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Why is my dog's chest skin turning dark in patches? Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

Hello. When we first adopted Goldie 1.5 months ago, the skin on her chest was pink. Slowly, it started to get darker in patches. There is a photo from a month ago, and two photos from today. We have been switching her food a lot because she just had a tooth extraction, but she doesn’t itch a lot or have other symptoms of allergies. We would like to know if this is normal or if we should have it examined at the vet. Thank you!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on July 16th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure based on these pictures though this is likely a normal pigmentation change. If it is not associated with itchiness or discomfort, there is no need to be concerned about this. If you ever notice any discomfort or itchiness, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 25th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure based on these pictures though this is likely a normal pigmentation change. If it is not associated with itchiness or discomfort, there is no need to be concerned about this. If you ever notice any discomfort or itchiness, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 28th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure based on these pictures though this is likely a normal pigmentation change. If it is not associated with itchiness, they are not raised or causing her discomfort, there is no need to be concerned about this. If you ever notice any discomfort or itchiness, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Should I worry about my dog's dark, flat, non-itchy skin spots?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These are likely patches of hyperpigmentation. However, continue to monitor them closely because sometimes skin cancer such as melanoma can start like that. If these ever become raised or seem to bother him or appear to be spreading, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on it and sample to get a diagnosis. Best of luck!
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Is my dog's skin turning dark under her armpits and belly normal?
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Her skin looks like a normal skin color for an adult lab. It isn't abnormal for the puppy pink skin to darkened in these area to a uniform greyish brown color. the skin should still be soft and not "elephant" like which indicates excessive licking. Have a great day!
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My dog has new dark spots on her skin after grooming. Is it normal?
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Many dogs normally have darker pigmented areas of skin under their fur. In some dogs, this does pigment can increase with age. It is impossible to tell only from a photograph however if this is normal pigment. She would need to be assessed by a veterinarian with a physical exam to determine if there is cause for concern.
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Why is my dog's belly turning darker? Is it normal or allergies?
The pictures look like it could just be normal pigment change. As puppies mature their pigmentation can as well. If the skin is raised, thicker, crusty, or itchy then I would be concerned. If you have any concerns then I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. If there is a concern then a biopsy could easily be done at the time of his neuter. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
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My puppy's stomach is darkening. Is this a normal skin pigment change?
Thank you for asking the question about Harley. If she is not itchy then it may just be pigment change to her skin. Lots of breeds can have changes to their skin and Hair coat as they mature. If you happen to have before and after pictures to post in another question that may be helpful. Is she is itchy, or the skin has wounds or crusting then she should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
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My dog's breasts got patchy discoloration after nursing. Is it normal?
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope Maggie's litter did great and that she was a great mother. This pigmentation actually looks completely normal. Some dogs as they age, they will accumulate more and more pigment on certain areas of their bodies. As long as she is not scratching these areas, licking them excessively I would not worry about them. If these areas become red and chronically irritated, then I would advise treatment. Again this looks like normal pigment accumulation to me since the skin otherwise is not inflammed and looks normal. Good luck with Maggie
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My dog has sudden dark black spots on her skin. Is it serious?
Is she itchy or having any other issues? If not it looks like pigment and if they continue to get larger or more than I would have your veterinarian take a look just to be sure. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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