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My dog's skin is getting dark in spots. What could be the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chow Chow | Male | neutered | 4 years and 7 months old | 32 lbs

What is the reason for the dog's skin to change dark in some areas of his body ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2019

Hi and thanks for your request. One of the most important reasons for darkening of the skin is a chronic type of inflammation. This is usually combined with more clinical signs (like other skin lesions, itch or alopecia). If no other signs are present then a metabolic or endocrine disease can be suspected. Please repost your question and give us more informations and ideally some pictures so we can give you more specific answers.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Skin changes can be due to a number of reasons. Some breeds will have naturally patchy/darker skin in places like the belly, while aging may also cause minor changes. Health issues such as metabolic disease, or infections of the skin may also cause changes. If the changes is new or rapid, having a vet take a look in person is best.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 11th, 2018

    Any change in the pigment of the skin could indicate multiple possibilities so it is difficult to say. I will say that judging by the photos you provided, these appear to be harmless areas of hyperpigmentation that are likely related to middle to older age. The hair is thin in these areas so you also have the sun as a possible cause of the skin color change as the rays of the sun can penetrate through thinner hair much easier. I would monitor these areas for now and if more begin to show up or the become much larger or raised, then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Flik so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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