Pet pulling out hair

Question
My golden has just started pulling his hair out the same spot on both sides.  On
the sides stomach right above both hind legs.  Can you tell me why he is doing
that?

Answer
Hi Pat-

While there are a number of reasons that pets can pull at their hair, the most common is irritation or pain. Typically when they are pulling hair out of both sides above their hips equally, I would say they are having joint pain in their hips and are frustrated. That usually causes them to dig at their sides in hopes of allieveating the pain. I think a trip to the vet to have her hips checked for dysplasia or arthritis may be a good idea. It could also, of course, be a skin condition, which is something a vet needs to diagnose on hand.

I hope he feels better,