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My dog's belly skin is black. Is it from eating avocados?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 15 lbs
Both of our dogs have black underbelly skin. Is this a concern. They have been eating avocados that have been falling from the tree—not mature fruit— self thinning of tree.
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2017
Hi and thanks for posting!
Darkening of the skin can be a normal aging change in dogs or can occur secondary to a skin infection or allergies. Avocados, while toxic to certain animals, are not poisonous to dogs. Mild to moderate stomach upset can occur, however.
If you are still concerned with the darkening skin, you may visit your veterinarian to have a skin infection or allergies ruled out.
I hope this helps and thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Darkening of the skin can be a normal aging change in dogs or can occur secondary to a skin infection or allergies. Avocados, while toxic to certain animals, are not poisonous to dogs. Mild to moderate stomach upset can occur, however.
If you are still concerned with the darkening skin, you may visit your veterinarian to have a skin infection or allergies ruled out.
I hope this helps and thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful