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Why are my dog's fur spots fading? Is it vitiligo or something else?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 22 days old | 20 lbs

I was wondering why my dogs coat has spots fading away

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2018

It is difficult to tell in these photos, but if your dog's fur itself is turning white/color fading away without loss of the hair itself it could be a condition called vitiligo. This causes loss of the pigment of the skin and hair. Often it is a harmless condition but can sometimes be seen with some autoimmune disorders so it is recommended to have an exam done by Tyson's vet to be on the safe side.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 28th, 2018
Vitiligo is a skin disease that manifests through skin depigmentation. It is believed to be genetic and may be immune mediated. Vitiligo can cause more white when your dog grows up, especially when the cause is autoimmune, ie the body destroys melanocytes in the skin which would then cause white hairs to appear. He may get only few small patches of white hair, or lots of white patches or stippling. THere is no way to predict it. You can see a lot of examples when you put "Labrador retriever with vitiligo images" into your browser.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 1st, 2017
Yes they have. Definitive diagnosis goes through a quite logic ruling out process, and skin biopsies may be needed. Many skin infections may cause discoloration and your local vet will need to rule out other possible caused of depigmentation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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