Why are these dark spots spreading all over my dog's skin?

Hi and thanks for your request. One of the most important reasons for darkening of the skin is a chronic type of inflammation. This is usually combined with more clinical signs (like other skin lesions, itch or alopecia). If no other signs are present then a metabolic or endocrine disease can be suspected. Please repost your question and give us more informations and ideally some pictures so we can give you more specific answers.

Increased pigmentation in the skin can be a result of hormonal changes such as those seen with hypothyroidism or chronic inflammation such as with skin allergies or yeast infections. The bump in the picture could be due to inflammation as well or could be a cyst, wart or skin tumor. If the bump is getting larger, does not go away or seems to be bothering Rhonda, I would recommend that you have her seen by your veterinarian. The changes in skin color may resolve with time but if they do not or seem to be getting worst, I would recommend seeing a veterinarian. They may recommend checking thyroid levels to rule out hypothyroidism.

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.

This is likely due to some sort of infection. It could be due to a bacteria or fungus. One concern is ringworm, which is a fungal infection that can spread throughout the body and possibly to people. The other concern is skin cancer. Some cancerous lesions can appear like this. The fact that it's getting darker is suspicious that it's not getting better, so I recommend having a vet examine it. They will be better able to tell what this is and can advise on any further testing or treatment. It's not an emergency, but best to get it checked-out within the next week. I hope that helps and all is well with Clover.

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!

It’s difficult to know how to advise without a photo. Pets can get more dark pigment on their skin as they age. Other causes of pigmentation our inflammation, allergies, drama and minor infection’s. Try to get a photo and repost as this may lead to better advice. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!