Why does my dog have black skin spots? Allergies, fleas, or infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Wire Fox Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 9 months old | 20 lbs
Hello, I have a Wire Hair Fox Terrier who has awful allergies. Her skin seems to have a black coating, for lack of a better word, on several spots of her body. Is this common for types of fleas, mites or skin infections?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 15th, 2017
She could have a skin infection, mites, fleas, ringworm, allergic dermatitis, etc. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, or culture to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat the problem. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications depending on the cause. Make sure to treat her with a monthly flea medication like NexGard, Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution to prevent fleas.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 6th, 2016
Skin problems can have a variety causes. Fleas or other insects can cause irritation that can persist even after the fleas are gone. Treating the environment for fleas is also vital in eliminating the problem. Other causes for skin trouble can include bacterial or fungal infections and allergies to environmental substances and/or food. A dog may have a little sensitivity to some of these but not show any symptoms until they are confronted by several at once. Ideally, I would get your dog in to see the vet for an exam. Your vet may suggest a food trial with a food that has a novel protein source, one that your dog has never been exposed to, such as venison or duck. Proteins in food are the primary reasons for food allergies to occur in dogs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 26th, 2018
make sure you are on proper flea control and this is not part of the problem. I would give a weekly bath in a medication shampoo to loosen up debris. I would also have your vet check they thyroid and check for a yeast infection that can make this problem worse.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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