dog skin turning black itching

In addition to sunscreen, I thought it would nice to include a medicated shampoo for inflamed skin. If your dog regularly goes out into the sun for a prolonged amount of time without any sort of sun protection, your dog’s skin will slowly but surely start to change in color. But before we do, let’s get into the science behind this skin variation. If you had ever experienced an insect bite in your life (I did), you’d probably notice the sting and a formation of a welt rising from the location of the insect bite. Canine Black Skin Disease: Caused by a hormone imbalance, genetics, and allergies. By conducting skin tests with an overall physical examination, your veterinarian will figure out the culprit behind all this sooner or later. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent potential sunburns, which can lead to your dog’s skin turning black. In most cases, the darkening only fades with time and the skin never really goes back to its initial color. My white and beige Shih Tzu's skin seems to be turning grey/black. DogsCatspets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. Required fields are marked *. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin has too much pigmentation, resulting in black dog skin spots. Most of the time, we spot the dark patches and spots on our dog’s skin before doing any research, which is very typical of us. The usual sites are in the legs and groin area. For cases like these, contact your nearby veterinarian for courses of action, and make sure to buy the needed products to remove the parasites from off your dog! In fact, some dogs develop a condition akin to human obsessive-compulsive disorder. *. Dry, Flaky Skin. As I have mentioned before, the primary method of hyperpigmentation is by inflammation, and sunburn can be quite a way to achieve this goal. This event can happen to all of us, but what are you going to do about it? After that you can do the following to ensure the overall health of your dog’s skin: Gum Disease in Cats, Gingivitis, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment. Next after you have rinsed her try a gallon of water with like 20 drops of peppermint oil in it then start at the neck and dump it all over her ,don’t rinse her leave it on and pat dry. It is, therefore, only a cosmetic concern as opposed to a health concern. Unfortunately, a yeast infection causes more itching and can turn your dog’s skin crusty and even have a stinky smell to it. It is not a specific disease but a reaction of a dog’s body to certain conditions. Environmental allergies, like contact … Blackened skin in dogs, which can become like elephant skin, is a sad and unfortunate symptom of Yeast overgrowth that is deeply rooted in the Gut (digestive tract). For treatments of ticks and fleas, the medication produced by K9 Advantix will do the trick for you, and this dose is a topical treatment, which is highly effective within 12 hours and continues to do its job for 30 days straight. As the dog ages, though, sun exposure, other harsh environmental and structural factors kick in. For immediate relief, you can use the antifungal/antibacterial spray, or try an antifungal/antibacterial shampoo for long-term recovery. Bacterial infection can spread through a variety of methods, but you can probably figure this out since humans experienced this many centuries ago. Where the dog continues to be exposed to what they are allergic to, the skin may scab. The same concept applies to our pets since they really like spending their time outdoors. Bacteria can invade your dog’s body through untreated wounds, which are gaps in your dog’s skin. One of the most common symptoms of allergy in dogs is sustained itchiness. This allergy supplement by Zesty Paws does just that through natural ingredients and immune-enhancing chews. If you touch your dog’s skin and if it feels hot to the touch, you might need to use cold water and this shampoo to reduce the skin inflammation. The best way to solve this problem is to determine the cause behind that skin allergy, and the best way to determine the specific cause is through a visit to your vet. Once damage occurs to the cells, there is a structural alteration that leads to excess production of melanin. Hot Spots (Bacterial Dermatitis) A bug bite that’s been scratched too often or a minor scratch that’s … Dog skin turning black and losing hair can be a real cause for worry to many pet owners, even so, can be a source for speculative information of what is causing the dog skin turning black and losing hair all at once. If severe, this could lead to lick granuloma whereby sores develop from the licking. Prolonged exposure to the irritants will also contribute to darkening of the skin. It manifests as progressive loss of hair and skin darkening in young adult and adolescent dogs. Last but not least, your dog’s skin might be showing an adverse effect due to a topical treatment that he has received in the past. While some may simply swell and have the swelling go away with time, there are those that will develop allergic rashes. The common symptoms of a dog’s skin turning black often start with inflamed skin. ... Often such kind of itching leads to scratching and habitual licking which can cause skin tear. Mange is a skin disorder reasoned by small parasites called mites.The indicators are severe itching, red skin, sores, and hair loss. With the condition, the dog … Only feed your dog good quality food. A variety of factors, including winter weather and fatty acid deficiencies, can cause dry skin in dogs. If left untreated, this skin problem can spread to other parts