My dog has a dark spot on her chest. What could it be and is it serious?

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is a bit hard to see this lesion but from the photo, it looks like there is a dark center.

If this is true, it usually indicates tissue necrosis. This could be from a poisonous spider bite, an infected tick bite, a burn, an underlying abscess or a foreign object trapped under the skin.

I do recommend to make an appointment for River in the next day or two for an exam.

In the mean time, protect the lesion from trauma. Keep it clean and dry. Keep her indoors and laying on soft/clean surfaces.

If River can lick at it, have her wear an elizabethan collar. If she can scratch it, have her wear a loose fitting doggie t-shirt. You can also by nail caps for the hind nails to dull the nails.

I hope this helps and that she heals up quickly.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth