Why are my dog's armpits turning black, itchy, and smelling bad?

Question

Shelby is a 2 1/2 year old german shephards. Her armpits started turning black first and now it's spreading and she smells bad. She such a sweetheart has never even barked at a human. I feel so bad I don't know what to do. The poor thing itches all the time and it's just breaking my heart. Please help her

Kevin Sanada, DVM · Accepted Answer

Shelby likely has skin allergies. This is more prominent in the armpits and groin areas. The black color and smell indicates that there has been long- standing inflammation and infection. It's also possible that she could have mange, which is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows under the skin. This will make them very itchy and spreads throughout the whole body. It's best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian, so they can determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment. For now, give Shelby a bath with a medicated dog shampoo to treat the infection (a common secondary problem). Use cool water in the bath and get a dog conditioner with aloe. This will provide some relief and can be repeated every three days. However, this will not be a substitute for veterinary treatment, because the underlying problem needs to be discovered and treated before the problem will be resolved.

Why are my dog's armpits turning black, itchy, and smelling bad?

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