My yorkie has black dirt-like spots on her vulva. What is it?

It could be a bacterial infection or a yeast infection. Generally these occur just due to the nature of the skin in the area--the environment is dark in the skin folds, and there is some moisture from the skin and sometimes from urine as well. If it is not bothering her (she is definitely not licking at it, etc) it could also be just waxy secretions/plugged hair follicles, etc. You can try using just plain Witch Hazel (available at any pharmacy) on a cotton swab or pad once or twice a day for a few days to see if that helps; however if it does not help or if this seems to irritate her skin further or if she does not like it when you do this, DO NOT CONTINUE TO ATTEMPT THIS METHOD. Take her to the vet. And if you do try just cleaning it at home, take her in if you aren't seeing an improvement within 2-3 days. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The dark spots on Chloe's skin may be what are called comedones, which are essentially clogged pores. These are very common in the inguinal and genital area. They are clinically insignificant and should not cause any problems. I hope this is helpful!

Those black specks are basically blackheads (comedones) and the bump is likely a follicular cyst. Nothing is too worriesome. I would use a Benzoyl Peroxide product like for acne. NOT hydrogen peroxide. I suggest this one. The ones you buy over the counter for humans are not the correct strength. This product is more concentrated. ( http://www.allivet.com/p-7689-benzoyl-peroxide-gel-5.aspx ) If no improvement in about 7-10 days then you should get her to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It may be as the moisture from the diaper can create a skin infection and that pigment can be from a yeast infection. It may also be unrelated and due to changes due to the hormones. I would leave the diaper off and keep the area clean and dry. If you notice an odor or it seems to itch and bother her then I would get it checked

This looks like a staph skin infection. I suggest you use these medicated wipes on the affected area twice a day. If no improvement (or only minimal improvement) after 7-10 days of treatment then you should have Abby to your vet for an exam. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx )

Hello and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what is causing the tar like circles on Paddy sight unseen without examining her first, but I can offer some possibilities. One possibility could be is a yeast or fungal infection. These can appear as darker areas, some times in circles and sometimes will have an off putting odor to them. Another possibility is blackheads or also called comadomes. These will go away on their own or you can use a mild benzoyl peroxide cleanser and that can help decrease the incidence of them on the skin. I hope this helps!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see the area that you’re referring to on Zekes thigh. It does appear to be spreading. This can be caused by clogged pores or follicles, a skin infection, or for mites. It is important to have him looked at by a vet to determine exactly what is causing it. That can also prescribe medication, as well as a medicated shampoo, and treat the mites if he has any.