Why is my dog's face discolored black near her mouth on one side?

The brownish-red discoloration on your dog's face looks most like salivary staining. The enzymes in the saliva interact with the fur, causing this type of reddish-brown staining. Salivary staining generally occurs when a dog licks a particular area excessively, like the paws or groin, or when they drool a good bit. It's especially noticeable in white dogs, like your adorable pup. Some dogs may drool excessively if they're nauseous, so keep a close eye on your dog for changes in their appetite, vomiting, or lethargy, as these could be signs of a medical issue. If your dog is otherwise doing well, allergies are often to blame (particularly this time of year). You can try bathing your dog with a gentle oatmeal shampoo. It's best to seek veterinary attention if you see this discoloration elsewhere on the body, as this indicates that your dog is itchy if they're licking a lot, and would likely benefit from additional treatment. I hope that everything goes well!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. There could several causes of this. I would suspect a toxin that was ingested or a systemic disease that is causing abnormal bleeding into the surrounding tissues of the body. It is difficult to say for sure just based on these clinical signs. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact me and I would be more than happy to help you further.

That discoloration is a porphyrin staining. Dogs have this stain in their saliva normally. Curly is obviously licking his paws most likely due to an underlying allergy. Seasonal and non-seasonal environmental and food allergies can cause a pet to lick or chew on the feet, knees, or other body parts. Inflammation can also be caused by items embedded in the skin, painful joints, flea bites, etc. The staining around the mouth is most likely due to a dental infection. More saliva is produced in attempt to rid the bacteria from being absorbed through the gums into the bloodstream. I would recommend you try this shampoo: https://www.target.com/p/veterinary-formula-clinical-care-hot-spot-itch-relief-pet-shampoo-16-oz/-/A-50298965#lnk=sametab Really though, Curly should have a vet exam so his mouth can be evaluated and the allergies can be addressed (if it is allergy related). I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Cola. She may have a mild skin infection along her lip margin there. Try your best to keep the area clean and dry for her. Wipe away any food or drool. If it is not looking better within a few more days, she will need to see her veterinarian. She may need to medication to help the skin heal. You can also discuss the possibility of an allergy to something in her diet. I hope this information helps!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the photo, this area does not looking concerning to me. However, if you are concerned and/or if this area bothers your pet, I recommend having him evaluated by your veterinarian. Your vet can examine this area and determine if it is a normal variation in his skin, or if it could possibly be a mass. You can also monitor this area for ~1 week to see if it changes in size/shape or feel. I hope this is helpful!

Unless is something that Missy has eaten and it is now stuck in her mouth, this is likely to be the result of a severe infection, so it could be basically pus. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Those discolorations are completely normal and, looking at the pictures and reading your description of the signs, there is nothing to be worried about. That brownish areas are likely to be due by Nikolai saliva, especially the fat content of it. 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.