When she rolled on her stomach for a tummy rub today, I noticed the sides of her stomach have turned black! The edges of the skin can even break off and fall away (without bleeding), leaving sort of a rough, raggedy edge. How much it increases will vary. However, the skin pigmentation of the eyes, nose, lips and paw pads are blue. An excellent example of this sort of color change is handsome Chapito. A skin scraping may also be taken to determine what type of a skin condition your dog has, as well as a bacterial or fungal culture for further analysis. Superficial bacterial folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, bumps, and scabs on … It has changed back and forth about four times since I've gotten him four years ago and he hasn't had any health issues related to it. Treatment for Paw and Nail Problems in Dogs Treatment will be dependent upon the particular underlying medical condition that is causing the nail or nail bed condition. Other less common issues that can cause a dog's skin to discolor include Bowen Disease, skin infection, cancer, parasites, and yeast infections. As a young pup of just 3 months old, her coat was a very light cream and you can barely see her flare (line of white running between her eyes and up over her forehead) since it’s almost the same color as her main body. The skin of an affected area develops purple spots, redness, sores, and scabs. The black spots that start manifesting on your pooch’s body is usually a sign of hyper-pigmentation. black ear crust by: Tae Our chihuahua had this exact same occurrence. Dog Skin Tags can grow anywhere on your pet’s body including eyelids and ears and are usually found in areas where the skin folds.Dog Skin Tags are soft, fleshy and malleable but can be flat, rounded, teardrop or stalk-like in shape. The edges of the skin can even break off and fall away (without bleeding), leaving sort of a rough, raggedy edge. Skin tags are the result of excessive growth of skin cells and will be the same color as your pet’s skin. The first photo shows him at 3 months old; there is lots of sable in his coat. 4) Hypothyroidism. i think she's sleeping a little more than usual and her stool isn't normal. Is - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian Black spots on the skin could as well be the result of a hemorrhage (bleeding) under the skin. As a young pup, there was brindle all along the muzzle, up close against the nose. Once the hair has fallen, the coat turns dull and there is the formation of black patches. What are skin tags? In later stages of untreated hypothyroidism, a dog's skin can turn black. Skin discoloration is indeed a telling sign of cutaneous hyperpigmentation in canines, not only in dark purple or blue, but sometimes in colors like black and pale brown, too. 4) Hypothyroidism. And while it can happen on any part of the body, this will usually occur on the stomach which has sparse fur. Brindle is a striped pattern of various colors. When dark spots appear on a Chihuahua's skin, this may be noticeable through a light colored coat (tan, white, fawn, etc.). She's healthy and the vet says she is fine. Your doxie may also suffer from related bacterial skin infections and hair loss. Finding a Veterinarian That Accepts Payments. So what is Black Skin Disease? Also referred to as Alopecia X, black skin disease in dogs is a disease influenced by hormonal imbalance. The most common cause is ear margin necrosis. This product by Epi-Pet is a sprayable sunscreen that has shown remarkable results in various types of pets. Dr. Jo : This is very, very common. it might be that he has craaazzzy ear mites. ... What if your ear was turning black and losing skin, would YOU go to the doctor??? 1. Any sort of spot can become smaller or larger as a Chihuahua’s coat changes. Health of Chihuahuas Based on Appearance. This may happen even with bowls that are PBA and/or PVC-free. There will other symptoms as well including a thinning of the coat, dry skin, weight gain, and/or change in appetite. The areas tend to be on your dog’s legs and groin areas. The skin begins darkening and thickening, and the greasy, flaky skin condition known as seborrhea may develop. However, one thing is constant: when sable grows in, a Chihuahua will look darker overall since the dark or black-tipped hairs will create a layer over the base color. The most common reason that this happens is due to sun exposure. Alopecia X is also known as Black Skin Disease, Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency, Growth Hormone-Responsive Alopecia, Castration-Responsive Alopecia, and more recently, Adrenal Hyperplasia-Like Syndrome. This dark skin discoloration in the belly and groin area is a classic pattern of skin change seen in dogs that have chronic skin irritation. It is an uncommon, cosmetic skin condition with characteristic areas of hair loss (alopecia) and hyperpigmentation (dark or black skin). Pets Dogs Advice July 29, 2011. Munchii PetForums Junior. this article will help you determine if your chihuahua is showing signs and symptoms of being ill and when you need to take them to see a veterinarian. That is called lichenification and it is caused by inflammation. Finding a