keep in mind that some of these options should be done under a vet’s supervision. You shouldn’t give your English Bulldog treatment on your own, except for the fish oil supplement, vitamin A, and vitamin E; you can add them to their diets to give their coat, skin, and health a boost.

Home Remedies to Help Your English Bulldog’s Hair To Grow Back

Some home remedies can help your English Bulldog’s hair grow back; however, it won’t work if it’s caused by a genetic medical condition such as Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia.

Suppose your dog is losing hair because of parasites, Hypothyroidism, allergies, diet, rash, or hives.  In that case, as long as you take them to the vet and treat the condition medically, you can start trying these home remedies the speed up the hair growth.

Here are five home remedies for hair growth in dogs you can try on your English Bulldog.

• Aloe vera
• Essential oils 
• Supplements
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is excellent for soothing the skin, so if your dog is feeling itchy, it will help them stop scratching and give their skin time to heal. You can also add essential oils to the aloe vera for better and faster results.

Apply aloe vera on the bald spots or their whole coat, and let it sit for at least an hour. Then wash it off, and the aloe vera will remove the dead skin cells and help the hair grow.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the most critical part of any hair growth process, especially rosemary oil; they will soothe the skin and promote hair growth.

Apply the oils on their skin and massage it gently into their fur, and leave it for no less than 30 minutes while making sure your dogs don’t lick their fur during that time, then rinse it off with oatmeal shampoo. You can repeat it twice a week for better results.

Supplements

You can add supplements to the dog’s diet, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and put a few drops of fish oil in their meals. These supplements speed up the hair growth process, leaving them with a healthier and shinier coat.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has many benefits for your pup, and it can help with any infection or parasites due to its critical acid.

Apply the lemon juice on a cotton ball, wipe wherever the hair is thinning, and let it sit for 10 minutes; and don’t let them lick it; wash the lemon off their fur.

Apple Cider

Apple cider can do almost the same result as lemon juice; its acetic acids can kill any bacteria or fungus.

Apple cider can also boost their immune system, so you must combine equal parts of water with equal parts of vinegar and apply it to any infected area.

If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family; it may be helpful to them as well. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Related Questions

Will My Dog Bald Spots Grow Back?

Your dog’s bald spots can grow back, but it depends on why they have bald spots in the first place. As long as you provide the dog with the right treatment, the hair can grow back without problems. If it’s left untreated, then your dog will keep losing hair all over his body.

Can I Put Coconut Oil On My Dog’s Bald Spot?

You can put coconut oil on your dog’s bald spot. Coconut oil can improve your dog’s coat, making it shinier and healthier, and it can also be used as a moisturizer if your dog has dry skin. However, if you apply coconut oil to your dog’s coat, prevent them from licking it because it can upset their stomach. 

Can Food Cause Hair Loss In Dogs?

Food can cause hair loss in dogs for multiple reasons. If your dog is allergic to a particular food, the allergic reaction can make them itch and scratch, leading to hair loss and bald spots. It can also be that their diet isn’t providing them with the nutrients they need, causing more hair loss.

Helpful Resources

Bald Spots in Dogs

Black hair follicular dysplasia in Large Münsterländer dogs: clinical, histological and ultrastructural features

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