Why did my poodle's fur grow back with black spots after shaving?

Hello. It is not uncommon when there has been damage to the hair follicles, that the hair can regrow a different color or even a different texture. I have seen pets that have sustained severe bites or burns regrow coats lighter or darker, but the most amazing one was a little short haired rat terrier that regrew a coat like a little lamb. It did stay this way for his life, but never seemed to affect him. I would not be too concerned as this is just the way Brownie's bodied repaired the damaged follicles. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thank you for your question! Sometimes dog hair can change in color and texture when they age just like human hair can. I wouldn't worry too much about the hair change unless it appears like he is loosing fur, the skin around the fur is red, inflamed, scabbing, or infected-you will want to see your veterinarian if that is the case.

This may be a normal aging change for her. As puppies lose their puppy coats the adult fur can change color and the skin pigment can darken also. If the skin looks normal with no sores I wouldn't worry about it. If she is itchy that may cause changes in the skin color. A veterinary visit is indicated if you are seeing abnormal areas on the skin.

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.

Dogs can experience changes in the color and consistency of the hair coat for a huge number of reasons. It is important to determine if Trey is itchy, losing hair, and developing redness or scaling of his skin, as these can all raise or lower suspicions of some conditions. Possible causes include hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, mange, bacterial and/or fungal skin infections, sebaceous adenitis, nutritional changes, or many other conditions. While this is certainly not an emergency, I recommend discussing Trey's coat changes with his veterinarian, as he may need some diagnostic testing to get to the bottom of the situation. I hope that all goes well!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Pigmentary changes to the hair/coat are not that unusual, especially if there are no underlying lesions. If your pet ever sustained an injury to that area in the past, even a mild infection or burn, the hair follicles can be affected & color can change months to even years later. So, if she is not bothered by the area, you feel no lumps, bumps, roughness, see no redness or dermatitis, then this may just be a normal change in an unusual area. Just mention it to your vet at your next visit. Take care.

That is not true. The fur usually grows back, perhaps softer than before unless there is an underlying medical condition. Dogs with a low thyroid condition or skin problems, or old age sometimes the fur will not grow back or it will grow much more slowly. Certainly the quality of the coat may change also. We have clients who shave their Poms and they need to do it every few months to keep them short. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chicago.