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Why are my dog's black lips turning pink? Is it an immune disease?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | 3 years and 4 months old

as shown in photo his lips turn pink from black....one of the my friends vet told me that he looks like to have immunosuppressive disease so may I know what is this immunosuppressive disease ? And isn't life threatening if not treat properly thought his weight is 39kg and is active and eating and playing well so what should I do what the cure if this immunosuppressive disease ? Is it true immunosuppressive disease cause pink color skin and depigmentation?? Is it skin lesions?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 27th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! None of this represents an indication of immune mediated disease and this cannot be diagnosed just based on appearance. This requires actually a biopsy of the tissue. I do not see an indication for a biopsy based on these pictures. This is likely just a normal change in pigmentation and monitoring would be fine. If at any point, he develops inflammation or wounds in that region have him evaluated by a veterinarian then. Best of luck!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 12th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tinkerbell. The lesion on her lip could be an abrasion. Is she rubbing her mouth on anything rough such as a crate? If so, it should heal if you can stop her from doing so. If this does not seem to be the case, then she should see her veterinarian. There are several types of skin disease that can cause pigment changes. Most commonly there is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own skin cells. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2019

    Hello, and thanks for your question about Danny. From the photos attached, this appears to be normal variation in pigment. It is normal for dogs to have a combination of black and pink coloration to their lips, gums, and palate. There are certain auto-immune conditions that can cause loss of pigment, so if you're worried or if the pigment change has happened rapidly then it would be worth checking with your vet to look for any other indication of auto-immune problems. However, from the photo alone this appears normal and my level of concern is very low. Hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2021

    Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is unfortunately very difficult to tell what is going on with him by looking at this photo. He really needs to be examined in person by your vet. It could be a skin infection (pyoderma) that needs oral antibiotics to help clear it up or it could be any number of autoimmune diseases that affect dogs (vitiligo, pemphigus, lupus, etc). It is definitely best to have your vet check him out in person. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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