Why is my senior dog's hip fur turning lighter or gray as they age?

Question

The hair on my 12 year old min-pin has recently started to become lighter on her hips. What might be the cause? Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Female | spayed | 12 years and 8 months old | 7 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Older dogs sometimes have hair coloration changes just like people do when they get older. Lighter colored hair- sometimes grey or white can occur on parts of the dog as they get older. Sometimes the entire coat color may change, other times only parts of the dog's body changes hair color. If you are referring to hair thinning around the hips, then there can be a few medical causes to this such as hair mites, fungal infection, or an endocrine disorder such as cushing's disease or hypothyroidism. If the later is happening, I would recommend Laney sees her veterinarian to help rule out the above possibilities. I hope this help and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Why is my senior dog's hip fur turning lighter or gray as they age?

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