Veterinarian That Accepts Payments . Allergy, Skin & Coat Soft Chews 572 Reviews Omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 combine to reduce allergies, shedding, and itchiness, as well as combat cell damage and inflammation. Sebaceous cyst. This connective tissue is made up of collagen proteins, and is essential in the formation of such specialized tissues as bone and cartilage, as well as provides the connective support for the various organs and systems in the body. Signs appear early, usually before the dog's first birthday. Hi all, I'm still pretty new to the site and to owning my Chihuahua Thor. Seriously? As a young pup, his nose was a mix of pink and chocolate, and the nose marking looked like a little heart. If there are no other signs such as cracking, raised areas, itching, , etc. She is also scratching herself quite frequently. A fawn appearance is a light tan with a red undertone. If the skin is black, tha'ts a huge deal. In this next photo Boo is 16 months old and is showing off the ticking on his front legs. ASPCA Pet Vaccination Truck Schedule . A chemical reaction with plastic (most often in the case of plastic bowls) can cause the nose to fade. Note that what you feed your Chihuahua can influence how prone she is to skin woes. There is also a bit of spotting on his rear saddle. Sometimes, in addition to the infection there is a yeast infection as well. My Chihuahua's belly is black and irritated causing her to scratch until she bleeds. When this occurs, the Chi will usually look lighter overall, since those dark hairs fall away, typically revealing a lighter base coat underneath. He eats human-grade high quality dog food and still acts like a puppy. Lo and behold the black crud on her ears disappeared. A skin scraping may also be taken to determine what type of a skin condition your dog has, as well as a bacterial or fungal culture for further analysis. An excellent example of this is pretty Sophie. Should You Be Concerned About Color Changes to the Nose? But, for others, the adult fur that grows will undergo a distinct color change. For example, a red sable cannot change into a solid cream. Hyperpigmentation appears as light-brown-to-black, velvety, rough areas of thickened, often hairless skin. Save. Click below to answer. Pages. Recently.. ive noticed shes been getting black under her belly near hear vaginal area. Dont be alarmed and start looking at scary dog skin cancer pictures on the internet every time you find a new lump or bump. I have a 5 year old white female chihuahua and she has pink skin. There are several health issues and skin issues that can cause a Chihuahua's skin to discolor, including: 1) Vasculitis. I suspect if they were black fur, their bellies would even be darker. My dog is losing hair,skin dirty and turning dark and scabbing male Brittney spaniel is losing hair,skin dirty and turning dark and scabbing male Brittney spaniel is losing hair,skin dirty and turning dark puss podules forming one pooped under his arm and he is itching but not a great deal. A Chihuahua's sweat glands can become inflamed which can cause black, raised nodules. Recently, I noticed that the skin around his anus had gone from being pink to being closer to black in color (I don’t get too close to it, but it looks black from a distance). Chihuahua can be cream sables, red sables, tan sables, etc. You can see some sable on her table and shoulders. How to Treat a Yeast Skin Infection in a Dog. My Chihuahua's belly is black and irritated causing her to scratch until she bleeds. not knowing if your chihuahua is feeling sick or how to care for your chihuahua when they are sick can be VERY stressful! This is an inflammation of blood vessels due to a variety of reasons; one of which is a bad reaction to vaccination shots which can manifest as reddish-purple spots. A dog's nose color is just on the outer layers. But, jump ahead to Chapito now at the age of 5 years old, and he is growing lots of gray on his muzzle. If your dog has allergies to pollen or to some other factors, the affected skin will lead to excessive itching and licking, which in turn leads to bloody sores and crusty scabs. However, the most notable difference is the age at which this happens. Sometimes the cream Chihuahua is confused with an all-white Chihuahua. Fur can lighten or darken, markings can diminish or grow larger, patterns (like sable or brindle) can fade or intensify. Acanthosis nigricans is a pigmentation disorder found primarily in dachshunds. Skin tags can develop in any breed, although large-breed dogs may be at greater risk. My chihuahua's skin randomly darkens on his belly and with in a month it turns back to normal. He has been happy as per usual but this week I noticed on all four of his limbs and a bit on his head the skin is getting dark. Hyperpigmentation is not a disease in and of itself, rather it is a reaction to other conditions. Edited by: Dr. James Blanshard. • Snow nose, due to lack of exposure to sunlight. Aside from that, most full-body color changes with Chihuahuas tend to be from dark to light. When this happens, the early puppy coat will hold some amount of sable, even if it is barely noticeable and even if it