of their body, so be warned! Improving your dog’s overall nutrition will … With this, examining the skin to identify the cause will help in stopping the dog skin turning black since the causes can be easily treated and cured once identified. This is in addition to Miniature poodles and Toy breeds. It involves a dog skin turning black and thickening areas where there is no fur such as around the belly when the puppies are around one year old. You’ll probably smell it before seeing it, but it’s never too late to take action! Dogs react differently to parasites infestation with some suffering hypersensitivity to flea bites. Dry skin. Find the answer to this below. Also, frequently check your pet’s skin for any parasites or any swellings under the skin. You can probably see signs of parasitical infections in your dog’s bedding, and they come in form of eggs, larvae, and even adult parasites. Dogs react differently to allergens. Some dogs will have allergic reactions to things they get into contact with too. If you notice that your dog bears black spots that are tender to touch and are changing in shape and size. He had a small lump on his head which I showed to the vet just over a week ago - that area has also turned black. Dogs investigate a lot using their tongues and noses. Skin Soother has moisturizing properties that soothe and heal, as well as all-natural ingredients with the power to fight off yeast and other bacterial infections. This is what leads to the dark skin on dogs in previously injured parts. This only occurs in dachshunds and is not common. This is basic knowledge for any dog owner out there since you have probably used it during summertime. When a dog’s skin is turning black and itching, it is possible that the cause is flea bites. All these symptoms respond to antifungals, especially to DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion or Hot Spot Salve. Fleas typically do not cause dark patches but will cause hair loss along the back of the hind legs. These then develop into purple and black spots. If you have a long-haired dog or just haven’t look at your dog for a long time, you might have noticed that your dog’s skin had suddenly got black spots and patches all over it. According to vetary.com, up to 33% of dogs that get diagnosed with hypothyroidism exhibit hyperpigmentation as one of the symptoms. It can manifest itself in scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors that can cause severe damage. Allergies can also cause rashes on your dog’s belly. Individual results may vary and are backed by our 90 day satisfaction guarantee We want to show you a real dog with a real problem that so many dogs experience. It should be free of anything your dog might be allergic to. This is an indication that your dog has a thyroid condition. If you have any questions regarding this post, make sure to comment down below for further inspection. This is a condition resulting from an underactive thyroid gland. Left unattended, the skin may break out and form bloody blotches especially if the skin is itchy. Thank you for your time spent reading through this post, and I hope that you have a great rest of your day. Unfortunately, once dog skin discoloration occurs on any part of the body, it may take a long while to clear. Being a fellow pet owner myself, going to the vet can be expensive and time-consuming, but you still need them for regular check-ups. The most common skin problem among dogs is probably due to allergic reactions. However, interventions aimed at eliminating the causes can halt the darkening process. These could see skin discoloration occur in making your dog’s skin to become black. The first among our list starts out as an irritating patch of skin that deserves frequent licking and biting from your canine companion. Follow the instructions given to relieve your dog from any discomforts. Hypothyroidism will have various symptoms affecting the skin. Black skin disease is most prevalent in Pomeranians, Chow Chows, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Elkhounds, Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles. This will help with getting any irritants off the skin as well as keep the skin clean. Hormonal imbalance can result in the formation of acne in dogs, which can lead to inflammation of the skin. By figuring out the source of all that inflammation, we can stop the color change from taking place. You can spray hydrocortisone spray, on the affected areas, every few hours until the skin is no longer itchy or inflamed. Common symptoms of skin allergy are inflammation, itching of the skin, and red rashes, which can be a gateway for hyperpigmentation. Due to its ideal conditions, the fungus begins to grow on that wet patch of skin and continues to spread out. Dog skin turning black is also referred to as hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation appears as light-brown-to-black, velvety, rough areas of thickened, often hairless skin. Very similar to the formation of an athlete’s foot, that wet spot is then hidden under the folds of skin, which never see the light of day. Skin allergies can be very hard to spot and even harder to determine the cause since there are so many factors to choose from. Similar to our previous case, the insect bites will probably welcome more licking and scratching from your dog, which can make things worse. Some dogs will have allergic reactions to things they get into contact with too. With that in mind, once you recognize that your dog’s color is turning black, take them to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and advice on the best intervention. The