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Why is my senior dog's belly skin turning dark and looking bruised?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 8 years and 10 months old | 77 lbs

Almost 9 year old yellow lab/golden retriever mix. 77 lbs and skinny to normal size. Her skin, especially her stomach, has been turning darker and darker over the past year or so. Now it essentially looks bruised on outsides of abdomen. No other physical changes noticed. She sheds same as she always has. No hair thinning or bald spots. Spayed an 3 years of age, no other medical issues

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 16th, 2017

That may be just normal pigmentation changes. If the skin feels, or looks rougher than normal, if there are scabs or if she itches those areas then I would be more concerned. I hope this was helpful!

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