What are the black spots on my golden retriever's private area?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) might be needed to solve the problem, but disinfection can possibly be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily for 3-4 days should be enough). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). Underlying allergy can predispose to skin infection. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and I am happy to help. Looking at the photo I see 4-5 distinct black dots that look to be the pore opening of his teats (they match on both sides so that's how you know). I also see darker skin discoloration around his prepuce. Sometimes this darker discoloration is natural and happens as they age. Sometimes it can indicate a thyroid disorder. Sometimes it indicates allergies. If Yogi doesn't seems bothered by it, it's not itching and he's not excessively licking it, it's probably normal. If it's looking red at all or he's licking at it, then I start to suspect one of the other two causes. Sometimes improving over all skin health can help. For that I recommend a fatty acid like Welactin and a potentially a diet change to Royal Canin or Nutro (both great diets for skin). It will take about 6 weeks to be effective. Washing him in an oatmeal type doggie shampoo and conditioner can also help. If that's not helping, make an appointment for an examine. Sometimes they need stronger medication or they need a blood test for the thyroid. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

This looks like an area of moist dermatitis, or hot spot. They get these from licking or rubbing an area of skin that was irritated from an insect bite, allergy or injury. To treat this I recommend trimming the fur around the area, then cleaning off the discharge with warm water and antibacterial soap. Once it’s rinsed and dried you can apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. The most important thing is to prevent her from scratching or rubbing this area so it can heal. Use a cone if needed. If it’s not improving then I recommend a veterinary exam and treatment. They may give medication to prevent the itching, and possible a topical spray or ointment to dry up the skin. Hot spots are common in Goldens so I’d have a cone and medication on hand to treat these at home before they get bad. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Daisy.

Hello. It looks like Yukon has some reaction on his skin, but it is impossible to say if this is a mild bacterial infection or an allergic response to something like the grass. It would be best to contact your veterinarian to examine the skin, & then an appropriate medication, shampoo or spray will probably be dispensed to address this. This should clear up the skin pretty quickly. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This may be due to a skin infection or even an thyroid imbalance or may be normal discoloration as this happens in some dogs. The only way to know is to have your vet check the skin and do a blood test to determine if there is a problem.

Hyperpigmentation of the skin/fur can be caused by a number of things, including trauma that is causing the skin or coat to need to repair itself (which can return to normal over time on its own), secondary to issues such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease, or in response to infections from bacteria, yeast, or fungus. If the area does not resolve on its own, seems to be spreading, or becomes itchy or bothersome, I would have your vet take a look. They can take a sample of the area to check for infections, and may recommend bloodwork to rule out metabolic diseases, however these disease are less common in younger dogs. In the meantime, keeping the spot clean and dry, monitoring it for any spreading, rapid changes, or new symptoms, and keeping Leo from rubbing or scratching at it may help it resolve.