Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What are these tiny black marks on my dog's belly? Are they serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 11 lbs

Hi, can advise what is the tiny black mark at her belly ? Thank you .

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is always very hard to make diagnosis by looking at pictures. I suspect that the black dots are small wounds from insect bites or self-inflicted trauma, if Happy has been licking and biting herself excessively. Please, use a soothing oatmeal dog shampoo for Happy and 2-3 days later apply a good quality flea product. If that doesn't help, you should take her to your local vets to check her over.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Elva Ma DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 2nd, 2018
Hello, and thank you for your question. The black patches look like they could be benign skin tags or warts, or sebaceous cysts. I would still have them checked out by the vet, who may recommend a fine needle aspirate to confirm what they are. Often times chronic itchy skin can result in hyperpigmentation (the skin's response to chronic inflammation), so I would not worry too much until you get it assessed in person by the vet. I hope this helps, and that your vet visit tomorrow goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2019
This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Tika regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog suddenly has dark black spots on her belly. What are they?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based off the picture, these dark black spots on Honey's abdomen appear to be comedones, which are basically clogged pores that fill with oil and skin debris. There are clinically insignificant, and shouldn't cause her any issues. If she doesn't seem bothered by them, she should be just fine! If she seems to want to lick or cause irritation to the area, she may have another confounding skin issue such as a superficial infection. I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has black dots, red spots, pimples on his belly. What are they?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the photo, these look to be cutaneous hemangiomas, which are typically benign. However, these can turn into malignant cancerous tumors if not addressed early enough. I recommend having these removed before they turn into cancerous tumors. These superficial skin tumors are typically removed using electrocautery. Removal is typically simple and requires no major aftercare for healing. I hope this helps! I would discuss having these removed with your veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has new black spots on his belly. Are they normal or flea dirt?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These dots are not flea dirt or ticks and most likely they are not related to any diseases. Many dogs develop black dots like these on the abdomen and in axial and inguinal areas. As long as there are not many of them and they do not bother Kobe, there is nothing to worry about. However, if larger part of his skin becomes black, dry or thickened you should take him to your local vets to test his thyroid gland.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my dog have black spots on her belly that won't wash off?

Hi and thanks for posting! Thank you for sending along a picture as well. From your picture, it looks to me like comedones or otherwise known as blackheads which occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged. Usually these can be treated with certain medicated shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide in them to help flush out the follicle. Be sure to purchase these shampoos from your veterinarian as dogs can be especially sensitive to human shampoos and other human hygiene products. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has dry black specs on belly, what are they & how to treat?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog has black specks on his stomach. Is it related to dandruff?

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, these black dots on Pokey's abdomen appear to me like comedones or better known as 'black heads'. You can try using a dog friendly shampoo than is Benzoyl peroxide based such as Vetoquinol Benzoyl-Plus Shampoo for Dogs and Cats. You can get this online or through your veterinarian. If the black dots persist, I would see your veterinarian. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my puppy have little black spots or dots on her tummy?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! They are likely comedones which are like black heads. They likely won't cause any harm in a puppy. If they have appeared suddenly you can try a medicated shampoo. Bathe 2-3 times per week and let the lather sit on the belly for 10 mins before rinsing. I am sure Barley will be seeing your Vet again soon for puppy shots, have them take a look as well. I've attached a shampoo link. I hope this helps and I wish you and Barley the best! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share