appears in just a small patch. So, it is also common for a red to fade down to an orange and a chocolate Chihuahua (which is based on nose color) with brown fur to slowly develop lighter tan fur. This can usually be reversed within a few months by using stainless-steel bowls like. In addition to this, as a Chihuahua ages, grey hairs can start appearing. Seen here at 11 weeks old, he has no ticking at all (the white areas on his coat do not have any spots). This syndrome is recognized in both male and female dogs as an adrenal imbalan… Dog’s Skin Turning Black and Losing Hair When a dog’s tummy has turned black, thickening of the skin (lichenification) and/or hair loss (alopecia) can go along with hyperpigmentation, making the skin and fur look sad indeed. She is between 1 and 2 years old. Hyperpigmentation is when your dog’s skin begins to darken and thicken in areas. Print. If a Chi’s fur goes through a color transition, this usually happens over the course of the first 18 months. Is - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian. Female chihuahua with skin discoloration smbalver. So, you usually won’t see this change happen on solid white Chihuahuas. I have a 2 year old female chihuahua that got a microchip put in March of this year. Click below to answer. Canine melanoma isn't the only skin-related ailment that affects Chihuahuas. black ear crust by: Tae Our chihuahua had this exact same occurrence. my 12 year old chihuahua is having the same problem. With the Chihuahua breed, gray hairs can grow in as early as the 5-year mark which is the age equivalent of 36 human years, though it most often occurs closer to the 8-year mark which is the equivalent of 48 human years, if it is indeed going to happen. Then, jump ahead to Mia at 2 years old. And, it can fade or intensify in color. In such a case, these black spots might be the result of a skin reaction. 5) Other Causes. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Your dog would also be itchy if there were fleas. In most cases, a small red bump on dog skin can turn out to be a simple skin abnormality or a tumor thats either benign or easily … If there are pustules, and redness/inflammation at the sores then you are definitely dealing with a bacterial infection of some kind. The skin turns darker and the hair falls out. Joined: Mar 16, 2011 Messages: 64 Likes Received: 6. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent potential sunburns, which can lead to your dog’s skin turning black. After the microchip was put in about a week later she started to scratch where it is located right between her shoulder blades. In most cases, additional diagnostic testing is … These include flaky skin, loss of hair around the trunk, tail and hind legs. In general, dogs do not lose the skin on their snout as they age, they simply begin to lose pigmentation, resulting in their noses turning pink. As we touched on earlier, dogs can develop gray hairs as they age, much like us humans do. This essentially is the condition that causes freckles in humans. This condition simply means that your dog is producing a higher amount of natural skin pigment, also known as melanin. There are several possible reasons why a Chihuahua's nose will fade, become lighter, or develop white or pink spots: • Plastic bowls. Does any one know about this skin problem? And, once a Chi is several months old, chances are low. The second photo, taken at about 6 months old, shows how dark her coat became. The only other explanation would be typical skin pigment change as they age or chronic skin trauma (usually from chronic scratching). Long, chronic skin allergies causing the dog to scratch and bite will cause the skin to become thickened (lichenified). The younger the pup, the higher the chance that it will. Canine Black Skin Disease: Caused by a hormone imbalance, genetics, and allergies. Fur discoloration on the feet is more than cosmetic, but figuring out the cause requires some detective — and veterinary — work. Dogs with severe skin allergies can develop black patches but the skin in that area is thick, itchy, and almost like elephant skin. Some breeds (the Chihuahua is not one of them) can have ticking over their entire body, in which case it is referred to as roan); but with Chihuahuas ticking typically appears on the legs and/or muzzle. Health Issues that can Cause Skin Color Changes. This refers to skin injuries that cause the underlying blood capillaries to rupture and release blood into the surrounding tissues. