Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Written By Kevin Hughes
Published: 11/16/2016Updated: 04/10/2025
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
What is Hyperpigmentation in Dogs?
If you notice areas of your dog’s skin have become darker or thicker, it could be an indication of hyperpigmentation.
What causes hyperpigmentation in dogs can be a number of different things – we’ll look into potential causes later in this guide. However, hyperpigmentation is not considered a disease, nor does it typically warrant emergency treatment and intervention.

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.
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Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Hyperpigmentation in dogs is usually reasonably easy to identify, because the common symptoms are visible.

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.
Hot spots for hyperpigmentation in dogs are in and around the legs and the groin, but if the cause isn’t identified and treated, the areas affected can easily spread to other parts of your pup’s body, including the stomach, ears and neck.

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 
Causes of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
It’s important to understand that, before we get into what causes hyperpigmentation in dogs, there are two different types of this condition: primary and secondary.

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. 
The causes of hyperpigmentation vary greatly and are typically signs of larger medical concerns your dog is experiencing.
Diagnosis of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
A veterinarian needs to diagnose hyperpigmentation in dogs — only then, when the condition has been confirmed and the cause identified — can a course of treatment be implemented.
Your veterinarian will want to perform a full physical exam and history. Gentle scrapings of your dog’s skin may be taken to determine any underlying causes such as parasites or infections. If allergies are thought to be the culprit, food trials may be done to attempt to isolate the cause of symptoms. 
No further testing should be necessary to diagnose the actual hyperpigmentation. However, testing may be done to ensure your veterinarian has identified the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms.
sure your veterinarian has identified the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms.
Treatment of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Is hyperpigmentation in dogs dangerous? The good news is no, not typically. Depending on the root cause, it can usually be successfully treated – though if the hyperpigmentation is primary there is no cure.

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.
In cases of hyperpigmentation in dogs, treatment may take some time to be effective – so make sure you persist.
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Recovery of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
As identified above, progress can be slow and it can take weeks or months before your dog’s skin appears normal again.

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.
Hyperpigmentation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
dog-breed-icon
Chow Shepherd
dog-name-icon
Ralph
dog-age-icon
10 Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Anxiety,Brown Spots,
I have a chow / Golden Labrador mix he’s about 60 pounds. Golden color about six months ago we had him groomed and clipper down for the warm weather. when we did this he had brown spots all over his body ( never had the spots before?) as the hair grew back we didn’t notice the brown spots anymore just recently we had him clipper cut againand the brown spots are gone.
Aug. 7, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Those spots may have been freckles, or a skin infection, and if they have resolved, that seems to be a positive thing.
Aug. 7, 2018
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Chihuahua
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Chippy
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12 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Pigmentation
My dog is 12 years old and diabetic. He has lots of dark spots, sores and skin peeling mainly on his belly and near his legs. What could be the cause and is it treatable?
Aug. 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
Skin colour changes (hyperpigmentation), sores and other issues may be related to the diabetes; however without examining Chippy I cannot say for certain and would recommend that you visit your Veterinarian for an examination to determine what other treatment may be required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 3, 2018
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Chiweenie
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Rusty
dog-age-icon
1 Year
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyperpigmentation
My 1.5 yo chiweenie’s stomach and groin area have changed to a very dark color over the last couple of months. He does not appear to be in any discomfort and is not licking any more than usual. If he is not bothered by it, does he still need to be seen by the vet?
July 25, 2018
1 Recommendations
There are many different causes for pigmentation of the skin which in some cases may be considered normal or may be part of a disease process; allergies, hormonal conditions, infections, repetitive itching among many other issues may cause a change in skin colour which is why it is important to visit your Veterinarian to determine whether the colour change is a symptom or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2018
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German Shepherd Border Collie
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Oliver
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2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
Licking
Scratching
Black Skin
Chewing
Itching,
Yeast Infection
Irritation On The Upper Belly
My dog has been experiencing a full body yeast infection for the past two months. I've been using coconut oil and feeding him grain-free food. It seems to be helping some areas and hair is growing back, and in some areas the black skin he had is fading/flaking off and becoming more smooth and the skin color is going back to normal. I constantly bathe him and every three days I use an anti-fungal anti-itch shampoo. However parts under his belly area and knees get really red and irritated randomly. He likes to rub on me and furniture which causes his skin inflammation and redness. I just gave him a bath and his upper belly/chest area is extremely red, it looks raw and moist. So do his knees. Under parts of his fur he has tiny red spots that just developed. I don't know what could have caused this and I also don't know what treatment would be effective in healing these remaining spots. I've been told that Nu-stock ointment for animals is a very good remedy, but it has a nasty sulfur-acidic smell to it. I need help!!
July 2, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
There are many causes for what you are describing, and often yeast is a secondary invader in these skin situations to another primary cause. Since this has been going on for so long, it may take a while for treatment to work, and he may need antibiotics, anti fungal medication, or treatment for parasites or allergies. Since I can't see him, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can look at Oliver, do any testing needed to find out what the actual cause is, and get any appropriate therapy for him.
July 3, 2018
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Beagle mix
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Russell
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13 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyperpigmentation On Entire Belly.
My 13 y/o beagle mix had a tumor with his spleen removed about 6 weeks ago (tumor benign). Since his surgery, his entire under belly has turned very dark, almost black. He has never had any allergies or other issues before. He is acting, eating and drinking normally, no elevated temp. Can this be serious?
April 27, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Im not sure if the color change is pigment, or bruising - becuase it is a new occurence and has only happened since he underwent a major procedure, it would be best to have him examined by a veterinarian to assess the discoloration and see what might be causing it. I hope that all goes well for him!
April 27, 2018
My dog is a Yorkie chichuaha mixed and skin color turned black after her hot spot. The area has no color because my vet had to shave off her fur, but it it seems like it gets darker everyday.
Aug. 30, 2018
Jennifer P.

I have a 6 year old Yorkie chihuahua mixed and she always receive hot spots during the summer but this year got worse. My vet had to cut her fur and it seems like she had some cuts on the area. After it healed her skin started to get dark and looks like it gets darker everyday. What can I do to treat her skin? Also it seems like her hair isn’t growing back either.
Aug. 30, 2018
Jennifer P.
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