My dog has black rings around his eyes. What's the problem?

The change in pigment can be due to excessive tearing or irritation from Luna rubbing the skin around her eyes. I recommend having her eyes checked, it looks like she may have mild conjunctivitis. This is treated with eye medication and when treated it should reduce the eye discharge. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is unfortunately difficult to assess without being able to see and examine the lesion. This may be due to an infection, inflammation, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to actually look at the lesion and determine what would be best to treat this with. Best of luck!

Unfortunately, without images or an exam, it is difficult to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that should be addressed. Ideally, Maggie should be physically examined by your veterinarian. The veterinarian may examine the eyes and mouth to diagnose or rule out [eye infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/conjunctivitis/), [allergic reaction](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/allergic-reactions-hives-and-swelling-of-the-face/) or [dental disease](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-signs-that-your-dog-needs-dental-work). Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. An [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) should be used to prevent rubbing or pawing until Maggie sees the doctor.

Hi, it is difficult to tell without having an actual examination. However, not all dark pigmentation are harmful, some are just cysts. I would recommend to have Red checked over just to be on the safer side. Hope this helps !

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Reno. If the dark pigment is only on the white portion of the eye, that is typically not problematic. However, if the pigment extends across the cornea or if there are raised pink lesions across the surface of the eye, this is worrisome. Has he had eye testing performed? This is my first step in evaluating eyes. I will check for scratches to the surface of the eye, measure the pressure within the eye as well the amount of tear production. I hope this information helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The dark circles are staining of the fur from discharge/tears from the eye. You can get the eyes checked to make sure that they can close properly, and there aren't any medical problems that are causing Sizzy to produce more tears, or the tears to not flow down into the nose like normal. Lots of dogs however have no problems and just have tear staining, so it could be fine. I recommend discussing this with your vet next time you are there for a check up. Best of luck with Sizzy!

I recommend to get Cookie checked out by the veterinarian. A sudden change in pigment can indicate something like allergies, skin mites or hormonal changes related to hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. The doctor may get some clues of the physical exam and diagnostics can be run to tell you what is happening with Cookie. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.