bloodhound ears - bald spots

Question
My 2-year old Bloodhound Sadie, like every bloodhound, drags her ears into EVERYTHING! The most annoying thing she drags them in is her water bowl; after which I diligently try to dry her ears, so they don't drag onto other things (i.e. the dirt, the furniture, etc). However, she has developed patches of baldness on the ends of both her ears, which concerns me. I am not sure if it is my fault for drying them constantly, or if it is a result of her dragging them
on the ground, or what? What can I do to A.)restore the hair, and B.)prevent further damage?

Answer
Hi Libby,

Having your dog diagnosed by your veterinarian is your best bet for quick treatment.

Causes of hair loss on the face and neck or feet can be food allergies.  Certain components in foods, even as simple as wheat, corn, beef, etc., can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs.  I have one hound that kept losing all the hair on the ends of his ears.  It turned out to be a food allergy as well as a contact allergy.  Once I changed foods, all the hair grew back.

Certain parasites can cause hair loss, itchiness, or redness on the feet and elsewhere: these include Sarcoptic mange, Demondex mange, round, hook, or whip words to name a few.  Skin scrapes can properly identify the problem.

If the area that has the hair loss dies not itch, and it's not inflamed or infected, it's possible the hair-loss is due to a condition called Alopecia X. Sometimes this condition will disappear on it's own spontaneously. It's a cosmetic disorder that won't hurt your dog, though tests should be run to rule it out or confirm it as the problem at hand.

Best of luck,
Patti