Why is my senior dog's belly skin turning dark and looking bruised?

The pictures look like it could just be normal pigment change. As puppies mature their pigmentation can as well. If the skin is raised, thicker, crusty, or itchy then I would be concerned. If you have any concerns then I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. If there is a concern then a biopsy could easily be done at the time of his neuter. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Her skin looks like a normal skin color for an adult lab. It isn't abnormal for the puppy pink skin to darkened in these area to a uniform greyish brown color. the skin should still be soft and not "elephant" like which indicates excessive licking. Have a great day!

This looks like hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs in lightly pigmented, sparsely haired regions as dogs get older. It can also be caused my inflammation so just make sure she is not spending too much time sunbathing and that there are no other signs like licking/scratching/lesions. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If the skin is not irritated/itchy and feels the same as the skin surrounding that is not dark in color, I would just monitor the area. We can have changes in pigmentation of the skin in dogs as they age, as well as changes as the result of inflammation. If the area begins to spread, or the skin feels dry/rough in this area, or she is licking, a visit to the vet is recommended.

The skin will turn black as a response to inflammation - it is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Most commonly this is from a yeast infection of the skin. I suggest you start bathing her with medicated shampoo 1-2 times per week and in between baths use this medicated spray on the affected areas. Be sure to read the instructions throughly. The shampoo must have contact skin with the skin to work. You can't just put it on and then rinse it off. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6692-douxo-chlorhexidine-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx?SearchTerm=chlorhexidine+Auto ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6677-douxo-chlorhexidine-micro-emulsion-spray-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20spray+Auto ) The "skin tag" actually looks like a cyst or wart of some kind. That should be checked by your vet.

Hyperpigmentation of the skin is common with age where there is no overlying hair. It can also be caused by skin irritation/infections but if there are no lesions or symptoms it is likely normal. No treatment needed in that case. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Sometimes it is normal change that will change back with no attention to it. Other times this can be a sign of an yeast infection or a low thyroid. Typically you do have other signs associated with these disease such as hair loss or itchy skin and lethargy. If none are nites then you can just monitor for any changes