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom! my chihuahua's skin has been turning a purple/black color since sunday. Don’t you think it makes him look very distinguished? •  Damage from a peeling or cracked nose. Skin on stomach turning black. Your dog would also be itchy if there were fleas. It is sometimes called wooly coat syndrome. Feet get no respect. this article will help you determine if your chihuahua is showing signs and symptoms of being ill and when you need to take them to see a veterinarian. She is turning colors from a blonde to a black dog. This is rather common because the Chihuahua breed is notorious for being sunbathers that really enjoy soaking in the sun's rays. Though brindle and sable are technically markings, there are also other types of markings that a Chihuahua can have including a mask (coloring around the eyes) and spotted markings (most often white over another base color) that can appear anywhere on the body. Some will seek out a sunny spot in the house; others will take advantage of the opportunity to lay belly up outside on warm, summer days. But, my chi's are fawn fur. I asked the vet and they said it was just pigment changes. Sable refers to dark tipped hairs over any color base. Defining Black Skin Disease. Lipomas can be surgically removed if they interfere with your dog's mobility or comfort, grow rapidly, or rupture (causing skin damage). This means that the eyes nose and even the nails will be a light color. My chihuahua Chloe is 5 years old. When my chi pups got older their bellys turned darker skinned. He looks just as adorable, but clearly has a much different color coat. Sable fading away is one of the most common color changes that happens to Chihuahua. 2. In addition to evaluating the dog’s coat and skin, the veterinarian will assess the dog’s overall health and discuss the progression of the skin changes. It stayed away for 6 months. In most cases, the cause is genetic or not serious (and temporary or reversible) and more information is ahead; less common but possible are health issues including lupus erythematosus and skin cancer. It usually isn't harmful at all, but a drug called pentoxifylline can help. The skin turns darker and the hair falls out. Many pet parents ask about their Chihuahua puppy or dog's skin developing dark spots, ranging from brown to black. Let's talk about yeast (Malassezia dermatitis). A rare all-white Chihuahua will have no black pigment to his skin. 0. Simply put, it’s a disease of the skin that results in permanent hair loss and grey to black colored skin. Staying indoors too often can lead to 'snow nose’, also referred to as 'winter nose', in which lighter patches develop. While some tumors occur deep within the canine body and are impossible to detect visually others can be discovered by pet owners during grooming, petting or via simple observation. Follow. Other signs are itching, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny eyes, runny nose, and/or sneezing. I have a 7-year-old chihuahua mix who has always been in perfect health. You may be interested in It occurs when a specific type of yeast (called "Malassezia") is overproduced. if you have any … How hard is it to pick up the phone and make an app. However, a cream Chihuahua will have those deep, dark black eyes that you can get lost in and a black nose. It has changed back and forth about four times since I've gotten him four years ago and he hasn't had any health issues related to it. Then, seen again as a one year old, this Chihuahua's nose is nearly solid chocolate. Share. For some Chihuahuas, this change is barely noticeable; color may stay relativity the same and the fur will simply feel a bit denser. My chihuahua is losing her hair and the black skin shows. I wet her completely to find dark spots on her ears and parts of her face. If your Chihuahua puppy has a pink nose or a pink spotted nose, you may be wondering if the color will fill in. I have a 7-year-old chihuahua mix who has always been in perfect health. While a deep, dark black nose is common, a Chihuahua may also have a tan nose (this is referred to as self-colored in tan or fawn coated dogs), blue (the nose will be dark with a navy tint and any Chihuahua with a blue nose will officially be deemed a. Why Rodrigo and Sydney’s Tummies Turned Black However, there are lots of changes that can happen. Once the hair has fallen, the coat turns dull and there is the formation of black patches. Vasculitis typically affects the pinnae, tail, and footpads. Noses Fading in Color or Developing Pink Spots. As they mature, their puppy coat slowly transitions over to their adult coat. They do not itch but they are concerning me. A yeast infection of the skin, also called "yeast dermatitis," is a common skin concern for many dogs. Signs appear early, usually before the dog's first birthday. Canines need some level of sun exposure for the nose to maintain normal pigmentation. A lipoma is a benign fatty mass that can be found anywhere on a dog's body, typically under the skin. what can i do about it? My chihuahua is losing her hair and the black skin shows. One thing that surprises a lot of pet parents is when their Chihuahua’s fur changes color as they mature. When a dog is shaved, even for surgery, yeast can literally be injected under the skin by the hot blade, and it will kill the hair follicles eventually. 