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Is my dog's skin turning dark under her armpits and belly normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 22 lbs

Red Fox Lab female 4years - skin colour change from pink to dark brown/Black under armpits and belly, along with seasonal coat change - gone very wirey (but think that’s normal for her) just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about? Thanks x

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 16th, 2018

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!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 16th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

    Leia is very cute! Form your picture the pigmentation and freckling on her belly and arm pit areas is normal. I have seen dogs develop increased freckling of the under sides as they age. It is normal as long as the dog isn't licking excessively. To me Leia looks normal.

    I wish you the best!

    https://www.petcoach.co/article/causes-of-pigment-color-changes-in-the-skin-coat-in-dogs/

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Catherine Stecyk

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2019

    Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not unusual for the skin in these areas to be darker or more pigmented than other areas, because of the extra rubbing that this skin gets. The more friction an area of skin deals with, the thicker and more pigmented the skin becomes. This is normal, and is nothing to worry about! I hope this is helpful!

    Vote Icon

    18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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