Small Black Spots on Dogs' Skin, Belly, Paw Pads, Anus, Nose and Hair loss

This post explores, in details, stubborn black spots on dogs’ skin including on the belly, paw pads, nose, small, and crusty patches that are accompanied by hair loss. We also find out their causes, when it is normal to have these dark spots and when it is not as well as what to do to resolve them.

Black Spots on Dogs Skin

What are black spots on dogs skin in some cases, dogs are born with black or dark spots on their coats. These black spots are in no way problematic. It is black spots on dogs’ skin that form with time that you should be concerned about. The latter originate from different causes, some of which are indicative of a health problem.

When Black Spots on Dogs are Normal

Dark patches appearing as a result of friction which are quite common on the armpits and under the legs.
Darkening of pigmentation as dogs age.
Light colored dogs exhibiting dark patches as a result of long exposure to sunlight. The hyperpigmentation is caused by sunburns as the dog produces more melanin to protect the skin against sun rays.

When Black Spots should be of Concern

The spots are bleeding
The dark lump extends beyond the skin’s surface.
The patches are accompanied by hair loss
The skin of your dog is scaly, crusty, and thick in addition to darkening.

Black Spots on Dogs Causes

What causes black spots on dogs’ skin? A lot of things contribute to this. Some of the causes need no intervention, others may be dealt with at home while others will require a veterinarian to deal with them. They include the following:

Parasitic Infestation Accompanied by Black Specks on Dog Skin

Dogs are prone to parasitic infestation. Where the spots are accompanied by black specks on dog skin, it is likely that the cause is some parasite. Some of the common ones include:

Fleas

Fleas on dogs are pretty uncomfortable. When a dog has them, they will itch a lot. This will lead to scratching, biting and pawing on different parts of the skin. The black specks seen on the skin will be flea dirt which is most common on dog’s tummy. It is also possible for the flea bites to turn dark from red as they heal and the inflammation subsides.

Eliminating fleas requires a comprehensive control mechanism which involves getting rid of them from the dog and also treating the surrounding. Depending on the extent of infestation, it might take a while before the infestation clears up.

Treatment includes topical treatments using remedies such as oatmeal, medicated shampoos and pesticidal sprays. Talk to your vet on what appropriate treatments you can use on the bedding, furniture, and yard to get rid of the fleas and eventually clear up the resulting black spots on dogs’ skin. To prevent future attacks, use a flea collar on your dog.

Ticks

Ticks on dogs feed by sucking blood. They attach themselves as they feed and once full they may appear as black spots engorged on the skin of your dog since their pinchers and legs will be invisible.

In most cases, these parasites latch on areas with little hair. Where the infestation is mild and there are only a few ticks on your pooch, you can manually remove them using a pair of tweezers which easily gets it dislodged. Your veterinarian could also prescribe topical treatment for massive infestation.

Allergies

Dogs get allergic reactions to food, things they come into contact with as well as environmental allergens. In cases of contact allergens, black spots may occur. Although allergies are untreatable, avoidance and proper management will ease your dog’s life.

To soothe irritated skin, use topical corticosteroids. Bathing the dog with oatmeal or baking soda could also help. For a long term solution, identify the source of the allergen causing the black spots and eliminate it from your dog’s environment. If you can’t pin down the cause, get assistance from your veterinarian.

Infections

Dog skin infections could result in black spots on the skin. The most common is yeast infection which is most prevalent on dogs’ paw pads, ears and underbelly. It could also affect the groin around, privates, anus, and testicles

Yeast infection are attributed to a proliferation of Malassezia which I naturally found on the skin of your pet but in manageable levels. Once the conditions are right and the fungus is in excess, yeast skin infections occur.

Allergic reactions, medication and bacterial infections could also cause the fungus to increase. In severe cases, the dog will experience scaly or crusty black spots on the skin which might smell bad with time. They will also itch and have a diminished appetite.

To pin down the root of any infection, it is best to visit a veterinarian so that not only the infection is treatment but the cause is addressed too.

Bruising

Just like bruising in humans, dogs too form bruises when they get injured and there is bleeding beneath the skin. These kinds of black spot will initially start off as red in color but progress to darken with time before lightening and healing eventually. In most cases, no intervention is necessary as bruises clear up on their own.

