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Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Veterinary reviewed by: Michele K.

Veterinary reviewed by: Michele K.

What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can be the result of many conditions in your dog. There is a primary and secondary type of hyperpigmentation and the primary type is usually evident by the time your dog is a year old.
Due to hyperpigmentation being caused by other conditions, it may only be a minor issue compared to larger concerns you may have about your dog. It may appear that he has a skin infection, allergies and other primary conditions.
Hyperpigmentation is when your dog’s skin begins to darken and thicken in areas. Hyperpigmentation is not a disease in and of itself, rather it is a reaction to something else going on with the skin.
Hyperpigmentation Average Cost
From 439 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$500
Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Signs discussed below will be of actual hyperpigmentation, not necessarily the underlying or other conditions your dog may be dealing with.
- 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
Types
Primary
- Rare – Thought to be breed specific
- Typically, only occurs in the Dachshund breed
- Signs are typically present and obvious by the time he is a year old
Secondary
- Very common among all dog breeds
- Obesity (Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, Dachshunds, English Bulldogs, Cairn Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Rottweilers and more)
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Allergies (Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, Jack Russell Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Irish Setters, Yorkshire Terriers)
- Contact dermatitis (Border Collies, German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Dobermans, Great Danes, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters)
- Skin infections
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Causes of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
The causes of hyperpigmentation vary greatly and are typically signs of larger medical concerns your dog is experiencing.
- Hypothyroidism – Up to 33% of dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism showed signs of hyperpigmentation as one of their symptoms
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Some dogs diagnosed with lupus
- Allergies – If your dog experiences allergies he may also develop hyperpigmented areas on his skin
- Malassezia – a yeast infection that often has hyperpigmentation as a symptom
- Demodicosis – caused by a mite and is a lesser known cause of hyperpigmentation
- Pseudo-Cushing’s Syndrome – Is an endocrine disorder that is common in dogs middle age and older and can have hyperpigmentation as a result
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Diagnosis of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Diagnosis of hyperpigmentation is accomplished by your veterinarian looking for the typical signs of the condition. Your veterinarian will want to perform a full physical exam and history. Gentle scrapings of his 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.
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Treatment of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
If 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 and the 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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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 him. Most follow-up will be needed to continue treating the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation.
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Hyperpigmentation Average Cost
From 439 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$500
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Hyperpigmentation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Ralph
Chow Shepherd
10 Years
1 found helpful
1 found helpful
Has Symptoms
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
Ralph's Owner

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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Chippy
Chihuahua
12 Years
0 found helpful
0 found helpful
Has Symptoms
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
Chippy's Owner

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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Hyperpigmentation Average Cost
From 439 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$500
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