problem continues to add up since there are many types of bodily disorders that can lead to hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As a result, the thyroid hormones produced do not meet the body’s needs resulting in low metabolism. In rare cases, the black patches on your dog’s skin might appear due to hemorrhage and skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to the sun. The condition does not appear to be painful or itchy and does not affect the health of your pet. Superficial bacterial folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, bumps, and scabs on … I hope this helps. If left untreated, the darkened skin patches will spread out to other parts of the body, and it will spread sooner and more further than you think! Aging is also known to cause dark spots in canines (age spots). The look of a dog losing hair in patches and scabs usually hurts the owner more than the pet.. A bald spot on a dog may be nothing, or it can point out a problem. With a long standing occurrence of the disease the skin can become thickened and turn black. While not a disease in itself, the darkening of the skin in dogs can point towards some health or skin condition. This site’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. All of these infections cause inflammation in your dog’s skin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation that can lead to your dog’s skin darkening. Skin Darkening May Indicate an Inflammatory Process A dog that consistently licks at a certain area of her skin might experience darkening of the pigment there. Even then, it might not be enough if you are facing several parasitical infestations. External parasites that are most commonly found in dogs are fleas, ticks, and mites. One of the most common dermatological complaints in the veterinary clinic is the complaint that a dog’s skin smells bad. While there is no cure for primary hyperpigmentation, symptomatic treatment can offer your dog the much-needed relief. This is mostly exerted on the paws and belly. When your dog comes in from the outside, ensure you rinse off their feet to get rid of any allergens or irritants they may have encountered. Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of black spots in dogs skin and fur. Common examples of bodily disorders might be due to hormonal imbalance, hereditary diseases, and even adverse effects of a topical treatment. Allergies. Gus had been diagnosed with a thyroid problem and was losing his hair, and his skin was turning black. Bathe your dog with an oatmeal shampoo regularly. Dog skin discoloration on belly due to bruising is quite common due to the thin coat of fur covering the area. Many dogs have a combination of both. This product by Epi-Pet is a sprayable sunscreen that has shown remarkable results in various types of pets. This can be done by thoroughly cleaning your pet’s living area and replacing the beddings. Regardless if your dog’s itching is isolated to an allergy or part of a larger bacterial infection, Skin Soother is packed with the vital ingredients necessary to take care of the problem. Take a close look at your dog’s skin at regular intervals! Your email address will not be published. Dry and flaky skin is also often referred to as itchy skin because it will always cause … Hyperplastic Dermatosis. Make sure to check this product out by clicking on the link above! With the immune supplement in hand, you might need various topical treatments for your dog’s allergy meds. By far, the most common causes of offensive smelling skin are overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. If you can’t figure out the cause behind this on your own, the best way to solve this problem is through your vet. Dogs with severe skin allergies can develop black patches but the skin in that area is thick, itchy, and almost like elephant skin. Also referred to as Alopecia X, black skin disease in dogs is a disease influenced by hormonal imbalance. Males seem to have a higher number of cases reported than females. There are several causes of dog skin including: #1 Thyroid deficiency. However, if you want an obvious method to prevent dark patches, make sure that your pet doesn’t stay out in the sun too long! Seborrhea causes the skin to release a waxy, greasy substance that formulates in the ears and armpits and around the belly, elbows, and ankles. We get into the details of these below. The common symptoms of a dog’s skin turning black often start with inflamed skin. Food allergies. Causes of dog black skin spots include: allergy; Malassezia dermatitis (yeast infection) Endocrine disorders; If the black skin spots become black scabs on dog or crusts, it is a symptom of a condition call Alopecia X or Cushing's Disease. Flaking of your dog’s skin can be caused by more serious conditions like seborrhea, where a dog produces too much sebum, or cheyletiellosis, a condition caused by a mite that’s also known as “walking dandruff.” Hypothyroidism: Older Dachshunds can develop Hypothyroidism. One of the best ways to prepare your dog for future allergic reactions is to strengthen his immune system for a future attack. It will return to the normal color when the itching and inflammation resolve. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Thank you again for listening to all my rantings, and please come back to our website for regular updates! In most cases, hyperpigmentation will result from a problem the dog has had and is, therefore, a secondary symptom. If you suspect that your dog has an infection, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your problem is not solved by the first four, your ailment would probably lie in this general category. Similar to what we face in our everyday lives, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, specific foods, and environmental changes. It only interferes with the aesthetics of the dog and is only a cosmetic concern as opposed to a health concern. These may cause irritation and inflammation which are accompanied by itching. Increased itching often involving the face, feet, ears and anus are signs of a potential … As I have mentioned beforehand, this event doesn’t happen overnight since it comes to pass due to a series of chained events. This product set by Clearmax provides allergy relief for both dogs and cats, and it even developed a standard for pet safety and protection. Below we discuss its causes of dog skin turning black, why it may be accompanied by itching and hair loss on the belly as well as recovery and interventions to help fade the black coloration. These include flaky skin, loss of hair around the trunk, tail and hind legs. The condition causes even loss of hair on both sides starting with the outer guard hairs before the undercoat gets affected. Once the hair has fallen, the coat turns dull and there is the formation of black patches. At times though, the licking becomes too much leading to obsessive licking. Although it can occur in many breeds and ages, the condition is most prevalent in Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Pomeranian, Elkhound and Alaskan Malamute. These can be fungal (yeast) or bacterial, and are fairly common: Yeast infections (yeast dermatitis) often affect the skin between a dog’s toes and other skin folds, as seen in itching, redness, a greasy discharge, and occasionally a brown discoloration of the dog’s toenails. When you notice your dog skin turning black, the first step should be aimed at recognizing the cause. The areas affected will with time become red on the edges due to infection. This means that you need to spend time with your dog each day or assign someone else in your household to do the work. This may then be followed by loss of hair and drainage in the infected areas. There are three types of skin infections, which can be separated into fungal, bacterial, and parasitical infections. To keep fleas at bay, use anti-flea shampoos. Due to the increased and prolonged body temperature, the skin color will change from light pink to brownish-black. Fungal and bacterial infections may worsen to instances where it starts giving discharge and bad odor. Mostly used in horses and dogs, this sunscreen has proven effective in sun protection, and it is highly resistant to sweat and water. They will often have a bad odor and may have ear disease. Unless you put forth your time and effort, your dog’s health can slowly deteriorate right in front of your eyes. The falling of the hair is symmetrical and as it happens, the balding skin darkens. Skin infections mostly have symptoms that will cause scratching, reddening of the skin as well as its darkening with time. Try a shampoo with tea tree oil in it or peppermint. If you stand in the sun for too long, you might have experienced a painful ordeal called sunburns. These may with time result in the areas that have been subjected to consistent licking forming the dark skin. Hereditary diseases can be genetically inherited, and this can also lead to a darkening of the skin. Black skin disease can occur in any breed and any age. Friction can also cause dark patches in areas such as armpits and under the legs. There are two types of seborrhea: oily and dry. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. BLACK SKIN DISEASE IN DOGS: Can refer to Skin-Blackening issues, OR Elephant Skin. Since the causes of the skin turning black in dogs are varied, there is no single way of dealing with the discoloration. There are two major classifications of hyperpigmentation in dog skin. Rather, he may be suffering from a yeast infection. Due to the increased and prolonged body temperature, the skin color will change from light pink to brownish-black. Many of them will also have hair loss, along with red, scaly, and crusted skin. When a dog suffers a scrape, cut, bruise or any other trauma-induced injury, the cells surrounding the affected area become damaged and remain so even after healing. Changing Your Dog’s Diet Evaluate your dog’s current diet. The common causes of black spots in your dog’s skin are due to allergies, insect bites, skin infections, hypothyroidism, and hyperpigmentation. Parasitical infections can cause darkening of the skin due to the inflamed skin patches that they leave behind. It builds up on your dogs skin and really makes the itch and smell worse. You might smack your head after reading through all the common causes, but they are prolonged sun exposure, skin infections, and more! Initially, puppies are usually a lighter hue that darkens with time before settling at a skin color that remains for a while. Sometimes, you may see that the spot your dog perpetually itches is covered with little black spots that look like flecks of dirt. The water temperatures should be lukewarm. If you see this, don't panic. To help with the itching, you can give 50 mg of benadryl every 8-12 hours. A scientific term for your dog’s skin turning black is called hyperpigmentation, and in this post, we will be talking about several major causes behind this color change. Your email address will not be published. Seborrhea is common in both dogs and their owners, but for dogs the most common symptom is itchy, stinky skin. Conclusion: Keep Your Eyes Peeled! This picture below shows how With each respective cause, I have listed potential solutions that might help you fix that particular case. Your dog would also be itchy if there were fleas. It is common where there are scars and other forms of blemishes. Causes of Black Spots on Dog’s Skin & Belly. My dog skin is turning black, what could be causing it? When a dog’s skin is turning black and itching, it is possible that the cause is flea bites. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Unlike primary hyperpigmentation, secondary hyperpigmentation results from other factors such as parasites, bruising, skin infections and allergic reactions. This can be done with the help of a veterinarian. After treatment, these will heal and leave the area affected by hyperpigmentation. Meet Gus, son of Angela. The primary causes of hyperpigmentation work through skin inflammation which can be caused by a variety of factors. Long, chronic skin allergies causing the dog to scratch and bite will cause the skin to become thickened (lichenified). Why Rodrigo and Sydney’s Tummies Turned Black After being exposed to the sun for a long time, your dog’s skin will literally burn and start to turn red. Yeast and/or bacteria may overgrow for many possible reasons, including underlying inhalant/contact allergies, flea bite allergies, as well as food allergies. This is enough advice for one post, and I hope that this post called Dog’s Skin Turning Black (Causes & Remedies) was helpful to you. You probably know your responsibilities by now, and I’m not going to criticize you but please keep an eye out for your dog each day. While the darkening may not cause itching, once there is infection it is likely that your dog will suffer chronic itching. Your email address will not be published. Make sure to read the description carefully, and figure out the ones that might have caused your dog’s skin to go black. There are many benign conditions that could result in hyperpigmentation. It results from skin cells depositing more melanin than usual. Dog Skin Turning Black and Losing Hair – Black Skin Disease, Copyright © 2015-2021 Dogs Cats Pets, LLC. Black skin disease is a common phrase for Alopecia X. In this case, your dog may not have hyper-pigmentation going on. Where the black skin disease in the dog is severe, only the head and paws are left with some fur. These can include lack of appetite, itching skin that appears to be turning black, or a sudden bout of fever and shivering. For demodectic and follicular mange infection, this ointment by Goodwinol works very well and received many positive reviews from many dog owners worldwide. It does not seem to bother him if I touch the area and it does not wash off. If the fur in the area is light, it will often turn brown or dark red from the licking, and the skin can darken and thicken over time. Learn how your comment data is processed. They will conduct a physical examination and skin biopsy to determine the culprit behind all this. This has to be diagnosed by a veterinarian who will run tests and recommend treatment. For the majority of the time, you often see the skin infection taking firm control of your dog before noticing any notable change. Dogs react differently to parasites infestation with some suffering hypersensitivity to flea bites. Hyperpigmentation is a darkening and thickening of the skin seen in dogs. This means that your dog’s skin is allergic to one of the ingredients that are included in the dog shampoo, spray, or conditioner. Unless your dog has a massive flea infestation or Mange, the mysterious black skin is likely caused by an immune system imbalance… usually accompanied by … Make sure to spend enough time with your pet, and care for him/her as you would your own family member! It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Brushing your dog with a flea comb can also help identify their presence before they grow into a full-blown infestation. particularly on his tummy to his armpits and around his penis. The same logic applies to your dog as well since your dog has a sensitive layer of skin underneath all that fur. The darkening of the skin will then spread to other parts of the body. Due to their microscopic nature, killing the parasites from off their host is not the only problem out there since you need to kill all the remaining pests in your house. The vet can conduct tests to discover the cause of your dog’s itchy skin and to help you figure out the best way to treat them. Consult your vet for medicated dog shampoo and anti-fungal medication to help get rid of the yeast infection. Folliculitis. That is called lichenification and it is caused by inflammation. Hyerplastic dermatosis is a condition that has only ever been identified in … Dog’s Skin Turning Black and Losing Hair When a dog’s tummy has turned black, thickening of the skin (lichenification) and/or hair loss (alopecia) can go along with hyperpigmentation, making the skin and fur look sad indeed. This way the long-term effect of allergic reactions is averted and skin irritation resulting to skin darkening eliminated. Dog's skin often turns black with chronic inflammation. These products by Curaseb can be of great help for dogs who are struggling due to skin infection. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Where the cause is allergic reactions, the most immediate intervention should be identifying the allergen and getting rid of it. But if the condition responds well to a natural topical antifungal, the hair grows back, the black skin disappears, the itching and licking stop, and the underbelly returns to a normal pinkish white, that should tell you something.

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