
Hyperpigmentation in dogs can be an indication of an underlying medical condition though, and your veterinarian should be consulted for further advice and to discuss possible treatment, if deemed necessary.
In this guide, we’ll explain more about hyperpigmentation in dogs and what causes it. We’ll also detail likely treatment methods.
Skin is either clearly different in color – this can be anything from light brown to black – or thickened and hairless. Or, you could see evidence of both in your dog.
There could be more subtle physical signs, too. There could be small patches of rough skin, or areas of the body that appear red around the edges. Look out, too, for areas of hair loss or anything about your dog’s coat that looks different to usual.
So, to recap, symptoms of hyperpigmentation in dogs can include:
- Discoloration – The areas affected may be light brown to black in color
- Skin changes – The impacted area may become velvety, rough, thickened and there may also be hair loss
- Areas prone to hyperpigmentation – The groin, legs and armpits are often impacted and will most likely be where you notice the changes
- Areas may appear red around the edges – This is due to a bacterial or yeast infection that is secondary to the hyperpigmentation and underlying issues and can spread to other parts of his body
Primary hyperpigmentation in dogs is relatively rare, in that it’s breed specific and not caused by any kind of medical issue. Not only that, but it’s most typically associated with Dachshunds and the symptoms are usually identified by the time the affected dog is one year old. There isn’t a cure for primary hyperpigmentation in dogs but, often, no treatment is needed anyway as it’s just a cosmetic condition, not a medical one.
Secondary hyperpigmentation in dogs is different. This is triggered by an underlying cause, which will need to be diagnosed by a veterinarian, and treated, to improve.
Possible causes include:
- Obesity
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Allergies — if your dog experiences allergies he may also develop hyperpigmented areas on his skin
- Contact dermatitis
- Skin infections
- Hypothyroidism – Up to 33% of dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism showed signs of hyperpigmentation as one of their symptoms
- Pseudo-Cushing’s Syndrome – Is an endocrine disorder that is common in dogs middle age and older and can have hyperpigmentation as a result
- Demodicosis – caused by a mite and is a lesser known cause of hyperpigmentation
Dog breeds that are considered at risk of getting hyperpigmentation are therefore those that tend to be diagnosed with these health conditions.
This includes, but isn’t limited to, Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs and Rottweilers (obesity); Irish Setters, Doberman Pinschers and Miniature Schauzers (hormonal abnormalities); German Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers (allergies) and Border Collies, Great Danes and Dalmatians (contact dermatitis).
Hyperpigmentation in dogs isn’t a disease in and of itself — instead, it’s a reaction to something else going on with the skin.
However, when caught early enough the signs can be managed with shampoos and steroid ointments. Other medications can be used as signs increase or get worse. In the event that there are any other infections, those will be treated as well.
When the diagnosis is secondary hyperpigmentation your dog’s skin will return to normal once the underlying issue is taken care of. It will be important to also treat any bacterial or yeast infections that he has as well as the hyperpigmentation.
Antibiotics and antifungal medications can be used to treat yeast infections and bacterial infections of your dog’s skin. Medicated shampoos may also be utilized to help your dog’s skin. Treatment is applied 2-3 times a week, but be warned; progress may be slow. Relapse of hyperpigmentation will only be high if the underlying cause of the symptom is not taken care of correctly.
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Your veterinarian will discuss any need for follow-up appointments for your pup. In many cases, follow-up will be needed to continue treating the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation in dogs.
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