2) Allergies. In and of itself, if the skin is flat and there are no other signs or symptoms other than the color change, this is usually not related to a health issue and there is no reason to be concerned. This is a genetic condition in which the nose fades over time, sometimes just lightening but sometimes turning completely pink or white. Note that a Chihuahua can carry the ticking gene (the T locus) but not have any white on their body, and therefore the dark spots will not show but that gene can be passed down. Large quantities of yeast on the skin result in the familiar musty odor and itch. • Dudley nose, also known as nasal depigmentation or vitiligo. Getting Rid of Belly Fat . Now its spreading all over her skin and she has turned into having huge black areas on her skin like the pattern on a black and white dog. She has been spayed in October of this year as well. If there's black gunk in it, it's likely mites. I would associate that with a surface yeast problem, are the inside rims of her ears black too? Advertisement. What is this and why did it happen? The ears will also be pink. Shedding of dead tissue can also occur. If your Chihuahua doesn't consume a well-balanced and nutritious diet, she'll be more vulnerable to skin issues such as … 3) Sweat Gland Cysts. A Chihuahua's sweat glands can become inflamed which can cause black, raised nodules. ... Just recently her skin is turning black and raised. Add your voice! It's turing black all over, what can cause this?Sally from CT. Add your voice! Reply Was this helpful? Why is my dog's skin turning black There may be several reasons why your dog's skin is turning black but the best way to find out the reason is to pay a visit to your vet! Skin problems related to allergies can lead to sores, rashes, and scabs on your dog’s skin. Though you might assume this is something that would only happen to senior dogs in the double digits (age 10 and up), it can actually start much sooner. Like sable, if it fades, a Chihuahua will look lighter overall. It stayed away for 6 months. These vital appendages are taken for granted until there's a problem — then it becomes obvious how crucial they are. If your dog is showing signs of skin loss, sudden changes in color, sores, discharge or peeling, visit your veterinarian right away. Color changes may happen with a Chihuahua in regard to both skin and coat. Categories. A nose faded in this way should be protected with nose balm since it can be very sensitive to sunlight and burn easily. Likely your dog has skin allergies or another condition leading to the discoloration. Making a Belly Dancer Costume . Parent Chihuahua With Skin Turning Black? I noticed the skin on her belly was getting darker and slowly it turned into black spots. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow for expert advice. Cute little Pablo here, is a great example of this. Does anyone know what could be causing this. In most cases, there will be rashes, scaling and pink irritated areas, however with some dogs - especially with chronic cases - the skin may turn black or purple. If a pigmentation change is indeed due to exposure to sunlight it may lessen or completely go back to its normal color during winter months when the sun is not as strong and days are shorter (more so for those who live in areas that experience four seasons). A Chihuahua can be born with ticking, but in other instances, it can develop as the Chi grows. Allergies. I noticed today that my Tea Cup Chihuahua's ears are turning a blackish color and are losing hair, What's going on? A good example of a Chihuahua’s main color changing over time is beautiful Mia here, seen below. If this occurs, encourage proper hydration and apply a nose balm like. She was on Iam's food and I decided to switch to Nutrience. This typically happens when your dog sustains bruises. Black hair follicular dysplasia (coat and skin changes affecting the black and dark brown hairs in dogs with two or three colors in the coat) Nasal depigmentation (Dudley nose or snow nose; pigment change of the nose from black to red-brown) When dogs experience hyperpigmentation, not only does the skin's color change a little, its texture also often changes, frequently taking on a markedly dense and coarse feel. Unless she has underlying liver problems, an immune mediated thrombocytopenia (body's immune system destroys its own platelets) or rat poison ingestion are the most common causes. What color is a Chihuahua's nose? As long as the body is in balance, all is well. When a Chihuahua's skin is exposed to UV rays, a process called hyperpigmentation can occur in which the body reacts by overproducing melanin which causes the spots, or freckles, to develop. Fleas typically do not cause dark patches but will cause hair loss along the back of the hind legs. Drugs & Supplements. I thought it was dirt so i took her a bath but realized NOTHING WAS COMING OFF. Taking a look at her back, you can see that lots of black tipped hairs (sable) grew in. Baldness from having been closely shaved. As a younger Chihuahua, his black and tan coat had no gray at all (though he does have a small white spot on his chest). And, when the puppy coat changes over to the adult coat, the brindle can change as well. However, Black Skin Disease, also known as Alopecia X, is a Pomeranian health problem that can carry long term effects on your Pomeranian. BVM&S GPcertEM&S MRCVS James graduated in 2003 from the University of Edinburgh, R(D)SVS. As puppies they were sort of pinkish, then as they grew older, they darkened to a dark brown , grayish. There is nothing to worry about this kind of pigmentation. Acanthosis nigricans is a pigmentation disorder found primarily in dachshunds.