Dog's black lips and mouth turning pink. Is this a health concern?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog (1 1/2 yrs old) whole bottom lip turned pink and it used to be all black. The roof of his mouth used to be black and is now all pink with a few black spots that are flat. He also has small little pink spots under his nose on his muzzle (not on his nose). Is there a reason why he's losing pigmentation around his mouth and lips? He's still acting fine. The color change probably happened over a course of a week or two. Is this normal?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 27th, 2017
It would be easier for us give you advice if you could post some photos. I would not say this is "normal". Some rule-outs would be: 1. vitaligo 2. lupus (DLE) 3. Mucocutaneous pyoderma (MCP) 4. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) 5. Cutaneous reactive histiocytosis (CRH) 6. Uveodermatologic syndrome 7. neoplasia As you can see the list of differentials is very long (and that is not all of them) so I suggest you get your dog to your vet for an exam so you can discuss steps for testing. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 12th, 2017
The pink color to Braveheart's lips does likely represent irritation. I would suspect the salt could be causing irritation but he could have also developed a food allergy. Wipe his lips off every day when he comes in from making contact with the salt. You may just monitor at this point to see if it goes away. If it progresses, then you should take him in to be evaluated. Make sure to look at the inside of his lips and cheeks as well to look for lesions. You may also take a photograph and repost. It helps to be able to actually see the skin. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 21st, 2019
This could be depigmentation. When we see this without any other lesions such as crusting, scaling or ulcers, it is most likely something called vitiligo. With vitiligo there will be a complete absence of pigmentation along the lips and gums and sometimes around the eyes. The tissue will be nice and pink. No redness or ulcers. There is no treatment for it, and dogs with this condition should not be bred. I'd have Bruno seen by a vet to confirm if this is vitiligo or not. Best of luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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