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What are the black spots on my golden retriever's private area?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old | 60 lbs

Hello, my 3 year old female golden retriever has black spots around her vagina. I thought maybe it was dirt and tried to clean it but they don't come off that easy. They aren't ticks or any bug but more in her skin.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

Change in pigmentation, early stages of yeast or bacterial infection can cause these kind of spots. Yeast (usually Malassezia spp.) can cause accumulation of black discharge, often very persistently attached to skin. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking (if any). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi! If these black spots on Remington are not raised areas and do not bother her, they may just be changes in her skin pigmentation. These changes are usually not of any concern and can happen frequently to Golden Retrievers as they age. If the black areas are raised bumps and/or are bothering her please have her seen by your veterinarian. Otherwise, most likely OK to continue to monitor at home.

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