There are several possibilities as to what this is. In some cases it is a natural sign of aging, and the spots are similar to moles, but in a lot of other cases it's not. In some breeds it's what's known as Black Skin Disease and is a genetic condition which is relatively harmless. Alternatively it could be mange, fleas, some form of allergy, a fungal infection or Cushing's Disease.
The best plan is to see a veterinarian for an expert diagnosis. They will then prescribe the relevant medication should there be an issue with the dog's health.
If you can't get to a vet then you can try 1% hydrogen peroxide with some saturated borax and apply that to the skin. 2% copper chloride has the same effect. Several applications will be needed but generally this should see some easing up of symptoms. If the spots look like they are growing though, or they change color, become raised or the dog seems to be tender then you should go to the vet as soon as possible.
Black Skin Disease is a hair-loss condition. It can be distressing to an owner but isn't that serious in itself. It's combined with hyper-pigmentation of the dog's skin. Well known breeds that suffer from Black Skin Disease are Pomeranians, Keeshonden, and Alaskan Malamutes.
Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. They irritate the skin and cause fur to fall out. It's easily diagnosed and treated with a liquid dip or a drip-on application.
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed off mammal blood. They are quite easy to spot and leave obvious bite marks that are subsequently itchy. They can be treated with creams and powders.
A fungal infection is a development of fungus, similar to Athlete's Foot, on the specific area. It can happen because it's warm and if the area is moist often, either from natural water or licking excessively. It can be treated with anti fungal cream.
Cushing's Syndrome, or Disease, is a hormone disorder. The body produces too much Cortisol, which can be because of a tumor near the pituitary or adrenal glands. This overdose of Cortisol damages bones and can trick an owner into thinking old age has set in, with symptoms such as less movement, lax behavior and often urinating uncontrollably indoors.
The best plan is to see a veterinarian for an expert diagnosis. They will then prescribe the relevant medication should there be an issue with the dog's health.
If you can't get to a vet then you can try 1% hydrogen peroxide with some saturated borax and apply that to the skin. 2% copper chloride has the same effect. Several applications will be needed but generally this should see some easing up of symptoms. If the spots look like they are growing though, or they change color, become raised or the dog seems to be tender then you should go to the vet as soon as possible.
- What is Black Skin Disease?
Black Skin Disease is a hair-loss condition. It can be distressing to an owner but isn't that serious in itself. It's combined with hyper-pigmentation of the dog's skin. Well known breeds that suffer from Black Skin Disease are Pomeranians, Keeshonden, and Alaskan Malamutes.
- What is Mange?
Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. They irritate the skin and cause fur to fall out. It's easily diagnosed and treated with a liquid dip or a drip-on application.
- What are Fleas?
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed off mammal blood. They are quite easy to spot and leave obvious bite marks that are subsequently itchy. They can be treated with creams and powders.
- What do you mean by fungal infection?
A fungal infection is a development of fungus, similar to Athlete's Foot, on the specific area. It can happen because it's warm and if the area is moist often, either from natural water or licking excessively. It can be treated with anti fungal cream.
- What is Cushing's Disease?
Cushing's Syndrome, or Disease, is a hormone disorder. The body produces too much Cortisol, which can be because of a tumor near the pituitary or adrenal glands. This overdose of Cortisol damages bones and can trick an owner into thinking old age has set in, with symptoms such as less movement, lax behavior and often urinating uncontrollably indoors.
