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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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
Dachshund cross
Maple
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Nervous
Sores
Scratching
Pigmentation
Chewing
My dog is scratching her body like crazy, we have been to our vets and was given anti itch meds, they didn’t work. She was then put on steroids but they started to make her hair fall out. She has definitely got hyperpigmentation as she has it all over her body but especially around her genitals. We have changed her food to a hypo-allergenic food. We are also giving her a supplement of salmon oil and other coat restoring properties. I’m not sure what else we can do. Please help.
April 19, 2018
0 Recommendations
Hyperpigmentation isn’t a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition; allergies, infections, autoimmune disease, chemical irritation among other causes may lead to hyperpigmentation. I cannot think of anything to recommend apart from testing for infections and visiting a Dermatologist for advice. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 19, 2018
Ask your vet about Apoquel. It has helped my german shepherd's itching, but it is pricey.
June 5, 2018
Lyndee P.
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Mutt
Penny
8 Years
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1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Itchiness
Spots
Penny has brown speckles in various places on her puppy pouch and groin area. Her skin there has changed over a few months, so it is progressing, getting darker or more speckles. she scratches with her hind legs and licks the area. I think she is prone to skin allergies because she licks and chews on her paws and occasionally base of tail. I also have noticed dry, flaky skin areas on her body/back. Any idea what her puppy pouch stuff could be? If she licks too frequently, redness occurs (hot spots?). I would like to find a shampoo that would be soothing, gentle, and medicated for her condition too. Symptoms : brown speckles, itchiness, dry flaky skin. She is a white/tan mixed terrier with fair skin.
March 29, 2018
1 Recommendations
The most important thing here would be to ensure that she isn’t licking herself anymore as more saliva causes more irritation which leads to more licking, cone would be useful to prevent her from licking the area. Any sensitive shampoo would help and ensure to bathe the affected areas with a dilute antiseptic at least twice per day; infections, allergies, chemical irritation, injuries among other causes may lead to these symptoms. You should visit your Veterinarian for a check up to be on the safe side as they will be able to take skin scrapings if necessary. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 29, 2018
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
Xena
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Shedding
Shedding, Darkened Patches Of Hair
I have a rhodesian ridgeback who is turning 1 year old this month. We got her in Seattle Washington. We recently moved to Florida. She was fine when she was mainly inside. When we bought a house and had her outside more we noticed she was developing these weird spots/patches of darker spots on her. She doesn’t seem to be bothered by them but we are! She is also experiencing hair a lot of shedding all over. Very unusual for her but she is shedding an extreme amount. The spots seems to be spreading and not getting better. We took her to the vet and they tested her for mange which came back negative. Then they did a scrape and tested for ring worm and those results have not come back yet. The vet was honest and said she has no clue what it is and it could be many things. She recommended we take her to a dermatologist. Which I plan on doing. My dog isn’t itching or biting at the area and it doesn’t seem to bother her. But it is not getting better and we are using this anti fungal shampoo as well. So again the symptoms are darkened spots/ patches mainly on her hind legs but looks to be spreading along with extreme shedding. Please help!!
March 11, 2018
0 Recommendations
Unfortunately I am unable to think of anything specific which would be causing these spots, normally when there are changes in skin colour it is due to excessive itching or fungal disease. Sometimes thyroid disorders may have an effect on skin pigmentation but there would be other symptoms that your Veterinarian would have noticed to come to that diagnosis. You should visit a Dermatologist to see if they are able to shed light on this issue. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 11, 2018
I have an English Bull dog and have noticed all of the same symptoms you are describing ..
Ravioli sheds but I have noticed an extreme increase. He doesn’t seem to be bothered by these dark spots however I want to find the cause .. I am schedualed this afternoon with Vet and seem to feel I will be leaving with out any answers .. will keep you posted ..
Please post any new information ..
April 25, 2018
Joelle
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Boxer Chow
Russia
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyperpigmetation And Hair Loss
Hi. I have an 11 year old Boxer. She has recently developed hyperpigmentation and hair loss on her stomach, legs and back. I just started treating it with anti fungal shampoo. Can you tell me how long before I should expect results? Will it disappear completely and will the hyperpigmentation reappear if something else is wrong? I expect it is an allergen as we have been traveling. I would like to avoid a trip to the vet if possible but my dogs health is very important to me. Thanks in advance.
Oct. 20, 2017
1 Recommendations
The pigmentation changes may not resolve, but if the underlying cause is treated the hair should grow back. Hyperpigmentation is commonly caused by fungal infections, allergies coupled with excessive scratching, hormonal conditions among other causes. Improvement may be slow and unrewarding which may lead to some areas remaining without hair; look out for general improvement day to day but do not expect any overnight results. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 20, 2017
Hi, I am from India. My 4.5 years old female Lab has inflammation on skin, a little itching and slight hair loss. We have been treating her with a medicine called Flucan150 mg referred by a Vet till last year. The condition remains the same. Could you please suggest a medicine that is available in India?
Jan. 19, 2018
Mary
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