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My dog has black specks, red belly, won't eat, whines. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 8 days old | 55 lbs

What might my dog have? She is almost 1 year old, lab/husky mix. She has dirt like specks on her belly and it looks red, her sling also hangs down lower than I would think normal and lately she’s had a loss of appetite. It started a few months ago and has gotten worse, I’ve tried to bribe her with other things she likes in her food or different flavors and brand but not she won’t eat. She also started whining nonstop at me and my new kitten. She still drinks water though and doesn’t lick it.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2019

Those black spots look like comedones (aka: blackheads). I suggest you use this shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide. Lather the affected areas (no need to do the whole dog), let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse throughly. Do this every 2-3 days until they are gone. Then use this shampoo 1-2 times every month for maintenance.

( https://www.allivet.com/p-7130-oxiderm-shampoo-ps.aspx )

The loss of appetite is not related to the comedones. If she won't eat then you need to get her to your vet for an exam. If she is not spayed it may be due to her heat cycle. I would suggest spaying her.
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