My Pomeranian has new brown spots on his belly. Should I be concerned?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pepe. They appear to be normal pigment changes on his abdomen. If they are flat with no ulcerated or open areas, you should not have to worry. You can certainly ask his veterinarian next time he is in, but I do not think he requires a special visit at this time. I hope this information helps!

This looks like hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs in lightly pigmented, sparsely haired regions as dogs get older. It can also be caused my inflammation so just make sure she is not spending too much time sunbathing and that there are no other signs like licking/scratching/lesions. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello, I would recommend keeping a close eye on those. If they’re getting bigger or if they start to have any kind of discharge then definitely have them evaluated. He is very young so the concern for something aggressive is minimal. However, the best way to find out what they are if they don’t go away is by have big them removed and submitted for biopsy. In the mean time, look for any additional bumps and have your veterinarian evaluate Dusty if he is getting worse. Hope this helps and best of luck

This looks like normal pigmentation to me however it could also be post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from an infection. I wouldn’t be overly worried but I suggest you use these medicated wipes on the pigmented areas daily for 7-10 days. If no change then it’s either normal or you should have your vet check it. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx )

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gola. The dark spots on his belly appear to be normal pigment changes. This is common in white haired dogs. There will be multiple darker spots on the belly. The spots can grow, change and fade as the dog ages. They are flat with the skin, there is no redness and they do not bother the dog. If this seems to be the case for him, testing should not be needed. This is not a cause for concern. If the bumps are itchy or develop scabs, then this is different and could indicate an infection. I hope this information helps!

Without images or a physical exam, it can be difficult to determine definitively what is on your pup's skin. That said, many puppies have patches of [darker skin](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pigment-changes-of-the-skin-and-coat/) on their bellies. If these areas are flat, smooth to the touch and not bothering him, then it is probably just his skin coloration. If the areas are itchy or raised, then it would be a good idea to have them checked out by a vet since this may indicate a [skin infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/staphylococcal-pyoderma-1/) or some other 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.