Finding black spots on your dog’s skin can be alarming. While some of these spots are perfectly harmless, others might point to a bigger health problem brewing underneath the surface.
That’s why it’s so important to figure out what’s causing those dark spots in the first place. The right diagnosis is key to getting your furry friend the right treatment.
This article will walk you through the common causes of black spots on skin, what vets look for when diagnosing the issue, and what treatments are available. We’ll also cover when it’s time to head to the vet for a checkup.
Identifying black spots: coat vs. skin
First, it’s important to figure out whether the spots are on your dog’s fur or directly on their skin.
Black spots on the coat
If the spots are on the fur, they may be caused by something external, like mud or flea dirt.
Mud and environmental debris
Sometimes mud stains just look like black spots. Regular grooming can keep this kind of buildup from happening.
Flea dirt
Flea dirt is digested blood that looks like black specks. You can tell if it’s flea dirt by putting the specks on a wet paper towel. If it turns red, it’s probably flea dirt.
Black spots on the skin
If the spots are directly on your dog’s skin, it needs to be investigated further because it could be caused by an underlying medical condition.
Common Causes of Black Spots on Your Dog’s Skin
What could those spots be? Here are some of the more common causes of dark spots on a dog’s skin:
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation happens when areas of skin darken because of increased production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This is often a secondary symptom tied to other skin conditions or hormonal imbalances.
Allergies
Allergies to food, fleas, or something in the environment can cause skin inflammation and hyperpigmentation. If your dog has an allergic reaction, you may see redness, itching, and possibly even a secondary skin infection.
Skin Infections
Bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections can cause skin discoloration and inflammation. These infections often stem from allergies or other underlying problems.
Parasites
Fleas and mites can irritate your dog’s skin, leading to inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Flea allergy dermatitis is a common cause of skin problems in dogs.
Hormonal Imbalances
Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can affect skin pigmentation, disrupting normal skin function and leading to various skin issues.
Sun Exposure
Like people, dogs can get sunburned and develop hyperpigmentation from spending too much time in the sun, especially if they have light-colored fur. Too much sun can also raise the risk of skin cancer.
Focal Pathologies: Localized Skin Issues
Sometimes the dark spots you see on your dog are related to a specific, localized skin problem.
Comedones (Blackheads)
Just like people, dogs can get blackheads. Comedones are blocked hair follicles that look like small, dark spots on the skin. They’re fairly common in certain breeds, and sometimes they’re caused by a skin condition called seborrhea.
Skin Tumors
Less commonly, skin tumors can appear as dark spots or raised masses on your dog’s skin. If you notice any unusual skin growths, it’s best to have them checked out by your veterinarian to be on the safe side.
Skin Darkening with or without Itching
What if your dog’s skin is getting darker, but you’re not sure if it’s itchy or not? Here’s what the darkening could mean.
Skin Darkening and Thickening with Itching
If the darkening skin is also thicker than usual and your dog is scratching like crazy, those things could point to inflammation caused by allergies, infections, or parasites. All that scratching can damage the skin even further and lead to additional infections.
Skin Darkening without Itching
If the skin is darkening but not itchy, hormonal imbalances or breed variations could be to blame. Some breeds are simply predisposed to certain pigmentation patterns.
Lichenification
Chronic inflammation and scratching can lead to lichenification, in which the skin thickens and darkens. This is a common sign that the skin has been irritated for a long time.
Diagnosing the cause of black spots
If you notice dark spots on your dog’s skin, it’s best to consult with your vet. They can help you determine what’s causing the spots, and they can give you a treatment plan, if needed.
Veterinary exam
A thorough exam is the first step toward getting a diagnosis. The vet will assess your dog’s general health and examine the skin lesions.
Diagnostic tests
To determine the cause of the spots, your vet may recommend tests such as:
- Skin scraping. This can help identify parasites.
- Impression smear. This can detect bacterial or fungal infections.
- Biopsy. This may be needed to diagnose skin tumors or other conditions.
- Blood test. This can help identify hormone imbalances or other systemic problems.
- Allergy testing. This can pinpoint specific allergens.
Treatment options for black spots
If your dog has black spots, your vet’s priority will be treating the underlying condition that’s causing them. This could involve medications, topical treatments, or changes to your dog’s diet.
If allergies are to blame, your vet may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy.
For infections, your dog may need antibiotics or antifungals.
If your dog has a hormonal imbalance, hormone replacement therapy may be the answer.
Topical treatments
Medicated shampoos and creams can soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. Your vet may recommend a product like one of the DOUXO® S3 line of products, which are designed to help with various skin conditions.
Closing Thoughts
If you notice black spots on your dog’s skin, it’s important to figure out what’s causing them and work with your veterinarian to find the right treatment.
Taking preventative steps can help your dog have healthy skin, and regular checkups with your vet can help catch any skin problems early.