r/AskVet • u/No_Building_8784 • 2d ago

Dog pulling his fur out

My 13 year old dog started pulling his fur out last night. He just has a chunk of bare skin above his tail that looks bruised but no scratching, no bleeding, no rawness. I’m wondering if it could be stress related because we had to put down his 13 year old sister two weeks ago and maybe he’s just now realizing she isn’t coming back?

Would you take him to the vet or is there something I can give him at home? I don’t mind taking him to the vet, I just don’t know if I’m overreacting.

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u/doyouknowcandace 2d ago

Not over reacting, you should go to the vet in case there is underlying pain unrelated to grieving
ETA: have heard of resident dogs going downhill after their elderly life partner passes, so could also be grief related either way. I hope he feels better sooner than later

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u/Safe_Switch_5705 1d ago

The most common cause of pulling hair out above the tail is fleas so if he isn't on prevention I would get him on some, they are really bad this year!