My Goldendoodle has dark spots on his fur. What's happening?

Hair loss could be several things including allergies, skin mites, flea bites, ringworm (which humans can get) or a bacterial infection. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions with soap once a day and rinse well (don't wash her whole body, just those spots). Protect the areas from licking or scratching. If they don't start looking better within about a week or if they get worse, have Marley examined by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello there. Great question! Hyperpigmentation can be caused by many different things: 1. Hypothyroidism (low functioning thyroid) – Up to 33% of dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism showed signs of hyperpigmentation as one of their symptoms 2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Some dogs diagnosed with lupus 3. Allergies – If your dog experiences allergies he may also develop hyperpigmented areas on his skin 4. Malassezia – Is a yeast infection that often has hyperpigmentation as a symptom 5. Demodicosis (skin mites) – Is caused by a mite and is a lesser known cause of hyperpigmentation Pseudo-Cushing’s Syndrome – Is an endocrine disorder that is common in dogs middle age and older and can have hyperpigmentation as a result The skin may go back to normal color if you can treat the underlying cause. That would entail some advanced testing with your vet. What you can do is try to used a medicated shampoo like Malaseb. http://www.allivet.com/p-299-malaseb-shampoo.aspx?gclid=CMut-Oat69QCFZOIswodc3oBAQ This shampoo is for yeast and bacteria. Lather it on the dog, leave it sit on the coat for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Use 2-3 times a week. If you notice no difference then I think you should do some advanced testing with your vet. I hope this helps! Best wishes to you and Bella!

Change in pigmentation, early stages of yeast or bacterial infection can cause these kind of spots. Yeast (usually Malassezia spp.) can cause accumulation of black discharge, often very persistently attached to skin. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking (if any). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Leo. He appears to have a small area of darker pigment than the rest of his belly. If this area is flat and not growing, it is likely not a cause for concern. If the areas become raised or rapidly changes, then he will need to see a veterinarian. If you are concerned though, it is always a good idea to have him seen by his veterinarian soon for peace of mind. I hope this information helps!

Hi there, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The dark substance appears from your photos to be sebum (skin oil) mixed with dirt, though it is difficult to say for sure without a hands-on exam. Around these lesions, I can see skin inflammation. It would be best for him to see a veterinarian, but if you're unable to take Justice to a vet, you will need to clip the hair using electric trimmers. Be careful to avoid causing skin abrasions. This will allow a better look at the lesions underneath as well as facilitate topical treatment. A good antiseptic is a spray called Vetericyn, available on Amazon.com and at some pet stores. Here is the Amazon link: Vetericyn Plus All Animal Wound

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 )

It may be insect bites, it may be a condition common in puppies called puppy pyoderma, or it could be another skin infection. Puppy pyoderma is roughly equivalent to acne in people. Many dogs get it as puppies, most of them outgrow it in a few months without needing any kind of treatment but sometimes it gets bad enough that it needs to be treated, just like some people. If it continues to worsen, get him back in to see your vet and see if Leo needs to get medicated baths and/or some medication to help him clear up his skin.