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What are these black spots spreading on my 8-year-old dog's skin?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 8 years and 2 months old | 12.5 lbs

My dog just turn 8 year old. Her skin has black spots. Every year she gets more and more. She is white, grey and tan color hair. When I got her at 8 weeks she was black, tan. What are these spots and why are they spreading??. She's a Maltese/yorkie mix

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

The hair discoloration is from age. The skin discoloration can be from age or from an underlying allergy or yeast infection or low thyroid. If she does not itch, hair loss, or have a bad odor, then I would not worry about the discolorations on her skin. If you notice any of those signs, then your vet can do a skin sample and a blood test to check for a cause.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on May 25th, 2019
Dogs to get conditions like blackheads and these can be a genetic predisposition or indications of an endocrine disease. It is not advisable to pick at them as they can become infected. There are special shampoos that can help and also topical gels. If this is related to an endocrine disease, she will need this to be corrected.
The spots on her belly can also be related to an endocrine disease but allergies are also possible. The smell is concerning for an infection in her skin which could also be related to the above mentioned items.
The reddish brown discoloration could also be related to the above mentioned items or saliva staining. Look at the skin underneath. Saliva staining generally has normal skin underneath the discoloration. If it is not completely normal skin, it is likely pathological.
Your best course of action is to have ginger examined by her veterinarian. The will get a better idea of the cause of all these Issues and can administer appropriate treatment. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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