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My golden doodle has dark spots like flea dirt, but I found no fleas.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Male | unneutered | 9 years and 1 month old | 65 lbs

My golden doodle (who's a 9 year old male) has these weird spots on his back and his right front paw. They almost look like flea dirt but I searched his whole body and he doesn't have fleas. What is this? Please help.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Justin Plunk, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

Hi there, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The dark substance appears from your photos to be sebum (skin oil) mixed with dirt, though it is difficult to say for sure without a hands-on exam. Around these lesions, I can see skin inflammation. It would be best for him to see a veterinarian, but if you're unable to take Justice to a vet, you will need to clip the hair using electric trimmers. Be careful to avoid causing skin abrasions. This will allow a better look at the lesions underneath as well as facilitate topical treatment. A good antiseptic is a spray called Vetericyn, available on Amazon.com and at some pet stores. Here is the Amazon link: Vetericyn Plus All Animal Wound

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on

    If the dark brown areas are only around regions that Justice has been licking or chewing, they may just be dried discharge. However, it still could be flea dirt even if you don't find fleas (since dogs and cats may groom themselves and get rid of the fleas). The way we check for flea dirt is to put it on a wet paper towel and rub your finger over it multiple times. If it is flea dirt, the paper towel will turn red where you have rubbed it. If it is not flea dirt, I would recommend having your vet evaluate Justice for a skin infection, and they may do some simple skin tests to check for bacterial or yeast infections in those areas before deciding on a treatment recommendation. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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