Thyroid Problems

When a dog has an underactive thyroid, some of the symptoms will appear on the skin. Dark patches that are accompanied by hair loss especially on the chest, back legs and tail signal hypothyroidism.in addition to these, the skin will appear flaky and the coat will lose its shine. Additional symptoms that do not have to do with black spots include weight gain, lethargy, and skin infections. Treatment includes daily medication and supplements which are prescribed by a vet.

Acanthosis Nigricans

This is a skin condition that results in the skin blackening. At times the condition is genetic but it can affect different breeds of all ages. When genetic it occurs in dogs less than a year old. The skin tends to thicken and become darker in both cases. Itchiness, inflammation and hair loss in patches are other signs of the disease.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicles. In case you notice black spots on your dog after grooming, the culprit could be folliculitis. It could be caused by aggressive grooming and use of inappropriate tools which results in inflammation. If not treated and it progresses into an infection, the folliculitis bumps could rapture and result in crusty black scabs in your dog.

Black Spots on Dogs Belly Skin

What are the black or brown spots on my dogs belly or why is dog’s skin turning black around the stomach? What these spots are depends on other accompanying symptoms. The cause could be any of those discussed above. If they come with itching, they could be caused by parasites such as fleas. If they do not itch, they probably are nothing to worry about and could be caused by hemorrhage or bruising from friction since the underbelly is quite exposed and vulnerable to minor abrasions.

Black Spots on Dogs Anus

Black spots that are localized around the anal and butt area could be as a result of yeast infection. Where this is the case, the spot with itch. In some cases though, a black spot on the anus could be sore and inflamed. If you observe this, especially where the black spot is on the anal hole, it is likely your dog’s anal sacs are inflamed or your dog has an abscess.

Anal sac disorders are uncomfortable and your dog may exhibit this by biting the perianal area, scooting, chasing the tail, and straining to defecate. Have them examined to determine the cause and relief the discomfort.

Small Black Spots on Dogs Skin Looks Like Dirt and Losing Hair

Little or tiny dirt like black spots on your pooch could indicate yeast infection, which is discussed above, or a mite infestation. This is more so where the dirt leans more towards the coffee grounds appearance.

Mites are external parasites living on the skin pores, hair coat and hair follicles of dogs and cats. They are tiny crab like organisms with a transparent body that is not visible with the naked eyes.

Although there are different types of mites in dogs, the general term used for their infestation is mange. Some of them may cause hair loss in addition to the dirt like black patches.

Black Patch on Dogs Skin no Hair

Black spots or patches appearing on your pooch’s skin may indicate black skin disease. Also referred to as Alopecia X, the condition is influenced by hormonal imbalances. Dogs start off with normal hair coats but begin to develop darkened skin patches and hair loss in their adolescent and adult life.

It starts with hair thinning on the dogs back, around the genitals, on the belly and under the tail. This exposes the secondary coat which with time falls out too leaving behind some hairless patches. It is after the hair has fallen that the skin starts to darken. The condition is progressive and could progress until the dog only has fur on the head and paws.

Black Spots on Dogs Paw Pads

Why do dogs get black spots on their paw pads? As puppies, dogs will have black or pink paw pads. The coloration may change as the young one develops and adopt a different color. While some may stay black. It is also normal to have dogs become black due to friction. However, if the color changes and the dog appears uncomfortable, have it checked by your vet as it could be experiencing yeast infection or some other health problem.

Black Spots on Dogs Skin Hair Loss

While it is normal for a dog to shed hair, when the hair fall is so much that it results in visible bald patches, it is an indication of a problem. Black spots on dogs that are on areas that have no hair could be caused by infections or irritations caused by parasitic infestations. These may include allergies and flea bites and other accompanying symptoms such as itching, redness, biting and licking at the point of hair loss.

Crusty Black Spots on Dogs Nose

Scaly or crusty black spots on a pups snout indicates a dry nose. The dark coloration is a result of scab formation. The dryness could result from allergic reactions, extreme weather conditions, dehydration or underlying medical issues. Call your veterinarian if you are concerned about the same.

What to do when you Notice a Dog Developing Black Spots on Skin

In most cases, black spots do not appear abruptly. They will form with time, starting with small parts that may grow big or tiny spots that increase in number. The moment you notice a dog developing black spots on the skin, it is important to keep an eye on them for any changing characteristics, signs of pain and discomfort. Where there is any form of concern or you can’t pin down the cause of the developing black spots, see your veterinarian.

Search This Blog

Skin Care Haven